Tomorrow, UMP ladies vs UiTM and UiTM guys vs UiTM. And both UMP are in ranked 5 currently. For both of them, if won 4-0 the chances of bronze medal is there... Sounds impossible huh?! But believe me, I have been there and I have done that... I believe it is not over until it is over, therefore, no retreat no surrender!
(still smiling over Malaysian ladies victory in the last round against Uzbekistan during the Asian Team chess championship, because of the upset, we got bronze!)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
MASUM 2010 - Updates Round 28/5/2010
UMP ladies in round 3 vs UDM ladies. They could have won by at least 3-1. But somehow, the mistake of illegal move on board 3 was claimed after the clock was press on the opponent side. The arbiter cikgu Suhairi ruled that my girl lost the game. Ok la.. so far the score was 2-1 in favour of UDM. I am waiting patiently for the board 2 to finished the game. And in the time trouble, my girl made an illegal move and so does her opponent. At the timing of 1 seconds to finish, the opponent made the claim. I was there, fighting hard for my girl, coz i knew at her condition she is blurr at that point where the opponent illegally capture her queen. UMP won the illegal move battle. To me it is a fair and square fight, since one battle on illegal move claimed was lost by us.
In the Round 4 of the Men's team - UMP lost to UPSI. I wonder why? as if it seems that they havent play chess before. They got a really "big" lecture from me and Zarul last night, hoping that today they wont make the same mistakes. UMP will be playing against a weaker team from UMK who only gained 1 point so far. I dont mind them losing their games as long as they play the best. But the best is not by losing to a simple trick of checkmate or worst giving piece for free. And the "best" thing is - it is not a 50 marks puzzle!
Today, in round 4 UMP ladies will play against UUM. To get the bronze medal, they have to thrash UUM by at least 3-1. But i think all hope dash coz juz now, when i left the hall and wrote this the ladies were playing badly. The guys looks like they going to win, but the play is so terrible!
The leader of the tournament on the Ladies are : UM with (9.5), second - fourth with 7.5 goes to UDM, UITM, and UIA while UMP with 7 points behind the top 4. UM looks convincing to win the title again this year.
The battle of the title was intensed yesterday when UM (11) was paired against UIA (10), winner of the round will definitely be the champion. And it looks like UM will lift the title again with the remaining 3 rounds to go, they were in a comfortable spot. UM won with 2.5 to 1.5. The battle of the day was between Muhd Syazwan (UM) against Fadzil Nayan (UIA).
More news you can visit here.
In the Round 4 of the Men's team - UMP lost to UPSI. I wonder why? as if it seems that they havent play chess before. They got a really "big" lecture from me and Zarul last night, hoping that today they wont make the same mistakes. UMP will be playing against a weaker team from UMK who only gained 1 point so far. I dont mind them losing their games as long as they play the best. But the best is not by losing to a simple trick of checkmate or worst giving piece for free. And the "best" thing is - it is not a 50 marks puzzle!
Today, in round 4 UMP ladies will play against UUM. To get the bronze medal, they have to thrash UUM by at least 3-1. But i think all hope dash coz juz now, when i left the hall and wrote this the ladies were playing badly. The guys looks like they going to win, but the play is so terrible!
The leader of the tournament on the Ladies are : UM with (9.5), second - fourth with 7.5 goes to UDM, UITM, and UIA while UMP with 7 points behind the top 4. UM looks convincing to win the title again this year.
The battle of the title was intensed yesterday when UM (11) was paired against UIA (10), winner of the round will definitely be the champion. And it looks like UM will lift the title again with the remaining 3 rounds to go, they were in a comfortable spot. UM won with 2.5 to 1.5. The battle of the day was between Muhd Syazwan (UM) against Fadzil Nayan (UIA).
More news you can visit here.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
MASUM 2010 - Updates of UMP players
A sad beginning for UMP.. the first round both Men and Women team were paired against UIA Men and UM Ladies. Both are top seed in their group. The UMP (M) was thrashed 4-0 by the UIA and the UMP (W) lost 3-1 to UM.
On the second round the Women team managed to bounce back on track with a 4-0 wins against UPNM (Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia). While the boys won against USIM 3.5-0.5. It should be clean victory but one player made a terrible blunder, I was going to get upset to him and waited patiently for the game to finish to get mad, but I cool down and laughing hard when he told me later on that he got a draw instead when his opponent gave him a stalemate (lucky boy!).
The third round pairings are :
Men's Team :
UKM (6.5) - UM (7)
UPM (6) - UIA (6.5)
USM (5.5) - UITM (5)
UDM (4) - UPSI (3.5)
UMP (3.5) - UUM (3.5)
UNIMAP (2) - UPNM (2.5)
UMK (0) - USIM (0.5)
Women's Team :
UIA (6.5) - UM (6.5)
UDM (5.5) - UMP (5)
UUM (4) - UKM (4.5)
UITM (3.5) - UPSI (4)
UPM (2.5) - USIM (2)
UPNM (O) BYE
On the second round the Women team managed to bounce back on track with a 4-0 wins against UPNM (Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia). While the boys won against USIM 3.5-0.5. It should be clean victory but one player made a terrible blunder, I was going to get upset to him and waited patiently for the game to finish to get mad, but I cool down and laughing hard when he told me later on that he got a draw instead when his opponent gave him a stalemate (lucky boy!).
