California chess superstar Daniel Naroditsky, a grandmaster at 17, has died at age 29

"Alan Kirshner, a youth chess tournament organizer and political science professor, had for years been evasive when asked if he'd ever seen a chess "prodigy." That changed when he first saw San Mateo's Daniel Naroditsky, then a first-grader, in action. "It was apparent from the way he concentrated and was focused, but was relaxed at the same time," said Kirshner, a retired Ohlone College of Fremont political science and history professor. "I ran to his dad, grabbed him by the arm and said, 'He is a prodigy.'""

"The youngster proved Kirshner prophetic. He ultimately rose to the level of chess grandmaster - the highest ranking possible - while authoring a series of strategy books and eventually appealing to a new generation of chess enthusiasts through social media. Naroditsky's star unexpectedly dimmed Monday as his death was announced by the Charlotte Chess Center, where the 29-year-old had worked as a coach."

""Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to all us everyday," the North Carolina center posted on social media. The center added: "Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world. He was also a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend to many.""

Daniel Naroditsky, born in San Mateo, rose from a recognized child prodigy to become a chess grandmaster, author, commentator, and coach. He was identified early as a prodigy by tournament organizer Alan Kirshner after showing focused yet relaxed concentration in first grade. He won the CalChess Scholastic high school bracket as a fifth-grader and later authored strategy books while building a large online following. Naroditsky worked as a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center. The Charlotte Chess Center announced his death at age 29, praised his passion, and offered no cause of death or funeral arrangements.

Read at Los Angeles Times