Merdeka Standard Chess Reunion

Md Hairi Md Hussin

Mas Ayu Mahmood

Me and Hairi

Merdeka has always been a place of a reunion for all chess players. Faces that you haven't seen in years, always suddenly appear in Merdeka event. Players that used to play chess actively during my years, also shown their faces in annual Merdeka event...
The likes of Mohd Kamal Abdullah, Ooi Chern Ee... etc

I also saw, Mas Ayu Mahmood! Well she looks the same that's why I could recognise her... The last time I saw her was during National Closed 1990, at IYC KL... Imagine that! Nice to see you again, Kak! (and I still had the 1990 pictures)

My former team mate whom the last time I saw him was like years ago, Hairi. We are from the same ITM Arau Perlis. We met during an allegro chess in Perlis in 1995. Then we are in the same chess team for INTEKMA chess in 1995. Now, he is currently working in UUM as a lecturer, and residing in Perlis. It was a pleasant reunion for both of us!

DATMO 2007 WInner

And we have this year winner! DATMO 2007 was held at Cititel Midvalley KL from 20th - 26th August 2007. This is the fourth year it was held. Without GMs from Philippines playing, the tournament never lost its strength to attract others. This time the forces came from China, with players like Li Chao, Li Ruofan, Zhao Weiqi, etc, seems to have planned the event to go their way. Last year winner, GM Dao Thein Hai, can't even hold the title this year nor even his fellow countrymen. Overall, this tournament manage to produce lots of excitement for all players and spectators, from beginning till the end. One can never guess who will be the winner until the end of the round. Hoping that the tournament will go on next year, we also hope for Malaysian to shine thru next year. (And having myself participating... hehehe)

3rd place - GM Ziaur Rahman

GM Zhao Weiqi - 2nd Place

And he is the Champion - Li Chao from China

Malaysians Best at DATMO 2007

These are the pictures of Malaysian Best players receiving the award for best malaysian achievement in the event. Well, the best obviously goes to the IM Mas Hafizul... He not just received US800, but also additional of US150 for a score against a GM - which is GM Dao in round 2. He surprised us all by taking 7.5 points in the event. His performance shows that he can be the first Malaysian with the GM title. All the fans are hoping to see him with the title by next year! (Insyaallah!)


Go! Go! IM Mas

FM Anas Nazreen

IM Jimmy Liew


FM Mok Tze Meng

FM Lim Yee Weng

Pictures of Malaysian Blitz 2007

WIM Siti Zulaika vs GM Zhang Zhong

IM Mas was on board 2 in the preliminary rounds

Look at all the participants

GM Utut Adianto - the winner... can't get a shot at his face

I was at the Cititel Midvalley, while waiting for the closing ceremony to start, I take a peek at the Blitz. Many titled players taking part in the event.
I was amazed seeing all the top board players playing a 3 min + 2 sec game, like they are playing a rapid game. While time was seconds to finish they can still think! and make a good move too!
wow!
Some are still playing positionally, and battle patiently. It was nice too, to see them bullying others by intimidating them, since it is a blitz event, noise are allowed.
But overall, it was a good performance too by some malaysian even they can't make it thru to the next knock out round... Bravo!!
Hope I can join the pack next year!!

Pictures of Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2007

IM Mas Hafizulhelmi - what's with the serious face?

Mohd Fairin Zakaria

The highest rated player - GM Zhang Zhong on the right vs Zhao Wei Qi

In deep thought - GM Zhang Zhong

Malaysian FM Anas Nazreen Bakri

Two Philipinos in the battle, you see that with the yellow jacket is our FM Mok Tze Meng

WGM Li Ruofan - One rose among the men on the top board

On the left, is GM Ziaur Rahman from Bangladesh and beside him is our very own IM Mas Hafizulhelmi vs this year champ - Li Chao

FM Mok Tze Meng

Go women go!! Jia you, jia you

Pictures from the Ambank Chess Challenge 2007

This is the Ambank Champion from Philippines

pic of National Closed (W) 2007

Pic of me and Malaysian Best player

That is the picture of me and my hero... who else if it is not the Malaysian Best Player at the recent Dato' Arthur Tan malaysian Open 2007!!

