“She doesn’t just calculate moves. She feels the game. And just as important, she respects her opponent. That’s rare.” Boris, who had been listening, stepped closer.
“Professor, can I ask something too?” “Certainly.” “How long would it take for her to reach the world level with the right training?”
“Two or three years to compete seriously in major international events. Five years to contend for world titles.” “Five years? She’d only be seventeen,” Boris said, astonished.
“There have been champions younger than that. Chess doesn’t care much about age.” At that moment, a fresh commotion broke out near the entrance to the food court.
People were pointing, whispering, and hurrying to make room. “What now?” Ellen asked anxiously. Boris craned his neck to see over the crowd. “Looks like some important people just arrived.”
And they had. Three men in dark suits were walking directly toward the center of the crowd, making their way through with polite but unmistakable purpose. “Excuse me,” the first man said. “We’re looking for Maggie Smith.”
“Who’s asking?” Richard said, stepping forward protectively. “I’m Daniel Medford, president of the National Chess Federation. We heard what happened here and came in person.”
A murmur of astonishment rolled through the crowd. The president of the national federation had come to an ordinary mall in person. “This is Anthony Sawyer, head coach of the national team.”
“And this is Dr. Robert Levin, our director of talent development.” Maggie stepped forward shyly and said hello. “We watched the video of your game,” the federation president said. “I need to know whether you really play at that level.”
“I play the best I can,” Maggie answered modestly. Anthony Sawyer turned to the professor-arbiter. “Sir, were you present for the entire game?” “I was, and I analyzed it move by move. This girl is playing at the level of a grandmaster,” the professor said.
“A grandmaster? You’re certain?” the coach asked, stunned. “I’d go so far as to say that with proper training, she could compete with the best in the world very soon.” Daniel Medford looked visibly moved. “Maggie, would you like to represent this country in international competition?”
Tears sprang to the girl’s eyes. “I could represent my country?” “Not only could you,” the federation president said, “we would very much like you to.”
Richard stepped forward and said formally, “Gentlemen, I’ve just reached an agreement with Maggie to sponsor her development. My name is Richard Mercer. I’ll cover whatever she needs: coaches, tournaments, travel, all of it.”
Dr. Levin smiled broadly. “That certainly helps. Funding is often the hardest part of developing young talent. If that’s covered, we can build a proper program around her.”
Anthony Sawyer turned to Maggie. “Would you be interested in beginning intensive professional training?” “What would that look like?” she asked.
“Six hours a day. Serious theory, deep game analysis, computer preparation, and training games against strong masters.” Ellen stepped closer, clearly worried. “What about regular school?” “We can arrange quality home instruction,” he said. “Or a specialized school for elite student-athletes.”…