The third round pairings are :
Men's Team :
UKM (6.5) - UM (7)
UPM (6) - UIA (6.5)
USM (5.5) - UITM (5)
UDM (4) - UPSI (3.5)
UMP (3.5) - UUM (3.5)
UNIMAP (2) - UPNM (2.5)
UMK (0) - USIM (0.5)
Women's Team :
UIA (6.5) - UM (6.5)
UDM (5.5) - UMP (5)
UUM (4) - UKM (4.5)
UITM (3.5) - UPSI (4)
UPM (2.5) - USIM (2)
UPNM (O) BYE
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sukan Antara Universiti (MASUM) 2010
As a chess coach for Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), I should be with my students at MASUM. I wasnt with them for the last 2 years - at Unimas Sabah and UUM Kedah. Therefore luckily this year my leave is approved! And I am able to be here at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The game will on from 26th May - 30th May at USIM Bilik Kuliah Sederhana FKP.
There will be 11 Uni participating for women team, and 14 Uni for men team. You can check out here.
Hopefully my UMP students will perform this time. Last year the women team missed the bronze medal. When they lost the final round to UM. However, the best board prize for third board was won. At least there's something to bring back home.
There will be 11 Uni participating for women team, and 14 Uni for men team. You can check out here.
Hopefully my UMP students will perform this time. Last year the women team missed the bronze medal. When they lost the final round to UM. However, the best board prize for third board was won. At least there's something to bring back home.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Rosazman Mat Rosley
Read an interesting article by former Malay Mail chess columnist - Lim Chong here. Finally someone out there still remember him!
For the readers info, Rosazman came from a place consider a remote area back in the 80s (LKTP Jengka Dua Pahang). It was a surprise to everyone this small boy can match the adults! And yes, Rosazman was the biggest sensation at that time, at the age of 9-10 years he made headlines in Petak 64 chess column winning many tournaments. He always seen with his best buddies at that time, Yusjefri Anwar. He was already a star when I started my chess, but a kid is always a kid, I can still remember his face, and his passion for chess. He got this big dream about chess, and he knew it is impossible to achieve that considering that his fight in chess is all alone without any support.
As far as I know, his parent is not a chess player, he is the only one in the family that play chess. But the most interesting fact that, he first saw the game being played in school and just by a glance he knew the moves. One teacher (I think Cikgu Robil) spotted his talent and stories just moves on from there. He started entering chess competitions in Kuantan and in Kuala Lumpur, because there was support on his chess career back then. But when the support stops, so does his chess.
He kept on continuing playing at MSS level and qualify to every MSSM ever held since he was 9! He still play chess but only for sparring friendly, not competitively anymore. I saw him way back in 1996 in Sukan Antara Kampus where he play for ITM Pahang. Then later on, saw him again in a game in Felda Jengka. The last time I heard he is in Temerloh, working there.
I still think it is a pity to lose a talent like that. To have such a young chess talent in Malaysia, it only comes once in every... hmm.. a decade perhaps? We have next Mas Hafizul.. then years later we have Yeoh Li Tian.. then.. when? Who is next?
For the readers info, Rosazman came from a place consider a remote area back in the 80s (LKTP Jengka Dua Pahang). It was a surprise to everyone this small boy can match the adults! And yes, Rosazman was the biggest sensation at that time, at the age of 9-10 years he made headlines in Petak 64 chess column winning many tournaments. He always seen with his best buddies at that time, Yusjefri Anwar. He was already a star when I started my chess, but a kid is always a kid, I can still remember his face, and his passion for chess. He got this big dream about chess, and he knew it is impossible to achieve that considering that his fight in chess is all alone without any support.
As far as I know, his parent is not a chess player, he is the only one in the family that play chess. But the most interesting fact that, he first saw the game being played in school and just by a glance he knew the moves. One teacher (I think Cikgu Robil) spotted his talent and stories just moves on from there. He started entering chess competitions in Kuantan and in Kuala Lumpur, because there was support on his chess career back then. But when the support stops, so does his chess.
He kept on continuing playing at MSS level and qualify to every MSSM ever held since he was 9! He still play chess but only for sparring friendly, not competitively anymore. I saw him way back in 1996 in Sukan Antara Kampus where he play for ITM Pahang. Then later on, saw him again in a game in Felda Jengka. The last time I heard he is in Temerloh, working there.
I still think it is a pity to lose a talent like that. To have such a young chess talent in Malaysia, it only comes once in every... hmm.. a decade perhaps? We have next Mas Hafizul.. then years later we have Yeoh Li Tian.. then.. when? Who is next?
Calling Pahang Players to National Closed 2010
It is unfortunate for Pahang not being able to hold any Pahang Closed. Persatuan did make proposals but things are not working out well like what they expected. Last night at 9pm meetings were held among the Persatuan committee member regarding the issue on the matter. And all the members agreed that Persatuan will make full use of the quota given to Persatuan Catur Daerah Kuantan (as we are affiliate to MCF) by MCF.
Take note, Persatuan will only do all the registration for the respective players BUT will NOT cover any expenses along the length of stay and the duration of the said National Closed. For players to represent Pahang, the player must be born in Pahang and/or must be a permanent resident in Pahang (either working, schooling, etc) for more than 6 months. If one who isnt born in Pahang and currently working in other states but can shown proof that he/she together with his/her family is from Pahang, has been living in Pahang for the entire life and was schooling in Pahang, he or she too can be considered and shorlisted.
