Ambank Chess Challenge 2008

Ambank chess challenge attract players from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines and of course our locals. It is a tough section where I witness most of the foreigners' are in the top spot! But our players did the best too!!


The first round of Ambank Challenge. Players seems to be on a relaxed mood...
Pic on the right is my brother, NM Kamal Arifin took part in Ambank too

My brother, Mohd Khair also took part in Ambank.
The players in action in Ambank Chess Challenge


Kamaludin in deep thought in round 11 (final) of Ambank Chess Challenge. He got himself in third place!


NM Kamal Arifin was placed no 8th overall!


And the Champion - from Phillipine!

for more info :
http://malaysianchessfederation.blogspot.com/2008/08/3rd-ambank-group-malaysia-chess_24.html

More Merdeka Rapid 2008

Fourth and fifth placing - both filipino's team!


Gold IS Berhad managed to break the all filipino's winner by becoming second in the Team Standing,
Pic on the right is the winner this year!... If I am not mistaken, they were in the top 5 list last year.. I noticed that coz IM Julio Sadorra in the team :-)


"and we are the champion!"

Merdeka Rapid 2008

Here are pictures taken by me during the Merdeka Rapid 2008
Enjoy!!!


Best Junior Teams


Best Veteran and Best school team


Best Ladies Team and Best University Team


Best Malaysian Team - Zambri represent AsliMAS (left) and Ismail Ahmad represent Astro (right)

The players.. On the right, Power Girls in action

The ladies competing for Best Ladies Team!

(Left) Filipinos Team Vs Indon Team, (right) Gold IS team vs another Filipino's team

Take note - Gold IS Berhad comprise of GM Iliudhachev, GM Marat, Ian Udani and Khor Shi Hong.


Team Astro with our IM Mas leading the team. On the right Jax Tham's Team

with Jimmy Liew and Mohd Kamal Abd in the team. (Right) the veterans from New Zealand (I think)

Astro (W) - From left: Haslindah, Nurul Huda, Alia and Nur Shazwani.

Pic on the right is Lim Yee Weng's team with Nicholas and Marcus in the Team.


This U-12 Kids really tough! With Nabila and Yeoh Li Tian in the team.

Pic on the right is AsliMAS team, with NM Kamal Arifin, Mohd Saprin, Kamaludin, Fairin and Zambri in the team.

Mixed Asset team; with GM Zhang Zhong leading the pack, together with WGM Li Ruofan, Yeap Eng Chiam and Mohd Khair


Lim Kian Hwa is still in the Sarawak's Best!

Pic on the right: IM Mas vs Nur Nabila

Astro (W) in action against those cute boys that represent Malaysia in Danang last June.

What makes Merdeka Rapid the most awaited event for the year, is all about the best team vs the best team!

GM Susanto Megaranto with white shirt

DATMO 2008 - My Side of Story (Ep 2)

For Merdeka Rapid our Ladies Team were finished with 19 points from 9 rounds of play, we are juz one point behind Team AsliMAS to grab the fifth Malaysian Best Team. However, we still got the Best Ladies Team score.. It was a fun and amazing days for me. Thanks to the team! To Haslindah, Nurul Huda, Alia, and Shazwani for the adventure! Thanks to MCF too for the chance of a lifetime!

Haslindah, Alia and I stayed on after Merdeka Rapid to play at DATMO. Even though it was a rapid event but I do feel tired of playing.

The next day, we have the DATMO at Cititel Ballroom. I didn't prepare anything, as I was spending my night sleeping. I seems not to have the stamina at all.. and I can't seems to focus well for the game. As if I only had one option in front of me and I juz play as per that option. And it cost me a terrible loss. I lost to Yee Weng on my first round! much as everybody expected I guess... I chat with Yee Weng (after all I am still a paparazzi for my blog), and he expressed his interest to play in Olimpiad this year. So, I guess that is why he performed well..

