Meet Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda, an eight-year-old chess prodigy from Sri Lanka who recently made headlines by winning the World U09 Open Chess Championship at the World School Chess Championship 2023 in Rhodes, Greece. Despite his young age, Thehas has already achieved significant success in chess, winning several national and international tournaments. In this interview, we will learn more about Thehas, his journey to becoming a chess champion, his favourite chess strategies, and his aspirations for the future.

Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda and I am eight years old. I attend Ananda College in Colombo and I have a 12-year-old sister who goes to Devi Balika Vidyalaya. I live with my parents and grandparents.

What sparked your interest in playing chess?

My older sister, Resandi, was already playing chess and was a member of the school chess team. I became intrigued with the game after watching her play and observing how the pieces moved on the board. My grandfather, who was also a skilled chess player, taught me the fundamentals of the game. Later, when my sister’s chess coach, Sir Yasiru Mihiranga, saw me playing with her, he offered to coach me as well. With the help of my coaches, including Madam Suneetha Wijesooriya and coach Prasanna at Ananda College, I was able to make significant progress and achieve success in chess.

What’s your favourite chess game out of all you’ve played so far?

The game that I played with the Indian player, Safin Safarullakhan, who is the second-highest-rated player in the tournament was very tough but I managed to win that game. I really enjoyed that game.

Is there a particular chess player or role model you admire?

Yes, my favourite chess player is Hikaru Nakamura because he excels in Blitz chess. I enjoy playing Blitz chess myself. Blitz chess is a high-speed version of chess that is played with a much shorter time control.

What was your preparation process like for the World School Chess Championship 2023?

Once I was selected from the Super 30 selection tournament for the World School Chess Championship, I began preparing diligently with my coach, Yasiru. To gain more experience, I also participated in several local major tournaments, such as the National Youth Chess Championship and the Super Knights International Chess Tournament. Additionally, playing in events like the Asian Schools Tournament and the Commonwealth Chess Tournament provided me with valuable exposure to world-class players, which helped me to better prepare for the World School Chess Championship.

What do you think was the most challenging part of the tournament?

All the players in the tournament are the top-rated players in their countries. So when you are playing a match, you can’t make a mistake. If you make even one mistake, you might lose the game.

What is your favourite chess strategy or tactic?

I have a few, I change my game based on the opponent. I like playing an attacking game.

How do you stay focused during a long and intense game of chess?

Since I love the game, it is not difficult. You can get up from the chair and walk a few steps to relax as well.

What advice would you give to other young people who want to become good at chess?

Never give up. That’s what I did in the tournament. There were two games when I was in a very bad position but I never gave up on the game. I held on until the last moment for my opponent to make a mistake and then I beat them.

Apart from chess, what are some of your other hobbies or interests?

In addition to playing chess, I also enjoy badminton as a sport. I am also a member of the Cub Scouts and actively participate in several other clubs and societies at Ananda College, such as the Environmental Society, Stamp Society, and Sangeetha Kavaya (Music Circle).

What are your future goals and aspirations when it comes to chess?

I want to be a Grandmaster in chess one day. It is a difficult target but I will try my best.

Thehas’ other notable achievements:

• Champion of the Colombo District in the 2023 National Youth Chess Championship
• Second runner-up in the 2023 National Youth Chess Championship
• Equal sixth place in the U08 Open category of the 2022 Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship
• Champion of the 2022 National Youth Blitz Chess Championship
• Second runner-up in the 2022 National Youth Rapid Chess Championship
• Tied for fourth place in the Under 09 category of the 2022 Sri Lanka School Individual Chess Championship.

“From the time I became the official coach for his sister’s school chess team at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Thehas was eager to join my class. From the very beginning, he displayed great potential, and I predicted that he would not only conquer the national but also the international chess arena. His father and I remember the day I told him so. Thehas continued to dedicate himself to playing the best game possible and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals. He showcased his skills in the Super Knights International Chess Tournament that took place just before the World School Chess Championship 2023.

From day one at WSCC 2023, he and I worked together to ensure that there were no loopholes left. The day before every game, I analysed his opponents’ previous games with hundreds of openings and thousands of moves, and we discussed each and every one of them. Thehas keenly absorbed all that information, and that’s how he conquered all his opponents. Unfortunately, he lost one game, which was the one before the last, and it may have been due to overwhelming feelings that led to panic. I advised his parents to take him out on a day tour in Greece so that he could relax and overcome stress.

The next day, he and I had a great chat just before practising against the highest-rated opponent in the tournament. Thehas was more than ready to face his opponent by the start of the game, and he did so very well. As Thehas’ coach, I can vouch that he will one day thrive to become a Grandmaster in chess. And most importantly, I can vouch for his talent and perseverance” 

– Head Coach of Nalanda College and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya and the Director and Founder of Super Knights International Chess Academy, Yasiru Mihiranga