To be shorlisted, kindly forward a formal application letter to :
En Nordin Mat Yamin
Honorary Secretary
Persatuan Catur Daerah Kuantan
No 16 Lorong Berjaya Permai 8
Taman Berjaya Permai
25150 Kuantan Pahang
To inquire more kindly contact En Nordin at 012-9017143.
Kindly state in the letter the participant name and I/C no, together with FIDE ratings and/or National Ratings (if any), also any past and current achievements in chess tournaments. Closing date will be on the 1st June 2010.
National Closed 2010 will be held on 16th June - 20th June at UKM Bangi. This an annual FIDE rated event to crown the new National Master (NM) and the National Women Master (NWM). Time control will be 90 min + 30 seconds increment from move 1, with a 9 rounds swiss system for play. The NM will receive RM1000 as the champion and NWM will receive RM600.
Take note, Persatuan will only do all the registration for the respective players BUT will NOT cover any expenses along the length of stay and the duration of the said National Closed. For players to represent Pahang, the player must be born in Pahang and/or must be a permanent resident in Pahang (either working, schooling, etc) for more than 6 months. If one who isnt born in Pahang and currently working in other states but can shown proof that he/she together with his/her family is from Pahang, has been living in Pahang for the entire life and was schooling in Pahang, he or she too can be considered and shorlisted.
To be shorlisted, kindly forward a formal application letter to :
En Nordin Mat Yamin
Honorary Secretary
Persatuan Catur Daerah Kuantan
No 16 Lorong Berjaya Permai 8
Taman Berjaya Permai
25150 Kuantan Pahang
To inquire more kindly contact En Nordin at 012-9017143.
Kindly state in the letter the participant name and I/C no, together with FIDE ratings and/or National Ratings (if any), also any past and current achievements in chess tournaments. Closing date will be on the 1st June 2010.
National Closed 2010 will be held on 16th June - 20th June at UKM Bangi. This an annual FIDE rated event to crown the new National Master (NM) and the National Women Master (NWM). Time control will be 90 min + 30 seconds increment from move 1, with a 9 rounds swiss system for play. The NM will receive RM1000 as the champion and NWM will receive RM600.
MSS Pahang Centralised Training 28 May-5 Jun 2010
Just found out about this from a friend that Pahang will definitely have a centralised training for the MSSM squad held on the 28th May - 5 June 2010 at SMK Bera, Triang. While MSSM will take place at Perlis (i heard that it is going to be held at Putra Palace hotel) on the 6th June - 12th June 2010.
The latest news about the total Players going are - all the top 6 from all categories will be going to MSSM! so, all the rumours about only top 4 or top 2 are all false! They will be accompanied by 11 teachers who acted at chess coaches, arbiters for the tournament, chaperon, team manager and technical officer for the Pahang Team.
All the best to the players. If I may give a piece of advise (the same advise I gave to all my students), try to get the 50% score this time. Fight like there is no tomorrow. Play till the last seconds remaining. And, even if you lose the game - never mind, as long as you have gave it all the best you can (losing with dignity).
The latest news about the total Players going are - all the top 6 from all categories will be going to MSSM! so, all the rumours about only top 4 or top 2 are all false! They will be accompanied by 11 teachers who acted at chess coaches, arbiters for the tournament, chaperon, team manager and technical officer for the Pahang Team.
All the best to the players. If I may give a piece of advise (the same advise I gave to all my students), try to get the 50% score this time. Fight like there is no tomorrow. Play till the last seconds remaining. And, even if you lose the game - never mind, as long as you have gave it all the best you can (losing with dignity).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Anand Did It Again!!!
(**picture above taken from chessbase.com)I am totally sleepy at this moment, but my heart tells me I need to watch the last game (game 12) of the World Chess Championship between Vishwanathan Anand and Vesselin Topalov. And so I did. And yeay! Anand won, and he retains the World title!!!! And he won the last game using Black!
I am rooting for Anand to win the title since I am much fond about his game than Topalov (maybe coz I can understand a little, I mean a little about his chess moves compared to Topalov) and besides his attitude "I am here juz to play chess" to me is a humble statement.
The game has been played since 24th April and juz ended today 11th May 2010 (with a 12 game match, if the game is indecisive after game 12, game 13 in rapid time will be played), after a much controversial one day late start of the event due to the volcano eruption in Iceland that affects Anand's arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria to get on with the match.
And when Anand (as Black) lost to Topalov in the first round, not juz me but the whole of the chess fans was surprise at it! But on game 2, Anand (as white) take charged and won the game. And it is a tie now. But on game 4, Anand make full use of the blunder made by Topalov to secure a win (also using White), and by winning this game, the match is now fun coz all the fans will be watching closely how Topalov gonna break Anand's shield. From game 5 - 7 it was a hard fought drawn (according to Sofia Rule - no mutual draw is accepted, unless the game is actually drawn), it was very interesting when Anand for many times refused for a tripple repetition draw but instead opted to play for a win.
But on game 8 (and I was up watching the online match!) Anand made an endgame blunder and he lost! making the game now a tie for both parties.. After this I have been watching the game 9 to 11 with the hope for Anand to win (too tired to stay up is the main reason), but the hopes fade coz all ended in a draw. Everyone online was talking that game 12 will also ended in a draw at the beginning and force the game into rapid play next, but to me no matter how good Anand can be in rapid, but a GM (no wait! a super-GM) up against another GM is not an easy task.
