- Chess Grandmaster
- Teaching Chess
- Chess Competition
- Chess Match
- Two Chess Masters
- American Chess Grandmaster
- Chess Star Speaking
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The Gold Coast Chess Club, in conjunction with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "LDS Church"), hosted an event featuring Kayden Troff, an American Chess Grandmaster and world champion. The event was held at the LDS Church meetinghouse in Upper Coomera.
Elder Troff is currently serving a full-time, two year mission for the LDS Church, and comes from Utah, in the United States. He was the the silver medallist for ages 12 and under at the World Youth Chess Championships in Greece in 2010, and the winner of the World U14 Chess Championship (ages 14 and under) held in Maribor, Slovenia, in 2012.
At the age of three Elder Troff started to demonstrate his chess abilities, having learned to play by watching his father. He began entering competitions at age 6, working with grandmasters privately and through elite national fellowships.
Dusan Stojic, President of the Gold Coast Chess Club stated that, “Australia has historically not been a major force in the world of chess, but I believe that we are experiencing the beginning of a bit of a chess boom. Recently, we have had some young players break through and earn the title of Grandmaster, the highest title in chess. Anton Smirnov, from Sydney, last year achieved the Grandmaster title at just 16 years of age, by far the youngest of our seven Australians to become Grandmasters." Kayden Troff also became a Grandmaster at 16.
Mr. Stojic continued, "The opportunity for our club members to play against a Grandmaster is unique. Kayden Troff, was a great challenge for our members, although he played 20 players at the same time. The simultaneous display (or "simul", as it is known in chess circles) is a traditional way that chess masters make their skill accessible to a wide audience, and makes for a great spectacle. Our juniors certainly valued this opportunity, and drew inspiration from their encounter with Grandmaster Troff.”
Elder Troff presented an overview of one of his greatest matches, which was a highlight for any chess enthusiast. President Mike Stone, President of the Coomera Stake (diocese) said, “Young men in the LDS Church, like Elder Troff, voluntarily dedicate two years of their life to being a missionary for the church, and normally leave their hobbies and professions behind. However this was a great opportunity for Elder Troff to share his talents and passion for chess with the local chess community.