I feel that IM Mas GM quest has inspired every chess players in the country to do well, and nothing is impossible as long as you strive hard for it. And I believe that is the reason why many youngster participate in DATMO and Ambank, not to mention the outstanding performance of FM Lim Yee Weng (congrats!)..

Well, since all news in other blog covered about the champ and the star players, plus cuties from China that everyone has been talking about. I am going to tell my part of stories with the news from behind... hehehe... since I am part of it anyway.

Yea.. I was sitting at the back in the entire DATMO.. and the feeling sucks! this was the first time I lost 6 times in a row, and managed only to get 3 points from 11 rounds with one win, and 4 draws. I drew in my last four because I lost my mood for the games, but I am more interested in watching the games of GMs and support my brothers who's playing in the Ambank Challenge. Oh yes.. I like watching and learn from the moves the top players made...

Ok ok ok.. back to the back end players. The way the setting of the tables for DATMO seems as if MCF knew that the standard of play for DATMO will be separated into two. Class A and class B. Coz, we at the back end are like in the world of our own! as if we are competing against ourselves. Whenever there is a victory, someone will jump to class A, but later on in the next round he/she will jump back at the place where we belong... hahaha... sounds funny when thinking about it.

And I do see familiar faces at our side of the world, (hehehe as they are considered top Malaysian players) with the remaining rounds to finish. So, you see, the difficulty of DATMO is not only experience by me alone, but is shared by others too. ( And yes, this paparazzi has been asking around too)

At the back end, there are not only Malaysian players, there are players from Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia and there are also WIM and WFM in our group too. Also rated players at level 2xxx were there too. During the last round, I saw the last year Ambank champ sitting at our world playing against an Indonesian... quite shocking isn't it! So you see we are not alone in our own league...

If there is another DATMO, and I am encouraging the other Malaysian to take up the challenge. Please do not feel embarrassed by the performance, the experience is more important for the next challenge in chess life. Hey, I played badly too. The least I can say to the people, "I have been there and done that, but have you?"

DATMO 2008 - My Side of Story (Ep 1)

"You must be out of your mind!"
That was my sis first reaction when I told her that I wanted to play in Malaysian Chess Festival month. She was ok when I mentioned I will be playing in Merdeka Rapid on the 16th and 17th of august. But later on, juz before the closing date, I told her about the DATMO 2008 on the phone, she was furious!..

At whatever tourney that I want to take part, family blessing is important to me. Maybe she is worried that I might came back home in tears, or decided to not play chess again (juz like after Armenia 1996). But I manage to convince her that I am going to have my fun there, and never to get too emotional about my games, and besides the rumours saying that it is the last installment of DATMO, gives me the strong reason to play and feel the experience!

I know I am not ready for the big event, coz I havent study chess for months!, but I am curious about the standard of the event.

I have been a big fan of the event ever since I found out about it in 2005. I have been to Midvalley every august to get a glimpse of the games played. Every time I step into the hall, I was like a little girl in a candy shop... (hahaha). It puzzles me why there are players who always sits at the back, and with a lowest score. I said to myself, "is it that difficult?"... Yes.. fans would only gather around top players. They never bother about the far end players. I wonder, what would be my results if I am in action too.

Year after year, I was a spectator.. but this year, I finally get my chance to be part of it! And gosh!!!! wow!!! It was harder than it looks (trust me on this!).. Now I know what it feels like to play in DATMO. I spoke to Cathy Rogers at the tourney (she was there with hubby Ian Rogers who trained IM Mas Hafizul for the event), she said "Well at least you got guts to play, coz I dont". Yeah.. I have guts, and I really appreciate her for that statement, it does boost my morale for the remaining rounds. (But to prepare in the big event like this, I need more than juz guts!).

I took a long leave from work and home from 16th - 24th August 2008. To play in Merdeka Team Rapid, DATMO, and Blitz. It was a long exhausting days for me, with the total games I have played was 27 games! What a record! (for me la).

