Deniss Filatov, a student at Riga 2nd Primary School for Children with Special Needs and a participant of the Infinite Chess project in Latvia, put in a stellar performance at his recent chess tournament held on at Babite Secondary School. This marked Deniss’ second ever tournament, and it was a clear demonstration of his rapid improvement.
In a field of 32 participants, Deniss secured an impressive 20th place finish, scoring 3 victories out of his 7 games. This is a significant leap from his debut performance where he managed 1.5 points out of 6 games (effectively 2.5 points out of 7 with a bye).
Beyond his results, Deniss showed his exemplary sportsmanship and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. His polite and composed demeanor was noted, particularly when facing younger students who were initially a little bit intimidated by his height, but latter in their chess class fellow students excitedly recounted their games against the “gentle giant” Deniss.
Deniss’s success is the result of his dedication and focus during Infinite Chess lessons. The sessions often begin with lighthearted “simuls” where other students are encouraged to enjoy the thrill of victory against the coach. However, Deniss thrives on the challenge. Unlike his peers, he participates in full tournament-style games, pushing his skills to the limit. Recently he started learning elements of chess history and culture that resonated deeply with Deniss, particularly the Paul Morphy Opera game- famous friendly game between Paul Morphy and the Duke Karl/ Count Isouard that took place in 1858, Paris, which he even considered showcasing vocally in front of his peers.
Family support plays a crucial role in a young chess player’s development, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Deniss’ brother deserves recognition for facilitating his participation in tournaments and providing unwavering support throughout the process.
Deniss Filatov’s journey is an inspiring example of dedication, sportsmanship, and the importance of a strong support system. His passion for chess and his rapid progress makes us believe that his biggest achievements are yet to come.