Emma checks in as champion at just 14

A 14-YEAR-OLD from Cardiff has become the youngest-ever Ladies Welsh Chess Champion.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor [e-mail]

Emma Kong, who began playing the game aged seven at an after-school club, is off to the British under-16 championships this weekend having beaten adult and international competitors in Wales.

The Cardiff High School pupil, who practises every day and sees a chess tutor once a week, admits she is competitive and says she likes putting pressure on opponents during games, which last an average three hours.

Emma has just finished competing as part of the Wales under-18 team at The Glorney Cup 2025, an international junior chess tournament at the Celtic Manor in Newport, where she won three games and drew her fourth.

“I think it was good overall and I am looking forward to the championship in Liverpool,” Emma said.

“I prefer playing adults to kids my age because there is more pressure on adults to beat me and kids are sharper and quicker.”

“I loved chess straight away. I learned the rules quickly,’ Emma said.

“I like maths and it’s like when everything clicks and you find a strategy you are looking for that you feel fulfilled,

“It's great when you win. I memo-rise moves and learn to input them into a game. You do have to learn moves.”

Emma, who also enjoys doing puzzles, practises strategies and chess on her laptop every day.