How 14-year old Emirati’s gambit turned her into chess prodigy

Roudha Al Serkal

Roudha Al Serkal's journey to becoming a chess prodigy is nothing short of remarkable. At just 14 years old, she has already carved out a prominent place for herself in the competitive world of chess, demonstrating talent and dedication beyond her years.

Her love for chess ignited at the tender age of four when she expressed interest in joining a local chess club. Little did she know that this innocent curiosity would pave the way for a future filled with triumphs and accolades. With the unwavering support of her family, Roudha embarked on her chess journey, and her progress was swift and undeniable.

Within a mere three months of joining the chess club, Roudha clinched her first bronze medal at the UAE national championship, a remarkable achievement for someone so young. This early success served as a testament to her natural talent and set the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

As Roudha continued to hone her skills, her list of achievements grew exponentially. At the age of five, she emerged victorious at the Asian Championship Under-6, signaling her ascent as a rising star in the national chess scene. Over the years, Roudha's prowess on the chessboard continued to flourish, with notable wins at prestigious events such as the World Cadets Championship Under-8 and the World Schools Under-9 championships.

Her recent triumphs include securing the bronze medal in the Asian Youth Under-14 category at the Asian amateur women’s tournament and clinching victory at the Jeddah Open Tournament. Additionally, Roudha has distinguished herself as the World Champion in the Solving Puzzles Category C and the West Asian Champion, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the chess community.

Central to Roudha's success is the unwavering support of her mother, who has been her steadfast companion throughout her chess journey. Attending tournaments and providing encouragement, Roudha's mother has played a pivotal role in nurturing her daughter's passion for the game.

Equally instrumental in Roudha's development are her coaches and the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, which have provided her with invaluable training opportunities and guidance. With their support, Roudha has been able to cultivate her skills and thrive in the competitive arena of chess.

Despite her intense dedication to chess, Roudha remains a well-rounded individual with diverse interests. From drawing and playing the piano to baking and writing stories, she finds joy in a variety of pursuits outside of chess.

However, balancing her academic responsibilities with her commitments to chess poses a significant challenge for Roudha. Nevertheless, she approaches this obstacle with determination and resilience, emphasizing the importance of effective time management and leaning on her family's support to navigate the demands of both realms.

Currently ranked second among national players in the women’s category, Roudha shows no signs of slowing down. With her sights set on further improving her standing in the chess world, she continues to push herself to new heights, fueled by her passion for the game and the unwavering support of her loved ones.