Among my photographs taken at the eighth Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship, the most captivating are not of the individual players but of the parent-child interactions. These moments occurred in the few minutes before the start of each round when parents were still allowed in the playing hall. Regulations state that no parent or spectator is permitted in the playing hall once a round has started, so parents had to leave and wait in a smaller designated room. However, most preferred to wait out the time in the lobby.
During those precious minutes in the tournament hall, you could see parents and children all in their own personal worlds. Parents encouraging their sons or daughters, especially those in the Under-8 and Under-10 categories, helping the youngest ones fill out their particulars on the scoresheets, or sharing some not-so-private moments. Once the games began though, the children were on their own. The players in the Under-12 to Under-18 categories were more independent, and except for two or three, parents were no-where to be seen.
These interactions reveal the blend of support and independence that characterises youth chess, revealing both the determination of the young players and the dedication of their parents.
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