22-year-old Super GM Awonder Liang.
PANAJI
A child prodigy growing up in the United States, Awonder Liang became a grandmaster at only 14, and twice was the world champion in his age category. However, the Super GM with a live rating of 2701 and still only 22, is considering retirement.
Currently in Goa to take part in the FIDE World Cup 2025. Awonder Liang intends to take an indefinite break, or perhaps even retire. Speaking to The Goan, Awonder on Monday, candidly stated, "After this tournament, I will take a vacation for a couple of months, maybe a year, and retire after that."
Speaking about his thoughts on playing in the Chess World Cup in Goa, he admits that he actually was not too keen on coming here. "I did not want to play in the tournament. I felt really tired. But I saw that there is a penalty for withdrawing. So that was a problem and that really got me here. I feel there are no expectations, and it will be easier for me because there is no pressure. Yet my motivation level is little less," he revealed.
For the 21st seeded American it is his second Chess World Cup, and he will play Dutch GM Max Warmerdam (Elo rating 2582) in the second round starting on Tuesday. Awonder had earlier represented the United States in the Chess World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan two years ago. Speaking of his earlier tournament at the level he stated, "It was very nice. Everything was good except for the chess. But it was a very good learning experience.I think I put too much pressure on myself. I ended up losing on tie-breaks in the second round." Cut to the present, he expects to perform at the current FIDE World Cup better. "This year it is a little different. I am a better chess player. And maybe, not really an underdog in my earlier matches. But probably, I will still lose in tie-breaks," the 22-year-old American GM remarked.
Not setting any high goals with the said 11th edition of the Chess World Cup, Awonder said, "I think I am way too weak to qualify for Candidates. My rating of 2710 (FIDE October 2025 list), is rapidly going down." While stating that the tournament held in Arpora is nice to be at, Awonder said that he will see how it goes without having any high expectations.
"While I am looking towards retiring, I know I am still kind of young and have time to figure that out. I am not too worried about no backup options. I can always play later, if I want to," the 31st ranked player reasoned.
For now, at the tournament he wants to be well-rested and take each game as it comes. Meanwhile, in the week he has been here, he has been enjoying the nice weather and the local cuisine. "Goa is nice and sunny, though for a couple of days it rained a lot. I went to eat out at a restaurant and enjoyed the fish served there," the genial American GM smiled.
