A Pāpāmoa College exchange student is making all the right moves, on and off the chessboard.

Keith Wongwitwichote, 12, took out the Regional Interschool Chess Championship last week, going unbeaten across the entire tournament in a standout performance.

He won six games to finish first overall, securing the 12-year-old title and a regional championship medal.

Keith, from Bangkok, has spent a school term in New Zealand on exchange, representing Pāpāmoa College during his time in Tauranga.

“It was exciting because it was the first time I’ve competed in another country, and it was very fun,” he said.

The competition brought together students from across the region, with multiple games played throughout the day, testing not only skill, but patience and focus.

Keith said he was proud of his result and the way he played across the tournament.

“I had been preparing a lot for the tournament, and I just said to myself, be calm, don’t panic and don’t rush anything.”

He earned an excellence certificate for placing in the top 10% of all players.

He was also awarded badges for achieving checkmate using both a bishop and a knight, a feat that highlights precision in the game’s trickiest end stages.

Keith won six games, finishing first overall, claimed the 12-year-old age group title and a regional championship medal.

“I feel really proud. It was a great achievement for me, and especially in another country, that’s always exciting.”

What he enjoyed most about playing chess was meeting new people and having fun with friends.

“It’s a way for me to clear my mind for the day and relax.”

He has been playing chess since he was 5, learning all the tips and tricks from his father.

“My dad and I went to a hotel where there was a chessboard, and he taught me how to play. I liked the strategy and the concept of the game, so I learned more and more.”

He regularly takes part in events run by the Red Knight Chess academy and is registered with the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

His tournament history includes several podium finishes, including a first runner-up placing in an under-10 age-group competition.

He said being a strong chess player came down to staying calm and understanding your opponent to be fully prepared.

Keith Wongwitwichote, 12, took out the Regional Interschool Chess Championship.

“They need to know themselves and whether to play aggressively or take a steady position.”

Keith’s host mum, Sharon Eyres, said Keith’s win was “phenomenal” and she was incredibly proud of his achievement.

“I was surprised at how quietly confident he was about everything, very nonchalant. I really like the idea that this kid’s giving everything a go.”

Eyres said she had faced Keith across the chessboard at home, and couldn’t beat him.

“He’s just quietly understated, and it’s all very tactical for him.”

It was inspiring to see someone so young move to a different country, adapt so quickly and approach every opportunity with an open mind – something she believed adults could learn from.

“They don’t quit, they don’t give up, and we as adults can take a lot away from that. I am inspired by him.”