A CHESS prodigy from Elstree has returned from an international competition in Brazil this week where he came joint third.

Ravi Haria, 12, of Deacons Hill Road, represented England in the under 12s category at the World Youth Chess Championships and was tied joint third on points with five other players.

After a tie breaker where all their games were taken into account, Ravi was awarded a medal for sixth place.

He said: “It was a really amazing trip and it was great to play against players from around the world.”

Ravi was up against players from Brazil, India, Moldova, Poland and Hungary who are all national champions in their own countries.

Ravi’s mum Sonal Haria said: “I’m really proud of him and the whole family are proud of what he has achieved. To be seeded 11th, get inside the top ten and get a medal is a great result.”

The event took place from November 17-27and Ravi was one of ten youngsters representing England.

Before the event he was seeded 11th out of 133 other players in his category and was aiming for a top ten finish.

He said: “One day I would like to become a grand master, but I know it will take a lot of work to get there.

“I love playing chess and when I started it just seemed to click for me. What I enjoy most about the game is the winning and that’s what keeps me going.”

Ravi started playing chess when he was six and went on to play competitively at eight years old.

He has been to number of international competitions and this is the 4th time he has represented his country in the World Junior Chess Championships.

The Haberdasher’s pupil practises in competitions against adults in all sorts of competitions all through the year.