Opening move for Shreyas at round seven of the World Championships
Kent junior player, Shreyas Royal, was honoured to be asked to take the opening ceremonial move at round seven of the World Championship match between defending champion, Magnus Carlsen, and challenger, Fabiano Caruana.The World Championship is the pinnacle of top level world chess and the event is currently being held at The College in Holborn, London.
It is an intense battle of twelve standard play games over three weeks and then, if still equal, the match will go to rapidplay, blitz and eventually armageddon to decide who will be the world's top chess player for the next two years.
The two Super Grandmaster players are very close in grade and, so far, all the games have been extremely close with lots of tension and have resulted in draws.
As round seven began, Shreyas made the first ceremonial move for Magnus. Then, before the serious business of an intense chess match began, Shreyas was also delighted to get a large smile and a high-five from the defending champion.
When asked about the day, Shreyas said:
"It was a dream come true for me to be there and get lots of picture with Magnus and Fabiano at such an amazing event. I also sat with GM Judit Polgar and IM Anna Rudolf to do some live commentary which was excellent.
"I met lots of other top players, arbiters, media and learned about the whole event and, of course, played a few games of chess. It was a great experience and thanks to all for arranging".