I will tell you the next stories later.....

UiTM Dungun Open 2008

I got this sms from Muhammad Arshad from Terengganu. There will be UiTM Dungun Open dated 30th August 2008 at UiTM Dungun. For more info visit
http://caturterengganu.blogspot.com

Malaysian Chess Festival 2008

Our annual Chess Festival which schedule on this August 2008 will be an intersting event to be apart with! Titled players from ranging from GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs and our NMs or NWMs will be taking part. I am sure all will be excited to be get the experience to have a match with these players. I have heard that GM Zhang Zhong with ratings of 2632 will be playing!

The Festivals kicks off this Saturday with Merdeka Rapid Open 2008. This is a team tournament, which comprise of 4 players + 1 reserve and with a time control of 25 min + 10 sec. There will be a 9 rounds swiss system to be played on saturday and sunday (16-17th August 2008). For the last 3 Merdeka Rapid the Philipinos ruled the event. Lets see this year who will lift the challenge trophy! For those who want to catch the event, come and join us at Ballroom Cititel Midvalley Megamall Kuala Lumpur. To know the updates log on to www.gilachess.com

The next exciting event is the Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2008, which schedule on Monday August 18th, till sunday 24th August 2008. I hope more players will come and play in this event and it is good to hear the GMs are playing. Li Chao from China who won last year is expected to take part (he is doing well in the World Junior right now). Our best bet for future Grand Master, IM Mas Hafizul will be doing his best to get his first GM norm. As we all know he was closed to get the norm at Biel last month. He was merely half point short to get the norm.

The next event that most of Blitz player cant wait to play will be the Malaysian Blitz Open 2008. The game will start on 24th August 2008 at noon also in Cititel. Time control will be 3 min + 2 sec.

In between 25th-29th August 2008, there will be a Simul Match with GM Yasser Seirawan of USA (the first time I met him was at Novi Sad, he was quite a nice guy back then).

The last event will be the Merdeka Classical schedule to be on the 30th - 1st Sep 2008 at Kompleks Wilayah Kuala Lumpur. This is a team event with same players as the rapid event but with a 1 hour time control to the finished.

More info visit www.gilachess.com. I think hairulov will also be playing and cover the event too!
I'll try to make it there and updates the fans!

The best of luck to all Malaysian Chess Players!!

Temerloh Open 2008

There will surely be a new champion crowned in this year Temerloh Open 2008. Tournament will kicks off on 16-17th of August 2008 at Dewan Abdullah Kia in Mentakab, Pahang.

A lot of attractive prizes are up for grabs for best players in under age category as well as the best ladies, also not to mention the Champ this year will get to hold RM1,000.

For further info and registration call :

Fazli - 019-9299767

To the players playing there, all the best and good luck!

What Happened?

What happened to my shoutbox? The hot debate there regarding my statement juz vanished!? Wonder what cause this?

Can anyone help me about this?

Regarding No Ladies Team To Germany 2008

All of a sudden my blog has attract visits from chess fans, all becoz of the comments I made about the sms I received from MCF. Well, to nasero and dinovsky. Let me be honest with you guys.

I am merely questioning why no Ladies Team to Olimpiad, juz coz the two are not playing. Is it worth it to leave a mark that in Malaysia only those two are the best. During the years where WIM Audrey Wong and FM Seto Wai Ling was regards the best women players, they too got a special automatic spot in the Malaysian team. But still with their absent, Malaysia send ladies team to the Olimpiad. In which that was the first Olimpiad I took part. And becoz I was considered "NASIB BAIK JE" to qualified and represent Malaysia by the chess people and was young too (I was 15 years old that time), I was placed as Malaysia's fourth board (reserve) player. Oh well, this so called "NASIB BAIK JE" one actually placed no. 8th on the fourh board in the overall ranking in that olimpiad which witness 68 countries taking part in the Women section.

