Ben Bio
Boon Kai Tong (Ben), a dedicated and passionate chess player, is currently a freshman at Jasper High School in Plano, Texas. His journey in chess began in June 2022, and since then, he has immersed himself deeply in the game, driven by a genuine love for the sport. Ben’s dedication to chess is evident through his consistent engagement with various resources, including reading chess books, following instructional YouTube channels, attending chess classes, and actively participating in multiple chess clubs.Ben’s chess career started at Rice Middle School, where he quickly established himself as a formidable player. He continued to hone his skills at the Texas Chess Club and by taking private lessons under a Grandmaster, which has significantly elevated his game.
Chess Achievements:
- 2023: 1st place in two Texas Chess Centre Swiss Tournaments.
- 2023: 1st place in the Rice Middle School Chess Club tournament.
- 2024: 1st place in the Texas Chess Club Swiss Tournament.
- 2024: 2nd place in the Summer Scholastic Texas Chess Centre.
- 2024: Participated in the Atlanta National Middle School Championship, achieving an impressive 18th place nationally and ranking 5th in Texas for middle schoolers under 1700.
Ben’s rapid progression and success in chess are testaments to his hard work, strategic thinking, and dedication to the sport. His achievements at such a young age highlight his potential and readiness to share his knowledge and passion with others. As a Level 1 Coach at Puddletown Chess, Ben is excited to help young and aspiring players develop their skills and foster a love for chess, just as he has.