In game 12, when I saw Anand played 24...Bd3, I said hey, this could be something, as I saw how powerful that Bishop could be later on controlling the diagonal a8-h1 plus the centre from the distance, not to mention the power of Rook controlling the d-file (wow! who would have thought I could read that!), I knew with pressure anyone can make mistake. And with pressure Topalov did make a weak move on move 32.
Though with one Rook and one Knight played against one Queen of Anand, I dont think Anand will let go the winning chances. At move 56, with a reluctant heart (I bet he is in that mood), Topalov resign....
And yeay!!! Hail King Anand! But thanks to both players for making it a worth while for the past weeks to stay up watching the game, trying hard to analyse the moves made by them and getting frustrated too when cant even understand what they are trying to do. Thanks again guys!
News and report can be found at www.chessbase.com and www.chessvibes.com
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Exciting Weekend indeed!
This weekend is sure going to be a very exciting weekend indeed! with 3 tournaments held at different places at the same time!
First - Mustari Dungun 2010 will kick off this Friday till Saturday (14th - 15th May 2010)
Second - De Laguna Open will be a one day event (15th May 2010)
Third - On Sunday (16th May 2010), DATCC Sizzling Rapid will end the weekend tournament
Lets all join the tournament!
First - Mustari Dungun 2010 will kick off this Friday till Saturday (14th - 15th May 2010)
Second - De Laguna Open will be a one day event (15th May 2010)
Third - On Sunday (16th May 2010), DATCC Sizzling Rapid will end the weekend tournament
Lets all join the tournament!
De Laguna Open 15th May 2010
**and this email received from Fadli Zakaria for the event that started this Saturday 15th May 2010**
DATCC Sizzling Rapid Event this 16th May 2010
**the same thing happened to this email I received from En Najib Wahab regarding the coming event on the 16th May in DATCC Kompleks Wilayah Kuala Lumpur. My apology also**A Reminder for Mustari Open on 14 - 15 May 2010
**While browsing and cleaning up my spam box, found this email from En. Muhammad Arshad regarding the this Dungun Open event that was mentioned before by the organiser En. Norazmi Mohd Nor. My apology for not noticed this sooner... **
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Farewell Florencio Campomanes...
Here is the pic taken in August last year during dinner at Malaysian Chess Festival at Midvalley Cititel Hotel. I had my wish (last wish) to take pic with him at that time. The first time I saw him he was still the FIDE President giving speech at the 29th Chess Olimpiad at Novi Sad, Yugoslavia back in 1990. At the dinner he was friendly towards all of us.He left us on the 3rd May 2010 at the age of 83 years old.
As the former FIDE president (held the post for 13 years until 1995 Kirsan Ilyumzhinov takes over) he will surely be missed by all and I think that will include us too (Malaysians) that has always welcomed him here (he was at closing ceremony of last year DATCC Chess Team event too).
Rest in peace Mr Campo.....
(more stories read it at here )
TELOK GONG Pro -Am CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 ( 4th JULY 2010 )
This is from the sms and email I received from En Azhar Mohd Said (a very active chess supporter and organiser) regarding a chess tournament at Telok Gong.
And it is interesting too becoz, both Amateur Player and Above 1701 National Rating Player will get the chance to compete in their own category of prizes!! Great huh?!
So chess lovers, get ready yourself for 4th July!
Catur Terbuka Mustari 2010
I received info from En Norazmi regarding the tourney that will be held on next Friday and Saturday (14th - 15th May) called Catur Terbuka Mustari that will be held at Blok 8, UiTM Dungun. And this is a good news to all East Coast chess lovers, becoz according to the organiser, this tournament is open to all East Coast Players ONLY!
It will be in a 7 rounds swiss system, with a time control of 30 min + 15 sec increment to finish. Tie break will use Solkoff and SB, PE and Cumulative.
Registration will start at 9am - 10am. While round 1 will kick off at 10.30am.
Champ will receive - RM500, Second - RM400, Third - RM300, Fourth - RM200, Fifth - RM100, and Sixth - Tenth will receive RM50 each. There will also be prizes (RM30 each) for 2 Best University players, 2 Best U-18, 2 Best U-12, and 2 Best Ladies.
Registration fee RM 10 for IPT/Primary/Secondary School, RM15 for Terangganu Players, and RM20 for others.
Any queries kindly call - En Norazmi at 012-5560460.
It will be in a 7 rounds swiss system, with a time control of 30 min + 15 sec increment to finish. Tie break will use Solkoff and SB, PE and Cumulative.
Registration will start at 9am - 10am. While round 1 will kick off at 10.30am.
Champ will receive - RM500, Second - RM400, Third - RM300, Fourth - RM200, Fifth - RM100, and Sixth - Tenth will receive RM50 each. There will also be prizes (RM30 each) for 2 Best University players, 2 Best U-18, 2 Best U-12, and 2 Best Ladies.
Registration fee RM 10 for IPT/Primary/Secondary School, RM15 for Terangganu Players, and RM20 for others.
Any queries kindly call - En Norazmi at 012-5560460.
MSS Pahang 2010
MSSP which started on Monday 3/5/2010 was juz ended today (5/5/2010) and it was held at Cameron Highlands. Alhamdullillah, Kuantan squad managed to pull at 24 players for each category that was contested (Kudos to PT Kuantan, Puan Norinah). Here goes the brief result courtesy by sms courtesy from En Asman who was giving support to his daughter.
