Williams Lake chess player Kai Richardson is still alive at the World Youth Chess Championships in the United Arab Emirates.
Kai, 10, who was the top-ranked Canadian in the 10-and-under age group heading into the tournament, began first-round play on Dec. 18.
But after a three-and-a-half hour marathon match Richardson was defeated by Daniel Sanz Wawer from Spain.
In his second-round match Kai defeated Russian Vasily Andronov in just over four hours, before continuing his solid play against German Feix Graf Justus in his third-round match to grind out a win.
His dad, Scott Richardson, said things are looking good for Kai so far.
Kai was scheduled to play his fourth- and fifth-round matches on Saturday.
“If he wins both of those he’ll be tied in second,” Scott said. “At this point he stands a good chance.”
The tournament wraps up Dec. 29.