Meet Coach Xavier

Coach Xavier began competing at the age of seven and went on to represent Singapore under the Singapore Chess Federation (SCF).

As a young player, he competed in local tournaments and overseas. In 2013, he took 2nd place in a blitz tournament aboard the cruise ship SuperStar Virgo, a fast format where each player has only minutes on the clock for the whole game.

Today, Coach Xavier teaches TJCA's community classes at the Coastar and Tampines GreenCourt Residents' Networks. These are big, lively classes that mix abilities and ages, with students anywhere from 4 to 13. Keeping a room like that engaged takes real adaptability, and that is Coach Xavier's strength: he adjusts on the fly so that the newest beginner and the sharpest player both stay hooked.

He also teaches private lessons, bringing the same adaptability to one-to-one coaching. Warm and approachable, he builds an easy rapport with kids and parents alike.