IM Mas Hafizulhelmi Agus Abdul Rahman

He even won against GM Dao from vietnam... what an impressive performance!!

KUANTAN MASTERS RAPID CHESS OPEN / JUNIOR 2007

The tournament was jointly organised by NWM Khairunnisa' W on behalf of chess fans in Kuantan and Chess Club of SMK Cenderawasih. It was held at SMK cenderawasih Kuantan on 5th August 2007 with 7 rounds swiss systems to play. The tournament organisers are proud to announce that we manage to attract 167 participants from Kuantan, and few players from outside Kuantan. The chief arbiter for the event was En. Muhamad Arshad from Terengganu, assisted by Fadzilah W and Cikgu Tee Bee Lian. Khairunnisa W was the tournament director of the event, helped by fellow volunteers; Cikgu Fakri, Cikgu Zuharuddin, Pn Aida, Muhammad Luqmanhakim, and students from SMK Cenderawasih - Ng Chin Boon, Tiong Cheng Han, Wong See Ling, Ong Tion Leong, Woo Hui Shon, Tiong Lee Guo Sheng, dan Thusalini.

The venue was at 3 classrooms on ground floor at the school, this is also to give way for one wheel-chaired player from Jerantut, Daniel Lee to play.

The tournament was divided into 2 groups – Group A and Group B. Group A are for players competing for prizes offered for Open Category, Junior U-20 Boys and Girls, and U-16 Boys and Girls. While Group B are for players competing for prizes in category U-12 Boys and Girls, and U-9 Boys and Girls. A total player for Group A is 104, and Group B is 63 players.

Here are the results:

U-12 Boys
Champ : Anis Nadzar (6 Points) – SK Sg Isap, Kuantan
Second : Ameerul Ilmi Mohd Razali (6 Points) – SK Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan
Third : Wan Abdullah Yusri (6 Points) - SK Sg Isap, kuantan
Fourth : Mohd Ameer Shah Adwa (6 points) - SK Sg Isap, Kuantan
Fifth : Mohd Nabil Nazmi Abd Hamid (5.5 points)- SK Beserah, Kuantan


U-12 Girls
Champ : Effah Fazeera (5 Points) - SK Beserah, Kuantan
Second : Umairah Natasya M. Omeershffudin (4.5 pts)- SK Bukit Sekilau, Ktn
Third : Nurul Asyikin Mohd Sofi (4.5 pts) - Muadzam Shah, Pahang
Fourth : Nurwani Mohd Fakri (4 pts) - SK Mat Kilau, Kuantan
Fifth : Fatin Husna (4 pts) - SK Beserah, Kuantan

U-9 Boys
Champ : Kuhan Ganesan (3.5 pts) - SK Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan
Second : Kieranraj Subhas Baghar (3.5 pts) - Tadika Sri Ayu, Kuantan
Third : Mohd Fitri Shah (3.5 pts) - SK Tunku Azizah, Kuantan
Fourth : Rajeev Rao (3.5 pts) - SK St Thomas, Kuantan
Fifth : Mukund Suresh (3.5 pts) - SK St Thomas, Kuantan

U-9 Girls
Champ : Nurhasya Mohd Fakri (3.5 pts) - SK Mat Kilau, kuantan
Second : Hana Nabila Hairul (2.5 pts) - SK (P) Methodist, kuantan
Third : Nurfatin Mohd Fakri (2.5 pts) - Taski Al-Huda, Kuantan
Fourth : Hemansankarry Rajasegaran (2.5 pts) - SK Assunta, Kuantan
Fifth : Nur Sabrina Asman (2 pts) - SK Teruntum, Kuantan

All winner received medal + certs. Best Junior Group B won by Anis Nadzar, he received hamper for his effort. While Best Girl Group B was won by Effah Fazeera, she received hamper sponsored by WSFFM.

