Katy kindergartener wins 1st place at state chess tournament

Kindergartner Ryan Mecham placed first place in a statewide chess competition through the United States Chess Federation earlier this month.

>>> Keep clicking to see the best public elementary schools in Houston for 2019... less Kindergartner Ryan Mecham placed first place in a statewide chess competition through the United States Chess Federation earlier this month.

>>> Keep clicking to see the best public elementary schools ... more Photo: Katy ISD Photo: Katy ISD Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Katy kindergartener wins 1st place at state chess tournament 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

It's not every day that you win a trophy nearly as tall as you are. But that's exactly what kindergartner Ryan Mecham did.

The Katy ISD student received first place in a statewide chess competition through the United States Chess Federation earlier this month.

The Nottingham Country Elementary School student earned a perfect score at the 22nd Annual North/Central Texas Grade Championship, which took place in Houston Nov. 2-4, said Daniel Lucas, senior director of strategic communication for the U.S. Chess Federation.

Mecham won every round by playing six different players, Lucas said.

KATY's BEAUTY QUEEN: Police officer takes United States' Mrs. Texas 2019 crown

"The way it works is that you get one point for a win and half for a draw," Lucas said. "Ryan got a 6.0"

There were 11 players in Mecham's kindergarten division, but about 446 players overall for the K- 12 championship.

Michelle.Iracheta@chron.com