Justin to become an IM

Playing in the Bunratty Classic last week, Justin Tan scored 4½/9 against a strong field, with a tournament performance of 2456.

Justin lost only one game, against the eventual winner, and beat his mentor IM Adam Hunt.   This is the third and final norm he requires for the International Master title.   Justin has also achieved the required rating of 2400.   His next published rating is expected to be 2407.   The title will be ratified at the next FIDE Congress in April and he should become an IM officially in May, soon after his 18th birthday.

This is a stunning achievement for Justin, who arrived at Woodbridge School in late 2013 with the challenge of attaining this title.   It is also a feather in the cap for Adam, who has guided him for the past 18 months and taken him to various tournaments across Europe.

The photo shows Justin proudly holding the IM norm certificate, presented after the tournament had finished on Sunday.