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Nigerian teenage chess player Sandra Omoruyi says winning the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship has strengthened her determination to pursue greater achievements in the sport.
The 16-year-old clinched the title in Abuja in August after a strong showing in the competition. She said the victory gave her greater confidence and made her believe she could compete successfully at the highest level.
Omoruyi revealed that her preparation involved intensive Rapid and Blitz training, tactical exercises and practice games designed to improve her performance under time pressure. She also credited her coach, Edward Eguavoe Evbuomwan, and her family for their support throughout her development.
She recalled overcoming a difficult start at the Blitz event, where she lost her opening three games before recovering to win subsequent matches. According to her, the experience taught her the importance of resilience and maintaining focus throughout a tournament.
Following her World Amateur success, Omoruyi is targeting title norms as she works towards her long-term ambition of becoming a Grandmaster. She also hopes to represent Nigeria successfully at international competitions and inspire more young girls to take up chess.
Beyond chess, the young player plans to pursue medicine, with an ambition to become a medical doctor while continuing to develop her career on the international chess stage.