By: Team Mangalorean, Mangalore

Mangalore July 4, 2008: While most boys his age are out sweating it out on the field, playing cricket or football, Viani D'Cunha prefers to engage himself in a different kind of sport.  The pursuit of this particular sport, namely chess, not only invigorates his mind, but also helps him to go out and compete among those who have similar interests and hold a ranking in the field.

Born on March 12, 1995, Viani is the son of Harold D'cunha who works for a Shipping Company in Dubai and Syble Lydia D'cunha, who is a homemaker.  The family belongs to Urwa Parish.  A student of St. Aloysius School, Viani's other interests and hobbies include stamp collection.  Viani has two sisters - Viona who is doing her 1st PUC at St. Aloysius college and Mariona who is in the 10th std at Ladyhill high school.

No mean feat this, for one so young, Viani has been selected by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to participate in two International Open norn Tournaments,  which will be held in Spain from June 24th  to July 12th 2008.  He is already in Spain right now, accompanied by his team manager.

Viani is the first Chess player from Karnataka state to get an opportunity for this selection. His selection was based on his performance in 2007, in the Sub Junior National Tournament at Chennai, where Viani had 7th ranking and earned 73 rating points in a single Tournament. When he was just twelve years old, he played in the Sub Junior category (under 15) and was the youngest in the selected Sub Junior team that year.

He has been also selected by AICF to participate in the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2008 in Iran from July 15th to July 22nd 2008.

The All India Chess Federation has recommended his name to the Government for participation in the World Youth Chess Championship in Vietnam in October, but Viani will only be able to participate if he is awarded a grant from the Government.

Though Viani is immensely talented and can shine in his chosen sport with a little bit of support from the Government and sponsors, at the moment his parents find it extremely difficult to enrol him in training sessions.  He is preparing on his own, and has taken very few sessions with International Masters. Playing Norm Tournaments and Training should go hand in hand, but Training with Grandmasters and International Masters is beyond their reach, say his parents regretfully.  Since Viani is still young, he needs to be accompanied, but on this tour to Spain, his parents could not afford to meet the travel expenses, and had to therefore send him with his team manager.  So far, Viani has not received any financial support from any organization except for Rs. 15,000 in 2005 from Syndicate Bank.

The pressures of constant practice and travelling to attend tournaments, has not made Viani neglect his studies and he does extremely well in his academics too.  The teachers of the St. Aloysius College Primary School have given him good support.  In 7th final exam he achieved an A+ in all subjects.  He specially remembers Fr. Clifford Sequeira S.J. who never pressurized him, but always encouraged him.

What made Viani take to chess at such a young age? Was he inspired by anyone?

Viani says that he learnt the game from his father.  However, it was his uncle Dr. Melwyn D'Souza who encouraged him to participate in the Mildred Rodrigues Memorial Inter Parish tournament in Mangalore when he was just 5 years old.  That was Viani's first tournament. He stood 7th in the Under-12 category.  Once his talent was recognized at this initial stage, there was no looking back.

In November 2007, the All India Chess Federation Chronicle has commented on his performance as follows: 

"Viani D'cunha from Mangalore played a number of quality games exhibiting an extraordinary urge to win.  He will go far in the chess world.  On winning a draw game with former Under -11 National Champion, his imagination, determination and willingness to explore and take risks, got him an excellent endgame victory."