U-18B :
Champ - Sumant Subramaniam
Second - Muhd Khairilhelmi
Third - Shazmie
Fourth - Liau Zhen Kang
Fifth - Umar Mukhtar
Sixth - Foo Wai Sing
U-18G :
Champ - Nor Syahirah
Second - Anis Nasuha
Third - Grace Kuppa
Fourth - Tan Wen Leng
Fifth - Izzatun Amirah
Sixth - Awnie Azzahra
U-15B :
Champ - M. Hafiz Aiman
Second - M. Ameersyah Adhwa
Third - Chai Sze Quan
Fourth - Tay Shan Wei
Fifth - Amirul Azwan
Sixth - A.Aiman
U-15G :
CHamp - Sarika Subramaniam
Second - Effah Fazera
Third - Nur Aina Syamimi
Fourth - Sayidatul Aisyah
Fifth - Nurul Izzati
Sixth - Ho Ying Rou
U-12B :
Champ - Shreyes Subramaniam
Second - Mannajah
Third - M. Alamin
Fourth - Zaib Hamizi
Fifth - Muhd Naim
Sixth - Kuhan Ganesan
U-12G :
Champ - Nurjannah
Second - Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman
Third - Amira
Fourth - Nur Athirah
Fifth - S.Kausal
Sixth - Nurul Ain
I have heard from one of the parent, this year MSSM only top 4 will be chosen to represent Pahang. I wonder why not top 6 like last year? or has the format change? Hope someone can clarify this matter.
Congrats to the winner! Hope you guys are the hope to make Pahang proud!
U-18B :
Champ - Sumant Subramaniam
Second - Muhd Khairilhelmi
Third - Shazmie
Fourth - Liau Zhen Kang
Fifth - Umar Mukhtar
Sixth - Foo Wai Sing
U-18G :
Champ - Nor Syahirah
Second - Anis Nasuha
Third - Grace Kuppa
Fourth - Tan Wen Leng
Fifth - Izzatun Amirah
Sixth - Awnie Azzahra
U-15B :
Champ - M. Hafiz Aiman
Second - M. Ameersyah Adhwa
Third - Chai Sze Quan
Fourth - Tay Shan Wei
Fifth - Amirul Azwan
Sixth - A.Aiman
U-15G :
CHamp - Sarika Subramaniam
Second - Effah Fazera
Third - Nur Aina Syamimi
Fourth - Sayidatul Aisyah
Fifth - Nurul Izzati
Sixth - Ho Ying Rou
U-12B :
Champ - Shreyes Subramaniam
Second - Mannajah
Third - M. Alamin
Fourth - Zaib Hamizi
Fifth - Muhd Naim
Sixth - Kuhan Ganesan
U-12G :
Champ - Nurjannah
Second - Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman
Third - Amira
Fourth - Nur Athirah
Fifth - S.Kausal
Sixth - Nurul Ain
I have heard from one of the parent, this year MSSM only top 4 will be chosen to represent Pahang. I wonder why not top 6 like last year? or has the format change? Hope someone can clarify this matter.
Congrats to the winner! Hope you guys are the hope to make Pahang proud!
Friday, April 23, 2010
MSSD Kuantan 19-22 April 2010
I am too busy with work plus my camera is longer working (when can i get new one), that i couldnt make any reports on the MSSD Kuantan that was held from monday till thursday. The participants for this year is more (about 500 plus participants in total) compared to last year ( i guess, last year was held in haste). I had few students competing, and when few of them failed to qualify, somehow i felt sad, wish that i could have done more.. now where did I go wrong...
I dont have the results with me, nor did i ever come close to the playing area, (juz watch the game from afar) afraid that i might cause controversy or something.. besides, i am juz there for chess, not to cause any stir.
U-12 G champ and U-12 B champ was undisputed with a perfect 7/7 score. They are Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman and Kuhan Ganesan. The second place in the U-12 B goes to Meor Airil Rahimi Ayib Rosdi.. I was impressed with this 9 years old kid, he played like a 12 years old! It is good that the parents fight with the school to get him to play in MSSD, coz in some certain school here in Kuantan only those ages 10 above are allowed to play for the school. I am not sure why...
Based from few chit chat at the MSSD, not many noticed that Airil is actually 9!
U-15 G and U-15 B champs was predicted. Effah Fazera who was the champ last 2 years before managed to clinch the title from her closed rival Nur Izzati. While Mohd Ameersyah Adhwa won the Boys section with such ease! I met this boy a day before the MSSD took place, and surprisingly he has a lot of potential to offer. I wish i met him when he was in primary school.. but it is never too late, even myself started at a teenage years in chess too!
U-18G and U-18 B section..based on my observation, in this section, there were gaps between those who is actually good in chess and those who is not so good. And it came clearer when in U-18 B all 4 reps from the same school were placed 1-4th! U-18B champ goes to Muhd Khairilhelmi and U-18G champ goes to MRSM schoolgirl!
I wish that i could get the chess notation (scoresheet) of the MSSD Kuantan so that I could make a database and futher study of the standard performances and share it with all the school that interested to improve their students. This is juz my small contribution to chess before one day i finally say farewell..
