'I was beating adults at chess when I was eight'
Thirteen-year-old Ethan has become the youngest Ulster chess champion in history after defeating adult opponents. He attributes his success to natural ability, early training, and strong mathematical calculation skills.
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Showcases youth achievement in intellectual sports and the development of cognitive skills through competitive gaming.
Image source, Eimear Savage Image caption, Ethan plays for Strand Chess Club in east Belfast
"When I was eight or nine I was beating adults at chess and they were raging when they lost, like 'I just lost to a little kid'."
Ethan first became interested in chess when he was six years old after he spotted someone else playing.
Now 13, he plays for Strand Chess Club in east Belfast and has represented Ireland through all his age groups.
Last week he became the youngest Ulster chess champion in history – not just in his age category but across all ages.
"I was really surprised because I've never won any of the big tournaments before, I've always got so close and I managed to win it in the end," Ethan told BBC News NI.
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