King of the board moves
Despite academic excellence and wanting to study software development, chess is Randall's real love.
RICHARDS Bay Christian School matric pupil Randall Varden (17), was selected for the South African chess team to compete at the World Youth Chess Championships in Durban between 17 and 27 September.
The local chess master learnt the game at age six and starting playing competitively at age nine.
He is a B student who takes seven subjects – English, Afrikaans, mathematics, physical science, life orientation, accounting and information technology.
Despite academic excellence and wanting to study software development at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth next year, chess is his real love.
Varden has an impressive chess resume which includes – KZN team (2007-2014), best board five national board prize (2010), Commonwealth Games at Emperors Palace (2011), U16 best chess player in KZN (2012) and SA team (2014).
He reached his primary goal this year after competing in the SA Closed Championships earlier this year, and now aims to finish among the top three at the World Youth Championships.
If he wins or ends second, he will earn the title of Fide Master, and if third, Candidate Master.
But the surprise package that this youngster holds, is his slick dance moves.
He loves to dance, play soccer, listen to music and play ‘Call of duty’.
His motto comes from Mark 9:23 which says, ‘ One can achieve anything if you believe.’
His dad taught him that delayed obedience is disobedience. In other words do not procrastinate.
He paid tribute to his parents for supporting him in everything he does.
