WCM Eva Lourenco

To me, chess is challenging and attractive with loads of benefits for personal and professional growth. I started playing chess in my adult life i.e. since 2014 although I enjoyed other board games growing up. My daughter's interest in chess sparked my involvement in playing, training, organizing tournaments, publishing content and other chess improvement activities. I also served as Vice President at the local Chess Club. From a professional standpoint, I provide guidance and direction to ensure successful IT project outcomes as a Consulting Analyst.

Chess improves thinking ability, decision making, problem-solving, discipline and perseverance. It relieves stress besides having other health benefits. Being an active player and trainer, I achieved FIDE Women Candidate Master Title in 2017 at the Oceania Tournament held in New Zealand. (note: FIDE - Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation) 

During the lockdown 2020, I completed the Online Training Session organised by FIDE and achieved the FIDE National Instructor Title.  I’m also an Accredited Professional Chess Coach from ChessPower and was involved in training some of the Auckland schools. 

As a player, I have represented New Zealand at the Chess Olympiad in Baku 2014 and played in international and local tournaments whenever possible. Some of my other achievements are winning the Bronze Medal at the Asian Senior Women Online tournament in 2020.  More recently in 2023, I won the Silver Medal, prize money  in the Women Category at the Asian Seniors Chess Championship held in New Zealand  with qualification to represent at the World Seniors Championship in 2023.   

Our coaching for beginners or intermediate students helps to improve the chess knowledge when they participate at tournaments.  Furthermore, Chess Clubs nationwide provide guidance for young members to enhance their chess knowledge.

Most importantly, I love chess and sharing my knowledge with others, and watching my students succeed in their journey to chess and personal goals.