1st KL Braille Open 2008

In conjunction with the World Braille Day, there was a 1st KL Braille Blinfold Event 2008 which took place at the Kompleks Sukan Tenis MSN at Jalan Duta Kuala Lumpur dated 5th January 2008. There were 14 players taking part in the event. Most of them are blind players around KL, while others were normal players interested to test their skills at chess in fitting the blind players shoes...

It was an interesting event! and this is the first time I am watching them played being blindfolded and touching all the chess pieces at the same time... (no touch move rule apply for this event.. :-)))

FM Mok Tze Meng, Fadli Zakaria, and Hashim Jusoh are top players that makes this event more interesting to watch.. They are not the favourites (initially), but they are certainly playing with the pieces in their head... (amazing huh!) . Competing together with the top OKU players such as Mah Hassan and Idris (to name a few). It is a challenging tournament indeed.

There was this funny incident happened during the first round. We normal players when we play blindfold we tend to follow the chess notation so that we can picture the pattern in our head. During the competition all players mentioned his notation to the opponent. But since they were sitting closely, players sitting beside them can hear the notation.. and that is truly a chaotic moment when all players got mixed up with what moves and who made the moves... (hahaha)

I am amazed with what is going on in their head when playing, becoz they can't see the board and the pieces... But these players play like a pro! I don't think I can play any better than them.. My salute to all the players taking the challenge! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!


The legendary Mah Hassan giving the opening speech ( I always admire this guy)


Latiff Muhammad talking about the rules


"no touch move please!"


Mah Hassan being interviewed by Bernama Press regarding the event


Mok Tze Meng, " I never play blindfold like this.. aiyoo!!! "


But the tourney is on anyway...


Wake me up for dinner - what is written on Hashim Jusoh's eye pad


Mok Tze Meng, "I know what you up to.. I can see you... hahaha"


Mah Hassan vs Mok Tze Meng... a must watch game... but Mok won the game and with a good time control too...


They are thinking hard and serious too..


"hmm.. "


"What is this? is this a Bishop or a Pawn?.. aiyoo"


The only female player playing..


Idris - a former Para Games Manila 2005 player


Fadli Zakaria "I can do this.. hehehe"