Chess: 'I was beating adults at chess when I was eight'

"When I was eight or nine I was beating adults at chess and they were raging when they lost, like 'I just lost to a little kid'."

Now 13, he plays for Strand Chess Club in east Belfast and has represented Ireland through all his age groups.

"I was really surprised because I've never won any of the big tournaments before, I've always got so close and I managed to win it in the end," Ethan told BBC News NI.

"That age range is the ages I've been playing against and I didn't get any losses. I got three wins and three draws."

"The game itself looks really interesting but there is so much more that goes into it before with preparation and tactics.

"I practice a lot and... I'm good at maths. I've got quite a good calculating ability. I think that's probably my main strength."

"It was a chance circumstance that Ethan saw someone play chess and thought it looked interesting and he decided he wanted to play and it went from there."

"I think Ethan just takes it in his stride and that's him. He enjoys playing chess and he enjoys taking part and when he wins it's a bonus.

Ethan has been beating adult opponents for many years on his way to becoming Ulster champion

Ethan is certainly making a name for himself and his success isn't any surprise to his fellow members at Strand Chess Club.

"You wouldn't think he's that young. You think you've got him and he just keeps on playing these moves and it's hard to beat him. He's very resourceful and he's very mature for his age.

Could you stack 12 cups in under two seconds to become a European champ?Published11 April