Fiji Sun - May 10th, 2009

Australian International Chess Grand Master Ian Rogers believes chess helps young children mentally.

He said the knowledge gained in chess might also come in handy for students to assist them in their school work.

“In certain countries they put kids who really have trouble in school in chess programme. It tends them to teach them to think before they do something stupid. It is an asset as it does tend to make a difference.

“Chess may help kids with concentration like being able to sit in an exam one or two hours without getting stressed,” Rogers said.

The Australian is in the country for a chess exhibition.

He was Australia's top player from 1980-2007. He won in the Commonwealth Games in 1983, 1989. Another highlight was the European Master's Championship. He was forced to retire following medical advice.

“I have done what I wanted to do as an active player and now spent my time coaching and promoting the game. I had to retire unfortunately as the intense stress from playing chess ruined my kidney. If I did not stop playing I would have had to have a kidney transplant.

“My doctors told me to immediately stop playing competitive chess,” Rogers said.

The grandmaster conducted a public exhibition at the MHCC Foyer in Suva. He stunned the crowd as on his first match he played three players at once blindfolded. His wife Cathering Rogers advised him on the progress of the game. Later he played against more than 12 players simultaneously.

Rogers said local players needed more competitive competition in order to get better.

“It would be great if they had a regular chess club in Suva. At the moment they have a tournament about once a month but there is need now where people can go at least once a week to play against other players.

“The players need competition as at the moment the Fijian players are a bit isolated. Also they are a small group playing each other you need to expand the number of people if you want to be good,” Rogers said.