For Group A, it was a tough competition; many were fighting to be crowned the first Kuantan Master. But it was won by Mohd Khair Wahidduddin.

Kuantan Master Junior won by Muhammad Khairilhelmi, he received hamper for his effort. Best Junior Ladies was won by Izzat Atma Sari, while Best Ladies was won by Nurul huda Wahiduddin, both received hamper sponsored by WSFFM.

Here are the results

Open Category

Champ : Mohd Khair Wahidduddin (6.5 points)
Second : Hamidi Taib(6.5 points)
Third : Suwardi Andri Sidek (6 Points)
Fourth : Sulaiman Johari (6 Points)
Fifth : Nurul Huda Wahiduddin (6 points)
(Winners received medal + cash prize + certs + hamper)
Sixth : Donny Sudarno (6 points)
Seventh : Nordin Md Yamin ((5.5 points)
Eighth : Abd Majid Ahmad (5 points)
Ninth : Abd Khalid Musa (5 Points)
Tenth : Kamal Azmi Wahiduddin (5 Points)
(Winners received hamper + Certs)

U-20 Boys
Champ : Teh Jay Kie (5 pts) - SMK Tanah Putih, Kuantan
Second : Muhd Zulkarnain Zulkifli (4.5 pts) - Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Third : Kumaraguru Poobalan (4 pts) - SM Abd Rahman Talib, ktn
Fourth : Lim Keow Fei (4 pts) - SMK Tok Sera, Kuantan
Fifth : Ahmad Helmi Abd Rahman (4 pts) - MRSM, Kuantan

U-20 Girls
Champ : Izzat Atma Sari (4 pts) - SMK Bukit Rangin,Kuantan
Second : Izza Hasrina Ismail (4 pts) - MRSM, Kuantan
Third : Khairunnisa Abd Rahim (3.5 pts) - SMK Cenderawasih, ktn
Fourth : Nor Zahirah Abd Ghani (3.5 pts) - SMK Cenderawasih, ktn
Fifth : Nur Izzati Nizza (3 pts) - MRSM, Kuantan,

U-16 Boys
Champ : Muhamad Khairilhelmi (5 pts) - SM Abd Rahman Talib, ktn
Second : Daniel Lee (5 pts) - SMK Jerantut, Jerantut
Third : Rudianto Edi (4.5 pts) - SMK Paya Besar, ktn
Fourth : Yen Meng Jun (4.5 pts) - SMK Tanah Putih, Kuantan Fifth : Chan Shi Jing (4.5 pts) - SMK Tanah Putih, Kuantan

U-16 Girls
Champ : Nor Aimi Shahida (4 mata) - MRSM, Kuantan
Second : Ras Atika Nadia (4 mata) - SMK Bukit Rangin, Ktn
Third : Syuhada Sulaiman (3 mata) - SMK Paya Besar, ktn
Fourth : Varsya Sandhya (3 mata) - SM Sultan Abu Bakar, Ktn Fifth : Nurul Adilah Zakaria (3 mata) - Kuantan

All winners received medal + certs.

Organisers would like to express gratitude to all sponsors, which made this tournament a dream come true to all players.

Mr Danny Teoh – Master Class Management
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Mohd Nor
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Aziz
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Abdullah
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Nasir
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Suriati
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dato’ Ooi
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Suhaimi
Consultants Kuantan Medical Centre - Dr Mokhtar
En. Mohd Omeershffudin – Bapa pemain
En Mohd Fakri – Bapa pemain
Mr Michael Lim – RSM profit Improvements
Pn Haslindah – Wakil WSFFM (women sports foundation m’sia)
Great Union Engineering
Also,
Special thanks to all volunteers that doing their best to handle this first tournament.

