Well, she had plenty of fun over the past few days, winning the Otago Chess Championships — first woman to ever do so.
The 16-year-old North Shore resident, was too good for the other 64 competitors in the event, bagging seven wins and two draws throughout the event.
The year 11 student from Kirstin School in Auckland, has been playing chess for nine years and was introduced to the game by her parents.
The only child had a knack for it and has only improved from there.
In 2020 she won the national junior title and two years ago, she was crowned the national female champion.
Last year she went to Georgia to play against grandmasters and some of the top female players in the world.
She played Russian grandmaster Valentina Gunina, drawing with her before losing.
She had the highest rating of any female chess player in New Zealand.
"I’m really just concentrating now on my school work.
"I play a lot on the internet but leading into a tournament I don’t play at all," she said.
"I think you just have to have fun. Enjoy it and that will make you better."
Edward Rains, of Christchurch, was crowned South Island champion, being the highest placed local player.
The championships coincided with the Otago Chess Club’s sesquicentennial celebration.
The Otago club was founded in 1875 and is the oldest incorporated society in New Zealand, having been continuously registered since 1896.
The championships took place at the Leviathan Hotel.