I was schooling, therefore I was more focussed than today. With limited resources (no books, no computers) I studied chess and sparring with my siblings during those school years! I bet Siti and Wani also study hard and concentrate on chess during their school years. No responsibilities yet, so what else to think about! but CHESS! But are they still focus now? Have Siti been playing lately? or how was the score of Wani? (If you guys said that the rest of us is to NO good la...)

May I make a statement here. When I quote the sms from MCF, it is none of my intention I did that juz becoz I wanted to be in the team too. Even if I qualify, I might not make it to Germany, due to my work commitment at home. But why I bother playing again? (After taking a 10 years break from chess. I played again, becoz I missed chess, I like the feeling being surrounded by my chess friends, and to give support to Women in Chess!) My points is that, there are other youngsters out there who is eager to make the country proud if we juz give them the chance to do so. Is it the right thing for not giving them the chance? I too dont have any ratings and never perform well in any local tournaments before, but I surprised everyone and did the best in my Olimpiad, and do my country proud back then.


When I received comments saying that my game is the worst ever, some said I am not worth for the nation, some even said I am too old to play, and there are comments like I was a national player becoz during my years, there are no other players as good as Siti or Wani. Well, to these people. Is it my fault that I was born years earlier compared to those two? For those who said that I am not worth it today, must I be bothered? I had the amazing years, playing with my siblings. Playing for Pahang in Merdeka with juz us in the team. Witness my brother and Sis became the first siblings to be crowned NM and NWM in the same year. I am proud to make upset against Audrey Wong, and helped my Sis once again win the NWM title in the following year. I twice stopped MCF favourite player, Geraldine Johns Putra. Once from winning the 1990 National Closed, and second in the selection to Olimpiad. Not juz that, after I get my NWM title in 1995, in dec that year I played first board for Malaysia. I only lost once from all my games. And I am proud to standing tall at the podium winning the first board bronze medal for Malaysia together with the gold medallist and the world champion Xie Jun! That experience is something that can never be trade. And the horrible comments may break me into tears, but the memories kept me strong to keep on playing chess, and for the sake of Women In Chess!

MCF Says NO to Ladies Team For Olimpiad!

I just got sms from Gregory Lau, MCF Secretary which read as follows :

"The MCF council have decided that we will not be sending the Malaysian Ladies Team to the chess Olimpiad this year due to the absence of our two top player Siti Zulaikha and Nur Shazwani coz of exams during the period. The playoff shall then be cancelled. We apologised for any inconvenience due"

This will be the second time Malaysia is not sending the women's team for the Olimpiad since 1988 chess olimpiad. We missed the 1998 Olimpiad in Elista. And we will miss the coming Olimpiad in Dresden, Germany.

Well, this is what I think :
The news was no surprised to me since they have no intention of sending the Ladies team for Olimpiad ever since they found out that those two can't make it.

If MCF announced that Ladies Team will not be sent to Germany due to financial factor, I would say, it is a usual thing that have been haunting MCF.. as always money is a factor for them.

But, here goes the truth, other Malaysian women's players are to no standard in the eyes of MCF council. Let me repharase that : We are no match to those two, no matter what we achieved along the way we are still at the lowest level, EVER!

Hmmm... so, Malaysian women's chess players... think for yourself!

More News About Kelab Catur Kuantan!

These clippings were taken from local newspaper named "Sinar Harian".

The News!

The event has made the coverage in Pahang local newspaper Sinar Harian.. Check this out!

The Battle!

Sharif Mohd Zaki vs Muhammad Khairil Helmi

Not just it is the last round, but also the last game to finish!

(picture courtesy of En Rosseli)

The Overall Winner..

Congratulations to the newly crowned KUANTAN CHESS MASTER JUNIOR 2008

Muhammad Khairil Helmi Rosseli from SMK Abd Rahman Talib Kuantan, with the total score of 7 points from 7 games! Congrats! He was awarded with Piala Pusingan Setia Kuantan + Trophy Sponsored by Mohamed Store, Hamper sponsored by Dr MA Nair, certificate and RM100.