Chess Club SMK Cenderawasih & School Administration SMK Cenderawasih
Cikgu Fakri and family
Puan Aida and family
Khuzaimah and family
Cikgu Tee – chess teacher SMK cenderawasih
Muhammad Ikhwanhiqal
Muhammad Luqmanhakim
Wahidduddin’s family
En. Mohd arshad - Persatuan catur negeri terengganu
Volunteers from SMK cenderawasih and volunteer teacher that present
Cikgu Paridah and family
Pn Sathia and family - BASF Petronas
Cikgu Norinah – Pengerusi Teknik catur Kuantan

Thank you to all players, parents, and teachers, for the support given during the tournament. Also, congratulations to all the winners. Till we meet again in Kuantan Master 2008

Walking down the Memory Lane Again!

Wow!
I haven’t write for so long now haven’t I…. :-)

Ok, my apology for those that have been dying to read my blog news…. (hahaha… not that dramatic, right!). I didn’t know that there are people out there that actually read my blog. Gosh! Now I felt so embarrassed… the life cycle and the stories that I put in it… (Oh! no I hope my former boss is not among them… oopps!!)

Actually, this blog is for me and few closed friends, I consider this blog to be my blog, kind off a personal thing… but, since I made it public (gee.. I am famous aren’t I, hahaha), so, I am determine to keep on writing, and writing… and who knows maybe there are people out there that interested in making my stories a movie (hehehe..).

The reason why I am excited to write this now (even though now I am busy and at the office exactly during office hours….sorry boss curi tulang for a moment...:-)). Just now I got a call from a very long lost friend, whom (again) I haven’t been seeing for more than 10 years!! That is a long years that passes by! Gosh!...

But this time I don’t feel like I am old, because in this case, he is the one who is older than me…!! Hahaha…it is a nice thing to hear his voice again, even after these years! So, how are you? How many kids at home now? (:-)) how is life?

I still remember him and his journal that he gave me and my sis to read, can’t remember which tournament. He documented each game he played with, and annotated the game, not exactly in a chess player way, but more like a story telling, that makes me feel relax and comfortable at reading… Nice work done by him! Hey, if you still have the journal, try publishing it.

I also remember the calculator, no… not a calculator, it is more like a digital dictionary, I think….. In which fascinate me… what fascinate me the most was the password. I knew it was the word “benoni” after the opening that he did mention but I still couldn’t unlock the code. Then he told me, it is because of the “o” in the word he spelled it with zero = 0.
Smart guy ha… because of that I started to think outside the box... not so straight thinking la…

Anyway, I wish him the best in everything, and hope to see him again someday… Cherio!

Meeting a Chess Friend

Last night, I went out meeting a friend of mine. A chess friend (to be exact). I was so excited to see him, coz the last time I saw him was during merdeka last year, and the last before that was in 1996! (boy!, I am old!)

I always picture him to be a kid that I use to see years ago, a sweet and cute kid, but a very talented chess player. We never really talk much during the old days, but I always admire him, ever since he played in his first MSSM in 1988. And actually, that was my first MSSM too.

I always wonder, how on earth does this kid play anyway... He was really smart!

Ok,ok,ok.. that was years ago... let me tell you about last night.

In my head, I am going to meet a kid whom I last seen 10 years ago.. (that is what I picture him), but instead....

He has grown up!.. He is now a man. More mature... When we chat, I felt like I am the kid instead of him even though I am older than him... (hahaha)

It was a nice moment.. We chat about chess mostly.. Other than that is like walking down the memory lane.. Gosh! time does running fast, I couldn't put his latest face in my head as what he is today.. But, I think I am going to start to... (face the fact of life, that I am getting older!)

And honestly, he is getting wiser too! I enjoyed the chat that we had, coz not many people that I could talk mostly about anything, when it comes to global news, most people are really boring, but he is interesting. Now, there are 2 people that I can spend hours of chatting.. (wondering what does he think of me... the sweet 21 years old sis.. hahaha.. who knows man!!)

I told him that I am too busy with my work that I don't even have the time to do just about anything. He then told me "only incompetent people would say that, if you are competent, all work is done in time".. Wow! coming out from his mouth!