(Met with Cikgu Robil yesterday, i noticed that he doesnt look so well. He told me that he suffered a stroke attack months back and it paralyse his left side. He is under medication and physiotheraphy. Hope he gets well soon, coz I do know there a lot of teachers out there who is still counting on him)
MSSP is schedule to be held on the 2-6th May 2010 at Sek Keb Brinchang in Cameron Highlands. At this moment the sad news is, there were no budgets to send players there (I overheard this from Cikgu Norinah - PT Kuantan). But i think there are many Kuantan parents will send their kids there.
Unfortunately, for other districts the fate of the players is still unknown, as the recent news that I heard Rompin will definitely not sending players to Cameron! I do wish that this is not true, coz, then the talent of the 8 years old Zulkarnain Safri (whom I see to have potential to go far in chess) will be in vain, last year at the age of 7, when he won the U-12B for Rompin he was denied to play at MSSPahang level becoz many felt that he is too young..
I do hope that something can be done.....
I dont have the results with me, nor did i ever come close to the playing area, (juz watch the game from afar) afraid that i might cause controversy or something.. besides, i am juz there for chess, not to cause any stir.
U-12 G champ and U-12 B champ was undisputed with a perfect 7/7 score. They are Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman and Kuhan Ganesan. The second place in the U-12 B goes to Meor Airil Rahimi Ayib Rosdi.. I was impressed with this 9 years old kid, he played like a 12 years old! It is good that the parents fight with the school to get him to play in MSSD, coz in some certain school here in Kuantan only those ages 10 above are allowed to play for the school. I am not sure why...
Based from few chit chat at the MSSD, not many noticed that Airil is actually 9!
U-15 G and U-15 B champs was predicted. Effah Fazera who was the champ last 2 years before managed to clinch the title from her closed rival Nur Izzati. While Mohd Ameersyah Adhwa won the Boys section with such ease! I met this boy a day before the MSSD took place, and surprisingly he has a lot of potential to offer. I wish i met him when he was in primary school.. but it is never too late, even myself started at a teenage years in chess too!
U-18G and U-18 B section..based on my observation, in this section, there were gaps between those who is actually good in chess and those who is not so good. And it came clearer when in U-18 B all 4 reps from the same school were placed 1-4th! U-18B champ goes to Muhd Khairilhelmi and U-18G champ goes to MRSM schoolgirl!
I wish that i could get the chess notation (scoresheet) of the MSSD Kuantan so that I could make a database and futher study of the standard performances and share it with all the school that interested to improve their students. This is juz my small contribution to chess before one day i finally say farewell..
(Met with Cikgu Robil yesterday, i noticed that he doesnt look so well. He told me that he suffered a stroke attack months back and it paralyse his left side. He is under medication and physiotheraphy. Hope he gets well soon, coz I do know there a lot of teachers out there who is still counting on him)
MSSP is schedule to be held on the 2-6th May 2010 at Sek Keb Brinchang in Cameron Highlands. At this moment the sad news is, there were no budgets to send players there (I overheard this from Cikgu Norinah - PT Kuantan). But i think there are many Kuantan parents will send their kids there.
Unfortunately, for other districts the fate of the players is still unknown, as the recent news that I heard Rompin will definitely not sending players to Cameron! I do wish that this is not true, coz, then the talent of the 8 years old Zulkarnain Safri (whom I see to have potential to go far in chess) will be in vain, last year at the age of 7, when he won the U-12B for Rompin he was denied to play at MSSPahang level becoz many felt that he is too young..
I do hope that something can be done.....
Sunday, April 11, 2010
KL Open 2010
Lucky me! I never really like to go outstation coz, going outside meaning that i have to sacrifice valuable time off teaching chess, but this time when my boss tells me that I need to attend an important meeting on behalf of him in Kelana Jaya on friday, I was jumped up and down! :-))
Why? coz in while in KL, I can catch the glimpse of Hou Yifan the female third ranked in the world, also a chess prodigy hailed from China who cause the sensation of becoming the runner-up in the world chess championship! (she lost to Alexandra Kosteniuk in the final). Not to mention, to meet friends there and to catch live the endings played in seconds of the time remaining is something that i enjoyed the most. Well, being at KL Open does takes me off the stress from the results of the meetings and what i must tabled back at the office on monday.
Why? coz in while in KL, I can catch the glimpse of Hou Yifan the female third ranked in the world, also a chess prodigy hailed from China who cause the sensation of becoming the runner-up in the world chess championship! (she lost to Alexandra Kosteniuk in the final). Not to mention, to meet friends there and to catch live the endings played in seconds of the time remaining is something that i enjoyed the most. Well, being at KL Open does takes me off the stress from the results of the meetings and what i must tabled back at the office on monday.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
MSSD Kuantan 2010
Juz got this news, MSSD Kuantan will be held at Sek Men Teknik Kuantan, on the 19th and 20th April 2010!
So, all the school kids out there, training hard!
For MSSD Pekan, I am not sure where it will be held, but try and consult your school, but for sure the date will be on the 27th April 2010.
So, all the school kids out there, training hard!
For MSSD Pekan, I am not sure where it will be held, but try and consult your school, but for sure the date will be on the 27th April 2010.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
NWM Alia is the 1st MWM 2010!
Congrats to NWM Alia Anin for becoming the 1st MWM champion in 2010!
She beat WCM Nur Nabila by 2.5 - 1.5 in a gruelling four rounds! Congrats again!
Full report at here
She beat WCM Nur Nabila by 2.5 - 1.5 in a gruelling four rounds! Congrats again!
Full report at here
Thursday, March 18, 2010
NAG 2010 - Full Results!
