Deborah Quickpen - Young Chess Prodigies
In this edition of ChessKid Spotlight, we focus on one of the game's up-and-coming young stars: Deborah Quickpen!Who is Deborah Quickpen?
Deborah got her start in chess at the age of 3(!), and quickly became a top prodigy in her home state of Bayelsa, Nigeria. She went on to win the Under 10 Youth Championship in Accra, Ghana, achieved a perfect score of 18/18 in the National Youth Games (securing 3 gold medals and being the first to do so), and became Nigeria’s youngest female champion, all before becoming a teenager!
And at just 12 years old, she ranks at the top of her age group in Bayelsa, and fourth in all of Africa. Soon, she will be playing in the FIDE World Cup representing Nigeria!
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Deborah Quickpen in action. Photo credit: Kunle Kasumu
More Achievements:
- Defeated an Olympiad gold medallist, IM Odion Aikhoje, in a recent blitz event.
- At age six she was the youngest in Nigeria's history to compete in its National Sports Festival.
- Broke the long-standing record of the youngest national chess champion in Nigeria.
- Was appointed Youth Ambassador for Sports by Bayelsa State Governor Sen Douye Didi at just 10 years old.
- Was the youngest player in Nigeria to be awarded the Women's Candidate Master title.
Deborah Says…
“I love chess because, somehow, it brings peace to my mind and makes me focus in every aspect of my life.”
Deborah is the best young female talent all-time in Nigeria. Photo credit: Kunle Kasumu
Best Games
Deborah has had some tough competition to get to the top. Here are two notable highlights!
FunMasterMike Says…
“Deborah is probably already the most decorated pre-teen girl in the history of Africa. What she has accomplished of course has transcended borders and I hope she is able to play many international events in the coming years to continue to be an inspiration to girls everywhere.”
Deborah towering over the competition. Photo credit: Kunle Kasumu
Fun Facts About Deborah
- Her biggest dream is to become the first and youngest grandmaster from West Africa.
- She also wants to study to become a doctor.
- She would love to run a chess academy for young kids in the future.
- Deborah has a ChessKid account: CuteRandomCard!
Good luck to Deborah in her upcoming tournaments. ChessKid is rooting for your success!