So, I decided... That I will try to make up with time, and lets see if I really have a lot of work or, I don't have the time management.

To my dearest friend,
Thanks for the everything.. I am still smiling and will keep on smiling...

Temerloh Open 2007

Three of my students took part in the event which lasted for 2 days (10th-11th March 2007) held at Dewan SRJK(C) Khee Chee in Temerloh. Know what, I was so nervous. I could barely sleep, thinking how they would fare in the tournament. Would they play like what I taught them to play? What if not?

Honestly, I did not expect them to play like a "star", since they are not a "star", or even play like a chess prodigy, coz they are not either, but, I do hope they will play what they have learned. And that is just about it! Simple!

When you play chess, you don't just play and push the pieces, but you also need to do some thinking. I always tell my students, think logic! and play simple game. I gave them puzzle for them to understand what simple game looks like.

But,

What they presents on the chess board, is something unexpectedly! They forgot all the basic principles in chess that I taught them. And that makes me understood them well.

If it wasn't for the tournament, I wouldn't know at what area they need most attention. Luckily I got my sis with me that I could ask for advise regarding my students (hehehe..). I will tell you later what is my post mortem... (so, keep on reading guys)

For result regarding the tourney, visit www.gilachess.com

Here are the photos taken during the tourney

Chess Column

As at today, there are no more chess news in printed media, as our last chess column in "The Star" ended last friday. To me it is a sad thing.... coz I have been reading chess news through printed media, ever since my siblings and me started playing chess in 1988.

Our first chess column was Petak 64 in Utusan Malaysia. I love reading it, coz at that time it was the first chess news that we in Kuantan (east coast) could get a hold off to know what is going on regarding chess around the world.

Living in the east coast is different, we seldom have any competition, so news from KL is enough to cheer us down here.

Then, there are chess column in Malay Mail and Jaguh, Berita Harian. We used to cut and paste any chess news, especially news about us. Having chess newspaper cutting is actually a "cool" things for me (my Long initiated the ideas).

And the best part of all, is having my photos in all of the chess columns, my news playing overseas, winning local chess competition and the sweet memories where my sis (Nurul) and bro (Kamal) won NM and NWM title in the same year! they said "the siblings triumph". And that was a history record that is still holding on. Also, my pictures of winning the title in 1995.

I don' t think that chess players nowadays have that kind of luxury, to have their names in the newspaper, and their photos appear in the columns.... Come to think of it I am lucky, using that newspaper cutting of me to apply for jobs and further studies... (at least).

Life isn't fair isn't it? At the time where chess is rising in Malaysia, where tournaments are held every weekends, chess classes are everywhere to be found in Malaysia, then suddenly there it goes..... I am still wondering why some people still have the same old thinking about chess!

We chess players never had the chance to be as equal as other sportsman! Most people will definitely raise their eyebrows when "chess" were brought up as the topic... not just they don't understand chess, but they look down on chess. And the funny part is, while some low class people think that chess fit for elite group, on the other hand, the high class people think that chess isn't essential at all! They said it is easy to play chess, just push all the pieces and play. They never think that chess is more than that, there are values in chess!

As long as there are these kind of people, we chess players will have to battle our stands in the community for all these years and years to come....

So we chessplayers must prove that they are wrong! I have been battling with the parents in Kuantan that chess is one of the best method in improving their child mind thinking, handling their social life and applying chess to life.... As chess does improve my life, so it will be for others!

Where there is a will, there is a way!!!

There will always be a bright chess future here in Malaysia, and I put my positive thinking into it..

Just my thoughts,
National Woman Master title holder

Chess Column

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My Students and Chess

Hi...

Every friday, saturday and sunday is the days where I give chess lessons to my students (I only available for 2 more chess class, then if more class require, my sis, also NWM title holder will be conducting the classes).

During my years as a beginner, when I play chess, I never have any intention on Knight takes Pawn, or Queen takes Pawn, but my students (whom is in the first phase of the game), after being taught not to, they still doing it.... Now it makes me wonder why? Have I not make myself clear to them?

