A SCHOOLBOY has made all the right moves to win the title of British Under 13 champion for chess and has also been selected to represent his country in an international tournament.

Ravi Haria, 11, from Elstree, secured the title at the British Chess Championship, in Canterbury, earlier this month and along with a trophy received prize money of £225.

He is a pupil at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys School, in Butterfly Lane, Elstree, and plays regularly for the school.

Earlier this year Ravi was selected to represent England in October at the World Youth Chess Championship in Halkidiki, Greece.

He will compete with chess players from across the world in the Under 12 age section.

Last month Ravi also won an Under 12 prize in an international tournament in Rethymno, Crete.

He has been playing chess for five years and started after he joined a chess club at Lyonsdown School in Richmond Road, New Barnet. He has in the past played in championships in Turkey, India and Vietnam.

Ravi said: “I feel really happy to be the British Under 13 Champion as I worked hard to achieve this and I love the satisfaction of winning.

“I am looking forward to the World event in Greece and being with the English team."

Ravi, who admires World Chess Champion Vishy Anand, said although he has no specific ritual he tries to relax and be confident before a game.

He added: "I enjoy preparing for a game. I try and find games for my opponent on a chess database and then prepare a specific opening variation.

"Then I practice on chess gaming sites. After that I just try and relax and usually play football or other sports activities".

His mother Sonal said: “I am really proud to be Ravi's mum and to see him enjoying success and having fun at the same time.”