Second : Wan Ammar Fikri from Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang (6 points)
Third : Sharif Mohd Zaki from SMK Sg Soi (6 points)
Fourth :Izzat Abd Muhaymin from SHAH Pekan (6 points)
Fifth : Rudianto Edi from SMK Paya Besar (6 points)
Sixth : Anis Nasuha Bt Mohd Fekry from SBP Integerasi (6 points)
Seventh : Mohd Faris Najmi from SK Tok Sera (6 points)
Eighth : Yen Min Jun from SMK Tanah Putih (6 points)
Ninth : Muhammad Qhaider from SM Teknik Kuantan (6 Points)
Tenth : Anas Alansari from Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang ( 6 points)
Eleventh : Wan Amiruddin Wan Ghazali from Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang ( 6 points)
Twelveth : Faizin Mohd Shamsuddin from SBP Integrasi (6 points)

Congrats to all the winners!!!

Till we meet again in KUANTAN CHESS MASTERS RAPID JUNIOR 2009!
Then we shall see who will be crowned the next CHESS MASTER!

The Result of Kuantan Chess Masters Rapid Junior 2008

Here goes the result of the event...

U-20B
Champ : Wan Ammar Fikri (Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang)
Second : Rudianto Edi (SMK Paya Besar)
Third : Yen Min Jun (SMK Tanah Putih)
Fourth : Anas Alansari (Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang)
Fifth : Wan Amiruddin Wan Ghazali (Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang)

U-20G
Champ : Kirubananthini A/P Arumugam (SMK Cenderawasih)
Second : Siti Aisyah Zakaria (SMK Lepar Hilir)
Third : Susanti Syamsuddin (SMK Ccenderawasih)
Fourth : Khairunnisa Abd Rahim (Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang)

U-16B
Champ : Muhammad Khairil Helmi Rosseli (SMK Abd Rahman Talib)
Second : Sharif Mohd Zaki (SMK Sg Soi)
Third : Izzat Abdul Muhaymin (SHAH Pekan)
Fourth : Muhammad Qhaider Zulkafli (SM Teknik Kuantan)
Fifth : Faizin Mohd Shamsuddin (SBP Integrasi Kuantan)

U-16G
Champ : Anis Nasuha Mohd Fekry (SBP Integrasi)
Second : Nur Amalina Alyaa Mohd Ridzal (SMK Tengku Panglima Perang)
Third : Nur Saffa Syamimi Semaon (SHAH Pekan)
Fourth : Sh Syahmah Atikah Sy Azmal (SMK Pelabuhan)
Fifth : Syuhada Sulaiman (SMK Paya Besar)

U-12B
Champ : Muhammad Faris Najmi Mohd Shukri (SK Tok Sera)
Second : Nur Muhammad Ridhuan Sakari (Rompin)
Third : Alif Hidayatullah Md Kail (SK Beserah)
Fourth : Ahmad Akmal Mohd Azman (SK Tok Sera)
Fifth : Teh Jay Tee (SRJKC Chung Ching)

U-12G
Champ : Marina Mokhtar (SK (P) Methodist)
Second : Nur Aina Syamimi Nazri (SK Tanah Putih)
Third : Nur Hanini Dzulkarnain (SK Beserah)
Fourth : Aufa Nabila Jafri (SK Sg ISap)
Fifth : Nurzuraiha Mohd Zubir (SK Tanah Putih)

U-9B
Champ : Muhammad Muzakkir Aiman (SK Tanah Putih)
Second : Kirenraj Subhas Baghar (SK Galing)
Third : Mohd Fatih Samsul Anuar (SK Tok Sera)
Fourth : Mohd Yunus Mohd Zawawi (SK Tanah Putih)
Fifth : Muhd Ajay Raul Muhd Manoj (SK Tok Sera)

U-9G
Champ : Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman (SK Teruntum)
Second : Nurhasya Mohd Fakri (SK Mat Kilau)
Third : Taarini Mohan (SK (P) Methodist)
Fourth : Nur Khalisa Bidin (SK Beserah)
Fifth : Wan Akmal Nazirah (SK Tunku Azizah)

Kuantan Chess Masters Rapid Junior 2008

Wow... it was a tiring day for all of us... Well, sunday 29th June 2008 marked a history in Kuantan for all Kuantan chess fans!

