Very nice story!
Minor correction: he’s “only” an expert so far, but with performances like the following (wins against three masters in a row, including Bonin & Privman, at the Marshall, no less), he’ll be a master soon enough. I’m sure GM Rohde was relieved.
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202003051212-16649696
Tani is #3 on the Under-9 list already. Many of these players have been playing chess a full year longer than he has.
My new ambition in chess (since 2200 might not be doable during the pandemic): get a higher OTB classical rating than Tani, however briefly. I don’t like my chances. 