Joshua Colas: His Journey So Far

Josh Colas at 2015 North American Open in his game vs. Ruifeng Li. He would earn a GM norm with 6.5/9. Photo by Alan Losoff

Joshua Colas is a talented junior who recently earned his first GM Norm. In his article, Daaim Shadazz shares Josh's story and impressive development as a chessplayer:

"With their intermittent punching of the chess clock, I stopped mid-step with intrigue as the boy was playing theoretical lines with confidence. I started scrambling to get my camera ready to take a shot as the boy continued to bang out moves. After the game, I asked the man, “Is this your son?” My hunch was right. I learned that the man was Guy Colas playing his 7-year old son Joshua Colas. They had traveled from New York to play in the World Open. It was Josh’s first national tournament."

Josh Colas playing blitz at 2006 World Open at age 7. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.

The article also features Josh's victory against Grandmaster Jinshi Bai, annotated by Josh himself:

"Before this game, I knew that a draw or win would secure a IM Norm. I felt relaxed and had the mindset to just try to play the best moves throughout the whole game."

The full article is featured at US Chess News: Joshua Colas: His Journey So Far