A total 242 players turn up for the event, well actually 243 paid and register buat later on sms me that he couldn't participate due to illness on that day..

This was actually officially a second tournament that I organised. The first was Kuantan Master 2007. And this year, again Kuantan Chess Masters Rapid Junior 2008!. But for this year event it was held under Kelab Catur Kuantan.

Kelab Catur Kuantan was formed in February this year, aiming at producing more chess activities in Kuantan, and more talents to arise from it. And to me I am more interested to produce more quality games in the future, so that we too have the equal talent same like other states. That is my pure intention..

Ok, back to the game.. though we are short of volunteers, but we manage to hold the event well. Of course with the big tourney like that, there are hiccups. We apologies to all the players, the parents, the teachers and the audience for the delay of round one, and the mistakes that happened after the final round. Please accept our sincere apology, kindly accept we are "buah cempedak di luar pagar". However we promise to make a better tournaments soon.. and a much better tournaments after that... Because we too are seeking for perfection in each event!

Since this is our first event under Kelab, we decided that Junior event is a perfect event to start with. We are aiming at any juniors in or outside Kuantan to take part! Our special thanks to those coming from outside Kuantan for the event - kids from Rompin, Muadzam Shah, Pekan, Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang jalan Gambang, Lepar Hilir and one player from UPM Bintulu on a holiday in Kuantan. Local players were also appreciated for participating, and for making it a big event too!

The event was organised by Kelab Catur Kuantan in collaboration with SMK Paya Besar, and SK Tok Sera. Our thanks to both schools. The venue was held at SMK Paya Besar. Our deepest appreciation to Pn Hajah Hatijah Gan Abdullah, Pn Asmaiani, Pn Zalina, Pn Rohani, and En Roslan. Without all of them, this would never be a dream come true! Our Appreciation also goes to En Abd Razak from PPD Kuantan for officiated the closing ceremony.

The chief arbiter for the event is Cikgu Fadzilah, helped with pairings by En Muhammad Arshad from Terengganu. The other arbiters were, En Mohd Khair, En Fakhrul , En Suhaimi (Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang), En Meer Ahmad Bazli, En Nordin, and CIkgu Robil. Helpers for the event also did a good job in helping us through out the event, my students, Kirubananthini, Susanti, Mohd Hanis, Mohd Haris, Mohd Aslam, Umairah Natasya, Nurwani, and the wonderful Miss Suhaili Sulaiman (you'll make a good arbiter one day), also, helpers from SMK Paya Besar.

Since we don't have enough sets, we have to separate the event in 2 groups. One group playing for U-20 and below, and the other one group will be competing in the U-9 category. For Group One the prizes will also be given to top five Boys and Girls for U-20, U-16 and U-12. The reason why I wanted to have an open event like this, is that I wanted to see the capabilities of these young talents competing with the olders players. Coz, chess is not just for certain age group of people, chess is for all! genius or not they can still compete and play! And I see the talents of U-12 kids actually standing tall with U-20 boys and there isn;t a huge gap separating them.

The favourites for the U-20 event before the start of the round will be Muhammad Khairil Helmi, Sharif Mohd Zaki, Teh Jay Kie and Rudianto, as to me these are the players that always conquer the local events.. But surprisingly the likes of other undiscover talents really make a mark in this event! Only 2 players survive the upset by the unknown players, they are Muhammad Khairil Helmi, and Sharif Mohd Zaki, and they both battled in the final round. If they drew, the champ will be decided by tie-breaks since both of them had the same score, if Muhammad Khairil Helmi won he will win the title of "KUANTAN MASTER JUNIOR 2008"...

