University of Richmond sophomore named Virginia chess champion

The Virginia Chess Federation has named University of Richmond sophomore Qindong Yang the 2016 Virginia chess champion. He won the title from among a field of 100 competitors during a six-round tournament Sept. 3-5. 

“It feels great to win the state champion competition with all the tough opponents,” said Yang.  “It's an encouragement for me to pursue further success in my chess career and achieve my goal of winning the title of International Master.”

Following this win, Yang, of Chengdu, China, intends to establish a chess club at Richmond.

The Virginia Chess Federation is the official state-level affiliate of the U.S. Chess Federation, and it presents a $650 monetary reward to the champion of the tournament. 

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