When I teach them about chess, the first thing is, how the pieces move. Then when they fully understood that, I continue with, the rules of castling and en passant... It took me more than 1 hour to teach that. Most of them doesn't know about the en passant thing... and first time I told them about it they were took by surprise.

My chess syllybus is based on the book I wrote. Well, the contents of the book is based on my experiences as a chess player. The years learning chess on my own...

But what puzzle me is that, when I was a beginner, I didn't play like what they play, even though I don't know the rules of chess back then. Or any basic knowledge at all. So, I wonder what is running in their head when they play chess.

Most of my students enjoy my class because I am very patience with them, yeah,. what else can I do.. students nowadays is not exactly the type that can be told what to do too much, or else, the whole world will shake by their tantrum!

For each of my students, the level of teaching is different, but the module and the target is the same, because I need to find ways to reach them. Some who is practically a slow learner, will need a different approach, and some who is brighter will need a different approach too... So, every time when is the next class, I will do research in the net to find a simpler method of teaching to suit them.

But whatever it is, it is always back to basic. That is my conclusion.

When the late Gufeld taught Malaysian team at that time, I was so upset that he taught us about basic chess. Coz I thought I knew about it. Yeah, coz I have been playing chess for years, and have a good score too (I thought!), but he was always insists on learning the basics. When he watch us play, he always urged us to castle as soon as possible, if not.... "taste" his lectures, and ready to "wear" chess pieces as jewelleries on your ears...(hahaha..) I always makes mistakes for not always listening to him (I thought I did... but always ended up losing the game)... Now, when I am the teacher myself, I finally understand why the late Gufeld stress us the basic of chess. Always back to basic to him. And that is what I am teaching my students, back to basic.

Until next time....
Former National Women's Champion

I'm Back

Hi all....
I'm back!

I know I supposed to write in the January... but, February is not that bad to start a year, right?

Ok, I was supposed to be working at a new place with a new job title - Accountant. It has been a dream of mine ever since I fall in love with debit and credit to be an accountant one day. At my age now, I should've been one. But fate is not on my side yet. I only manage to hold on to that job for four days only, then my heart started to scream, "No...., I can't do this!".

The salary is great, but no freedom in working hours. Not to mention that the place is far from home. I just couldn't imagine if anything happened at home, coz I wouldn't be around. I don't even have the time to take care of my Mak and Abah too. My Mak is suffering from Parkinson, similar to Mohamad Ali or Michael J Fox (the actor). But Mak's condition is not as bad as those two, maybe because of my affectionate love for her... (chewah!)..

Also I discovered, that my love for chess is more than my love for accounts. No matter how much accounts attracts me, but chess is the best! even though I can't go out to play at any tourney as often as my school days, but at least I got the time to teach and play chess by my self at home.

So, after giving a full consideration I said to the boss, I resigned.

Currently I am working at my former company. Working under the "no EQ" accountant, having all those annoying back stabbing colleagues, and handling the "never ending stories" of problems within the accounts department. But....... I am happy as I was never before. It is like I'm breathing a new air, living in a new life suddenly, because I got the chance to see the world outside and therefore I am grateful that I'm back.

Now, I have all the freedom that I want. I have the flexible working hours in completing my everyday job, and during weekends, I can give chess lessons to my students. And when my Mak isn't well, I can always go home to see her even for half an hour, coz it only took me 15 minutes to be home.

So now, I am less stress and happy as I should be. I can work and earn my salary, and get extra income for my Mak's medicine by teaching chess, and that is the best part of all. I can be with chess everyday!

I never realised until now that chess does bring "life" to me. When I play chess, it feels as though I am alive, I belongs to this world, because it is the only world that no one can mess with me and it is my turf! Can you imagine how my life has been without chess for all those 9 years? It is truly a blessing in disguise that Allah swt has showed me. No one can live a life with just work-work-work, you just got to have a hobby / hobbies or something! and mine is chess.