It has been a sad time for 2 of Pahang players at the NAG. While Meor Airil Rahimi missed the top ten spot in the U-10B category, Nur Sabrina Aliya also faced the same dissappointment when she was placed 6th overall in the U-12G (Prizes were given for top ten in the Boys section and top five in the girls section).
Whenever there is bad news, there is always good news! the parents after came back from Penang, sounds very much enthusiast to compete in the next event, and have planned to make it work next time! That is good news indeed! More ideas were brought up on the table to prepare for the next year NAG. I am so excited to hear their plans, and it will be more exciting if the dream to open up one chess centre in Kuantan will realise soon this year, so that i can help too in the process for future Pahang's National Junior Players!
Ok, back to NAG. Meor Adib competing the U-12B managed to score 3.5 points from 8 rounds and was placed. While Muhd Firdaus Afiq - U-14B section also scored 3.5 points from 8 rounds and was placed 26th overall.
The report with pictures can be found at Gilocatur's NAG winners and Gilocatur's Summary of champions . More reports can be found at EuHong's website and he has uploaded the result at the chess result
Congratulations to this year winners! hope all of you can do Malaysia proud in the coming ASEAN, Asia and World Youth 2010!
Whenever there is bad news, there is always good news! the parents after came back from Penang, sounds very much enthusiast to compete in the next event, and have planned to make it work next time! That is good news indeed! More ideas were brought up on the table to prepare for the next year NAG. I am so excited to hear their plans, and it will be more exciting if the dream to open up one chess centre in Kuantan will realise soon this year, so that i can help too in the process for future Pahang's National Junior Players!
Ok, back to NAG. Meor Adib competing the U-12B managed to score 3.5 points from 8 rounds and was placed. While Muhd Firdaus Afiq - U-14B section also scored 3.5 points from 8 rounds and was placed 26th overall.
The report with pictures can be found at Gilocatur's NAG winners and Gilocatur's Summary of champions . More reports can be found at EuHong's website and he has uploaded the result at the chess result
Congratulations to this year winners! hope all of you can do Malaysia proud in the coming ASEAN, Asia and World Youth 2010!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
NAG 2010 - Waiting for the updates..
I am currently waiting for the updates of the result NAG 2010 at Penang.. Heard that 2 of the Pahang players finished with 5 points, there are possibilities that they might finished in top ten of their age group....
(As per the sms from the parents - Meor Airil Rahimi with 5 points from 8 rounds was placed 11th overall.. a sad turn out that his tie break is lower than the others, his father told me how sad he was for missing the prize. On the other hand - Nur Sabrina Aliya with 4 points from 7 rounds as informed by the father is placed 6th overall. Playing on board 1 in the last round, she lost to NWM Tan Li Ting in an endgame position favourable to Li Ting. I am still waiting the updates for the overall results from the official website)
(As per the sms from the parents - Meor Airil Rahimi with 5 points from 8 rounds was placed 11th overall.. a sad turn out that his tie break is lower than the others, his father told me how sad he was for missing the prize. On the other hand - Nur Sabrina Aliya with 4 points from 7 rounds as informed by the father is placed 6th overall. Playing on board 1 in the last round, she lost to NWM Tan Li Ting in an endgame position favourable to Li Ting. I am still waiting the updates for the overall results from the official website)
Monday, March 15, 2010
NAG 2010
I am not at the NAG 2010 this year, but I think we have 4 representatives from Pahang playing there:
U-10B - Meor Airil Rahimi
U-12B - Meor Adib Rusyaidi
U-12G - Nur Sabrina Aliya
U-14B - Muhd Firdaus Afiq
So far Meor Airil, Meor Adib and Nur Sabrina scored 1/3 while Muhd Firdaus scored 2/3. Meor Airil and Meor Adib both are newcomers in the chess scene ( I am glad that their parents agree to take them to Penang for the NAG, it is a worth experience to take back home!). I didnt expect though for Nur Sabrina to be at the bottom pack in the U-12G. I know that in her group it is tough group becoz all the well known national juniors are there competing. The likes of WFM Nur Najiha, NWM Tan Li Ting and Camilia Johari plus others state representatives. Just hoping she end up in better placing in her second NAG debut. Muhd Firdaus Afiq did well in scoring 2 points!
For full pairings and result you can check this and for pictures and report of the NAG you can check here
U-10B - Meor Airil Rahimi
U-12B - Meor Adib Rusyaidi
U-12G - Nur Sabrina Aliya
U-14B - Muhd Firdaus Afiq
So far Meor Airil, Meor Adib and Nur Sabrina scored 1/3 while Muhd Firdaus scored 2/3. Meor Airil and Meor Adib both are newcomers in the chess scene ( I am glad that their parents agree to take them to Penang for the NAG, it is a worth experience to take back home!). I didnt expect though for Nur Sabrina to be at the bottom pack in the U-12G. I know that in her group it is tough group becoz all the well known national juniors are there competing. The likes of WFM Nur Najiha, NWM Tan Li Ting and Camilia Johari plus others state representatives. Just hoping she end up in better placing in her second NAG debut. Muhd Firdaus Afiq did well in scoring 2 points!
For full pairings and result you can check this and for pictures and report of the NAG you can check here
Friday, March 12, 2010
MSSM 2010 - In Perlis?!
