CHESS TEACHES KAPOORS HOPE

Game became a family passion and comfort after Satvik's recovery from cancer

- Kimberly Kwek

It is clear that chess is a family affair for the Kapoors. Brothers Satvik and Tanush both play the game, their mother Shomita is a chess coach and the family of four often travel together for overseas tournaments.

So it was no surprise to see Shomita and her husband Rishi seated in the stands at Our Tampines Hub on Nov 28, cheering on their sons as they collected their trophies at the National Age Group Chess Championships.

Satvik, 16, claimed the Under-20 title, while Tanush, 13, finished eighth in the U-14 category. The tournament is part of the Singapore Chess Festival, held in conjunction with the ongoing Fide World Championship.

The national championships featured 692 participants, including 566 from Singapore and players from India and China, among others.

"It really means a lot because it's the national championships," said Satvik, who won seven and drew two of his games at the tournament.

"I was the runner-up last year, so there was definitely more motivation to win this year so I just practised harder."