I started my chess this year by doing chess promotion from school to school around town. And Luckily, I got myself 3 new students..(alhamdullillah). And I got a chance to do a chess clinic at one of the school near home.

It is a sad thing that chess players in Kuantan is not those in KL. From my experience doing the promotions and teaching chess, most of them only know how to play, but not at a level to compete. Also, most of the chess teachers here give a strange look when I promote chess as an education to them. People would normally think that chess is just a game. People here never sees it as a sport or a skill that can improve students mine thinking. And that is exactly what I am teaching. I am teaching the students to use their side of the brain that they have never use it before, and improve their way of thinking by relate chess to their life.

One of my students, after listening to my chess stories and read the chess article that I showed to him, always quote "playing chess is like having a psychic power". Chess is the only sports that chess players have the ability to predict what is the next move.

Unfortunately for my students, there is no tournament in Kuantan. Therefore I can't test their skills against other players.

All of my students are in their first phase of the game. I do not concentrate the method of memorising any openings yet. Because I believe in strong knowledge of basics. What I teach is based on my experienced for years playing chess locally and internationally. So what I teach is what I learnt, and my guide is my chess book which I wrote. All those years of competing, training with russian trainer, listening to chess chat among friends, and study chess books, is what I gave to my students in simplified form.

My charges is not high compared to KL, but reasonable. It covers my monthly mileage and materials given. Regarding time, I can teach more than 2 hours per lesson if the students wants more from me with no extra charge. So the parents usually said "it is worth hiring me". I love chess, and I am teaching chess with all my love for the game and with all my heart to it, not just for the money.

To me everyone can play chess. As Mark Dvorevsky said "with purposeful training you can significantly develop your ability in the field". I know that there are certain players with great talents, but passion for chess doesn't require any talent at all. If you have the desire to be great in chess, it is enough that the passion for the game drives you there...... I am not one the great talents to be a world class player, but my deep love for chess has brought me to beautiful games, to beautiful places and meeting with beautiful mind of people....

Until next time with more stories from me..

Regards,
Former Malaysia's National Woman Champion

Asian Games Doha 2006

Aloohaaaa....
Hi guys, today I read about chess in Asian Games Doha at www.fide.com and guess all of top Asian chessplayers will took part in the event to represent their country! and 22 countries have confirmed their participation in the event! Awesome!!! ;-)

Isn't it great! unfortunately, Malaysia is not one of the team, due to poor performance in SEA games last year, it's a no-no to chess for Malaysia.. (we got to do something about this, we got to prove to MOM that Malaysian chess is as good as the rest ASEAN country.... someday, someday..)

The possibilities for players like Bu Xiangxi from China, Rustam Kasimdhanov from Uzbekistan, Al-Modiahki from Qatar and wife Zhu Chen, also top GMs fom Indonesia, Phillippines, Vietnam, and India will turn up to play. I just hope, top rapid player like Visvanathan Anand will play, it is going to be exciting event that can't be missed!! I just hope chess mag out there could give the latest update, or else I'll be wondering like crazy who'll be the first to be crown the best in Asia!

So, to all chess fans out there give full support to chess in Asian Games Doha 2006, hope to see chess soon in the olimpics!!

Kramnik Analysing

Can't seem to have enough of Kramnik, so here are next video of him analysing a game during Corus 2005 game. He does look gorgeos in every moves he made... Isn't he!

Kramnik The World Champ!

Watch the moment My Hero beat Topalov to become the Unified World Champ!

World chess championship

Hi guys,

The world chess championship final match match starts today.. For those who are Kramnik's fan please give the full support to my Hero, hoping that he will win the final match. the game you can watch live at ICC or at the offical website. Go to www.fide.com or www.chessbase.com or at www.chessclub.com (I think so?)

If you are not going to tarawikh tonight, the game starts at 7pm Malaysia time, (but never mind, you can watch it later after tarawikh, coz I bet it is going to be an interesting games).

Go Go Kramnik!! Jia You! Jia You!!!