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Nigerian chess prodigy Deborah Quickpen has recounted her bittersweet experience at the 45th Fide Chess Olympiad that ran from September 10 to 23 in Budapest, Hungary.
The 12-year-old Nigerian champion poured her heart out in a post on her Instagram page on Friday, relishing her performance among men after some of her teammates were denied entry visas. She also expressed gratitude to everyone that has supported her career, especially for making her debut at the Fide Chess Olympiad a reality.
The post read, “The non-granting of visas to some of my teammates was enough discouragement. I felt it, but thanks to the Nigeria Chess, who did everything they could to ensure Nigeria was represented, but with a mixed team, which meant I’ll play in the open section with the men.
“This was an extra motivation just like my idol, Judith Polgar, who played with and against the men in most part of her career.
“At about 16, Polgar had already been playing against male players, and at 12, I’ve played in the open section and against male players in one of chess’ biggest competitions, the Olympiad.
“Despite missing the first three rounds, I went on to score 7 out of 8 games played in my first ever Chess Olympiad, playing against top and also unrated opponents.
“I want to do better than this, but at the same time I’m glad I was able to perform.
“Thank you, Fide Chess, for such an amazing tournament and Chess Base India, for putting my story out there. I’m grateful.
“The NCF leadership, led by DIG Mohammed Sani Rtd., Prince Adeyinka Adewole (VP), and Mrs. Olabowale Doyin Adedayo, Adeosun Secretary General, I want to especially appreciate You for ensuring my dream to compete at the Chess Olympiad was fulfilled.
“To my teammates: Abimbola Osunfuyi Ayotomiwa, Toritsemuwa Ofowino, and FM Kigigha Bomo, I’m proud of the teamwork and the resilience we showed in Budapest. Thank you and to our national team coach, Mr. Obinna Ogbonnaya too.
“The CEO of Daniel Ford International, Mr. Yemi Edundf, who travelled down to Hungary to support me and the team, I’m so thankful to you, sir, for the immense support. May God bless you richly.
“Mr. Kunle Kasumu has always taken me as his own and goes all out to ensure I succeed. May God reward you, sir.
“I also want to appreciate GM Pawel Teclaf, who provided all the guidance and directions we needed to fair well in Budapest.
“I truly appreciate the first ever black GM in the world, Maurice Ashleychess, for the true inspiration.
“To every member of my team, my coach Evbuomwan Edward, Bayelsa State, my school, Potters Touch High School, my mum and dad, and everyone who shared my story. Thank you.”
Meanwhile, India swept the stakes at the event, winning both the open and women’s competitions.
The fight for silver and bronze medals was fierce in both sections. Five teams tied for second place. Team USA, the event’s rating favourite, defeated China in a hard-fought final round to join them at 17 points. Defending champions Uzbekistan narrowly beat France, Serbia triumphed over Ukraine 3.5-0.5, and Armenia narrowly defeated Iran, all to join the pack at 17 points. The tiebreaks favoured the USA, which claimed silver, and Uzbekistan, taking bronze.
In the women’s section, Kazakhstan delivered a strong performance throughout the event, fighting for gold until the very end and ultimately claiming silver.
Four teams—the USA, Spain, Armenia, and Georgia—tied for third place, but the tiebreaks favoured the USA, which claimed the bronze
medals.