Kuantan Chess Masters Rapid Junior 2008

To all chess lovers in Kuantan and outside Kuantan, aged 20 below! There will be a chess tournament in Kuantan. Below are the details...

Date : 29th June 2008 (Sunday)

Time : 7.45 - 8.30 check in Round 1 starts at 8.30am

Venue : SMK Paya Besar

Prizes : Top 5 for U-20, U-16, U-12 and U-9 boys and girls will receive medals and certificates of achievement. The overall winner will be crowned KUANTAN JUNIOR CHAMP and will received special prize that will be announced later at the tournament hall.

To register and further info please call:

Khairunnisa' - 019-9699879
En Kamal Azmi - 019-9282787
En Nordin - 012-9017143
Pn Nurul - 016-9334088
Pn Asmaiani - 016-9305815

CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATION : 26TH JUNE 2008 (THURSDAY)

National Closed 2008

From Melaka, I headed to KL for the National Closed event which was held at Kompleks Wilayah from 31st May 2008 to 4th June 2008.

And again this year we will see the new National Master (NM) and National Woman Master (NWM) title holder. Whatever the circumstances, I respect the NM and NWM title holder, becoz they fought hard for the title and they deserved it. These is Malaysian Champion for the year!

For as long as I could remember, I played in few National Closed (1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 2005, 2007 and 2008). My first National Closed was in 1990 held at IYC, KL. In which that was the first National Closed for women. The champ at that time was IWM Audrey Wong. Unfortunately for her there was no trophy, so, her name wasn;t crafted at the current trophy. I can still remember, the leader at that tournament was Geraldine Johns Putra. She made an upset and won against Audrey Wong. She was so closed into becoming the champion. But in the last round, she need a win so bad, coz if she drew, Audrey might be the champ coz the points are the same. Geraldine vs me in the last round. I think I did ask her for a draw, coz, it was an endgame fight where we only had, one King, a Bishop and 2 pawns (I think). But she made a blunder during time trouble moments, and I won the game. That time, I was the one that stopped the champ. I denied her the title that has been long her wish that time. She cried, but I am happy. Coz with that win, I am qualify to play in the Selection for 1990 Olimpiad. If I could still remember, in the selection Nurul Huda, Geraldine, Eliza Hanum, Ong Hwa Lu and me are playing. I think there are others competing but I can't recalled. 3 players were selected from the selection and one chosen by MCF. Fortunately for me I won the selection and automatically qualify.

Ok ok enough about me.. :-))

Lets welcome to the new NM Edward Lee, and NWM Alia Anin Azwa Bakri. Welcome to the family of NMs and NWMs!

For results kindly visit http://www.gilachess.com/2008/06/04/national-closed-2008-results/
and http://www.gilachess.com/2008/06/11/womens-national-championship-results/

both players only needed a draw in the last round to emerge the champion.

MSSM Melaka 2008

The last MSSM that I went and watched was the MSSM in Arau, Perlis. Which was dated back in 1995. It is so happened that the MSSM was held next to my College.

Then this year MSSM! I have been to Melaka before, but this is the first time that I actually enjoying myself there. I am only there for the last two days of MSSM. Too many places to go and see... the Zoo, Taman Mini Malaysia, Banda Hilir, the ship, famosa, Taming Sari, etc.. I didn't managed visits all the places but to at least see some of it, was a dream come true! Thanks to Haslindah, for the trip. To Pn Beulah, to En Bakri and family, thank you for making it a pleasant trip there. Thanks to all the Teachers that welcomed us there. To the KL contingent, to the Selangor contingent (nice to see my second cousins also there and witness her daughter win the U-12G title) thank you too.

