Ask me who the second highest rated player to ever bring me a slice of cake is and I’m going to stare back blankly at you.  You can give me all the time you like on my clock and I’m still going to lose on time.  Ask me who the highest rated person to do so is, and I can unhesitatingly answer “Grandmaster Awonder Liang.”

On Tuesday January 16th an event was held at the Sequoia Library in Madison, WI to honor Awonder.  Immediately afterwards, the young star instantly switched personas from youngest current GM in the World (currently rated 2572 FIDE)  to gracious host, serving cake to guests. Chess fans gathered in the meeting room at the library to watch GM Liang receive a Proclamation from the Wisconsin State Senator.  On hand was State Senator Fred Risser, who represents part of the Madison area.  

Also involved in the honor was State Senator Mark Miller’s office. This was not the first time Senator Risser had been involved in honoring Awonder.  He participated in prior events to honor the two time World Youth Champion, as Awonder won the U8 championship in 2011 and the U10 in 2013. Working tirelessly to shepherd the Proclamation from concept to reality was US Chess Executive Board member and Wisconsin Chess Association President Mike Nietman.