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Chess champion Zoha prepares to represent England

Eight-year-old chess player Zoha
Ashraf is preparing herself to
represent England against some of
the finest young minds in the world.
The Brook Field School pupil from
Peatmoor has been selected for the
England Junior Squad at the World
School Chess Championships in
Romania on April 21.
Zoha regularly takes part
in tournaments, having been
recognised by the English Chess
Federation as the highest ranked
player in her age group at the age
of seven. But this tournament will
represent her biggest challenge to
date.
During her 10-day competition,
Zoha will play one game each
day against other similarly ranked
players in her age category - often Zoha Ashraf prepares for her international chess tournament
spending hours over the game.
She said: “I’m looking forward to analysis to help her improve. approach to her game and to plan Imran explained that Keith was
it. I’m a bit nervous but it should She said: “Whenever I play a carefully. able to recognise that Zoha could
be good fun to go up against other game, I record all the moves I make “She’s very good at calmly have the makings of a talented
people from different countries.” and then we look back over what thinking about her game - this is player.
She explained that her play style I did and try to work out what something that can be difficult for “We try not to push her too hard.
was aggressive with her preferring worked and what didn’t. It helps me many youngsters.” It can be very tiring for her and we
to take the lead and shape the to improve.” Zoha started learning the game understand that.
game. Zoha’s father Imran, who also as a six-year-old at an after school “We work hard to allow her to
Zoha has been working closely helps with her chess, explained chess club run by local councillor balance her chess with her school
with her coach Paul Girdlestone that one of his daughter’s strengths Keith Williams with the help of his life and socialising with her friends.
who provides weekly coaching and was her ability to take a measured wife Fran. We’re taking it one step at a time.”

4 swindonlink.com n March 2017

NW March 2017 Master Pages.indd 4 17/02/2017 10:50