I am afraid of height, but it is now or never! And who would have thought, I managed to climb the A Famosa... :-)) and try looking down the hill and take the picture of beautiful sunset.. Not to mentioned, we take a ride in the Taming Sari, and looking down at Melaka town from 80 feet above!! So, people out there, FEAR IS NOT THE FACTOR FOR ME!

But we are on official visits for the MSSM and sadly, we didn't have the chance to actually see the games, coz we are not allowed to be inside the hall... So, we didn't get to see the players in action, only the faces of joy and tears when they come out.

Surprisingly all the top players that I mentioned were in a 50-50 situation managed to retain the champion title. Well, I guess the others will have to come up with a new startegy after this! Coz, these players sure have the determination to make the title theirs despite of losing to other players in previous round.

Congrats to all the winners. I don't have the results with me, but I shall write the ones that I know and can remember. (the closing ceremony was chaotic, and seems unproper, I don't catch the full results read by the emcee)

U-12G champ was Nur Nabila from Selangor, Fairuz Hamiza was in second place.

But surprise, surprise.. the Team Champ for U-12G was Kelantan!! The surprise talents emerged from the east coast. If they are reading this, my wish is that the girls keep on playing in and outside Kelantan. And surprise us again in the next years to come.

U-12B was won by none other than Yeoh Li Tian. He was undefeated.

U-15G was won by the one and only Alia Anin Azwa Bakri (pearl of Melaka chess), few one more round to go, she is the clear champ.

U-15B was won by Edward Lee from Selangor. Sumant was no. 3 in the final list.

U-18G was won by Fong Mi Yen from Perak.

U-18B was won by Anas Nazreen Bakri. Clearly his lost to Terengganu boy in previous round didn't stop the final triumph he made to win the next rounds and grab the title. Silver and bronze medallist was from Terengganu. Muhd Syazwan Zulkifli, and Abdul Kadir Jalani.

More news http://mssmkl.blogspot.com/2008/05/kuala-lumpur-johan-keseluruhan-2008.html

MSSM 2008

MSSM this year is hosted by MSSM Melaka. Held at Ayer Keroh D'Village Resort as the main venue of the event. The games which started from 23rd May to 29th May 2008, attract some unexpecting results from the players at all age levels.

Favourites like, FM Anas Nazreen (U-18B), Nur Nabila (U-12G) suffered loss in the fifth rounds to players from Muhd Syazwan - Terengganu and Ng Jing Jia - Penang. Which makes the title open for grab!

Team like Kelantan U-12G unexpected results by being the leader of the team event, makes us wonder, would there still be hidden talent out there waiting to be discovered!

Clear champs before the final rounds started tomorrow, are Fong Mi Yen (U-18G) from Perak, Alia (U-15G) from Melaka,

Meanwhile Fairuz Hamizah (Kedah), Ng Jing Jia (Penang), and Nabila (Selangor) are tied with 5 points each for the title of U-12G.

U-18B, Anas and Justin Ong (KL) both with 5 points each will be fighting for the title tomorrow. While both Terengganu players will be fighting for a spot too on the podium.

U-15B, Edward Lee from Selangor leading with 5.5, followed closely with Sumant (Pahang) and Izz (KL) with 5 points.

U-12B, Favourite Yeoh Li Tian (Selangor) is a sole leader with 6 points, while Elgin Lee (Penang) and Mohd Aziz Farhan (KL) with 5 points behind the leader.

For the first time since 2003 MSSM we witness the team event for all categories played.

For U-18B, Johor is leading the pack with 11 Match point, Selangor - 9 Match point, and Penang next.

U-15B, Johor (11MP), Selangor (9MP), Penang (8MP)

U-12B, KL leading (11 MP), Penang (9MP), Selangor (9MP)

U-12G, Kelantan (10MP), Kedah (9MP), KL (8MP)

U-15G, Selangor (11MP), KL (10MP), Johor (9MP)

I just arrived from Kuantan to be here at Melaka, just to see for myself how the event went on. For further result.. stay tuned!