Every year, the world celebrates and appreciates chess as a sport that challenges mental strength. Sharing his story, 15-year-old Ivan Phua discusses his passion for the strategic board game.
A future Grandmaster in the making
Chess, a board game that has been revolutionised over the centuries by various influences, was originally called “chaturanga”. Historical documents record that the game was played for more than 1,500 years before its transformation.
Invented in India in the sixth century CE, the pieces originally represented military units common in warfare at the time: infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots, a general, and a king.
Some tips I have for beginners include learning a solid opening for both white and black pieces. I recommend the London System for white and the Caro-Kann for black, as they are both effective and relatively easy to learn. I also urge aspiring chess players to analyse every game they play to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills.
– Ivan Phua
Over the centuries, the game was reinvented and modified as it spread through the Islamic world and then to Europe. The modern rules of chess emerged in Italy and Spain at the end of the 15th century.
By the 20th century, chess competition had become a worldwide affair. The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the governing body of the sport, was founded in 1924 to regulate all international chess competitions.
Today, chess is a global sport with millions of players worldwide. To commemorate the game, International Chess Day is celebrated annually on June 20, as a day of recognition and celebration for chess enthusiasts.
A young chess player
Sharing his story, 15-year-old chess connoisseur Ivan Phua, who plays for his school, St Joseph Private School, revealed that, to him, chess is more than a game.
“It is a profound battle of wits, echoing the wisdom of GM Bobby Fischer, who likened it to a mental duel over the board,” he said.
Introduced to chess by his father, who was also a player, at the age of four, Phua initially saw the game as just another pastime. However, over the years, his passion for chess has deepened, and it now stands as the centrepiece of his life.
“I owe much of my passion and progress in chess to my unwaveringly supportive parents. I cherish the memories of my father’s playful challenges over chess, promising an entire ice cream cone if I could beat him — and I did eventually get to claim the ice cream cone, much to my delight.”
Phua’s parents’ support extends beyond just playful challenges. He added that they would buy him chess books and chauffeur him to tournaments.
“I’m especially grateful for my father, who spends entire days at tournament venues, quietly watching over me, despite the less-than-thrilling spectacle of watching chess unfold.”
An avid player, Phua recalled that his journey took a more serious turn in 2020 when he was encouraged by his teachers and friends to enter chess competitions. His mother’s thoughtful gift of his first chess book ignited a deeper passion within him.
Since then, he has built up a library of chess books and has spent countless hours on YouTube channels and Chess.com to further master the intricate game.
A game of resilience
Through a decade of play, chess has not only honed his strategic acumen but also revealed challenges that have shaped his growth.
“Mental fatigue and occasional headaches have tested my resilience during matches, while the concept of plateaus — where players are stuck at a certain rating due to a lack of sufficient knowledge to defeat opponents with higher ratings — has been a formidable hurdle.”
By overcoming these challenges, Phua has gained invaluable lessons in perseverance and self-improvement.
Beyond the game, chess has also taught him life lessons in unexpected ways.
“It has sharpened my time-management skills, teaching me to prioritise tasks efficiently. More importantly, it has instilled in me a resilient spirit, transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth.
“Strategic thinking, a cornerstone of chess, has permeated my approach to everyday challenges, from academic pursuits to personal aspirations, guiding me to make decisions with a clear long-term vision.”
Asked about his proudest moment, Phua recalled the time he clinched fourth place in the Boys U15 category at this year’s MSSBK chess competition. A culmination of nerves, prayers, and countless hours of preparation, the achievement brought him to tears of joy as he held his hard-earned medal and certificate.
In between studies, family, and his regular routines, the teenager tries to fit in a game or two online despite his busy schedule. When he is not playing, he analyses his games and watches videos to improve his chess skills.
Explaining that the pressure can be insurmountable when playing chess, Phua revealed that he does not like losing and often gets nervous before a tournament. Nevertheless, he prays to God before any competition to ease the stress.
A future with chess
Though the future may be filled with uncertainties, Phua’s dreams of becoming Malaysia’s first Chess Grandmaster remain steadfast. Beyond that ambitious goal, he also envisions himself as a World Chess Champion one day.
“These dreams fuel my dedication and drive to push the boundaries of my chess prowess. However, I am also aware of the practical realities. Chess, while a passion, may not provide a stable income. Nevertheless, it’s a dilemma I will face with determination and pragmatism as I navigate my future.”
As he embraces the unknowns that lie ahead, Phua is confident in his passion for chess and how it will continue to guide and inspire him.
“Whatever challenges or triumphs await, I am ready to meet them with unwavering enthusiasm and a deep-seated commitment to the game I hold dear.”