Just found out about this from Terengganu Chess . Chess in MSSM will be held in Perlis from the 6th June to 12th June 2010. If this is true, then MSSD or MSS Pahang should be held soon. Anyone from Pahang that can clarify this? Or would there be anyone that can tell me which date would it be for MSSD on each district in Pahang, and the date of MSS Pahang?
I have been to Arau, Perlis in 1995 when chess was held there.. it would be nice to revisit the place again if I were to give MSSM the visit juz like what I have been doing when chess was held at MSSM Melaka (2008) and Klang, Selangor (2009)..
I have been to Arau, Perlis in 1995 when chess was held there.. it would be nice to revisit the place again if I were to give MSSM the visit juz like what I have been doing when chess was held at MSSM Melaka (2008) and Klang, Selangor (2009)..
MCF - Selection Criteria
MCF has come up with the selection criteria to represent Malaysia. For any international events that will bear our country's name, the players must get themselve in the process and guideline as listed by the MCF here
To me the guideline is clear and understood, but hopefully after the selection process is over, MCF will disclosed the players and who shall be next in line and included for the MCF President's Choice (discretion player). Coz after all, MCF's decision is always final!
To me the guideline is clear and understood, but hopefully after the selection process is over, MCF will disclosed the players and who shall be next in line and included for the MCF President's Choice (discretion player). Coz after all, MCF's decision is always final!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
MCF - Meet The Parents! (during NAG 2010)
Found this from MCF Blog, I found this very interesting indeed. I am urging all parents to go for the forum! either your kids a national junior player or not, this forum certainly gives you the ideas on the selection process and the future of your kids chess! and I do agree with IM Jimmy
Check out the forum here !
Check out the forum here !
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
NAG 2010
The annual event - National Aged Group will be staged in Penang this year, and the event will kick-off from 13th-16th March 2010. For those Pahang players interested to take part, kindly register before the closing date - 11th March 2010!
Just happened to come accross this blog (owner - Alias Hanafi), for anyone with any needs for accomodation during the stay at Pulau Pinang, well here is the link
Just happened to come accross this blog (owner - Alias Hanafi), for anyone with any needs for accomodation during the stay at Pulau Pinang, well here is the link
Monday, March 01, 2010
MWM 2010 - My View On This
I got back to Kuantan at around 1.45am, and get myself to sleep at around 3.30am. Woke up in the morning then go to work, coz my boss told me we have meetings today.. and he ended up EL instead! (hmmm..)
I have been thinking about the Malaysian Women Master 2010, before this I dont want to say much coz, the format is still new and besides who am I to make such comments..
In the 2nd edition of the MWM (this event is going to be held annually), I am hoping that MCF would consider to have this knock out format by giving the players a rest day in the following day. To still keep the format of 2 classical games, ok la.. fine! but if the game goes to tie-break, make the rapid games in the next day. If the lucky player no need to play rapid game, then that player will have the rest day for the day. At least for a player 30+ years old like me, one day rest is important.. I am too old to catch up on marathon play!
I have been thinking about the Malaysian Women Master 2010, before this I dont want to say much coz, the format is still new and besides who am I to make such comments..
In the 2nd edition of the MWM (this event is going to be held annually), I am hoping that MCF would consider to have this knock out format by giving the players a rest day in the following day. To still keep the format of 2 classical games, ok la.. fine! but if the game goes to tie-break, make the rapid games in the next day. If the lucky player no need to play rapid game, then that player will have the rest day for the day. At least for a player 30+ years old like me, one day rest is important.. I am too old to catch up on marathon play!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
MWM 2010 - The Result
Nabila made it to the Finals and will play against Alia Anin Azwa! So, who will be crowned the 1st Malaysian Women Masters? We can find that out in two weeks time.
It was an exciting MWM, and it has been the talk of the town since the event started. Signing off now, until next time....
It was an exciting MWM, and it has been the talk of the town since the event started. Signing off now, until next time....
MWM 2010 - Semi Final Rapid Game 1
As predicted Nurul lost the first Rapid game to Nabila, but it is worth a try, lets see if she can bounce back to level the rapid and force the game to Armageddon match!
UM Team Open 2010 - The results
Today besides the MWM, there are 2 tournaments that happened on the same day. Seremban Parade Open and the UM Team Open. Gilocatur is doing the coverage of Seremban Open and mychessdiary, but since I got the result from En Hamid about the UM Open, so, better be the first and update :-))
The Champion - SMS Gold
Second - Nameless
Third - Seahorse
Best University - Universiti Malaysia Team 1
Best School - Skylift
The Champion - SMS Gold
Second - Nameless
Third - Seahorse
Best University - Universiti Malaysia Team 1
Best School - Skylift
MWM 2010 - Semi Final Game 2 - Updates!
Alia Anin Azwa Bakri make a good combination just to secure a draw! This is the first time I saw a combination for the purpose for a draw! But in anyway, a draw is enough to ensure a place in the final that will be schedule later.
Nurul Huda W - Nabila is another different story. When all she need is just a draw, and the position is truly definitely a draw, she made a silly mistake by exchanging her rook and leave her pawn hanging! Making Nabila easy win by gaining a tempo. Now the game will continue in 2 rapid games. I am not sure about this rapid thing, coz as far as I know, my sis is not that good in rapid (unfortunately). We'll see...
Nurul Huda W - Nabila is another different story. When all she need is just a draw, and the position is truly definitely a draw, she made a silly mistake by exchanging her rook and leave her pawn hanging! Making Nabila easy win by gaining a tempo. Now the game will continue in 2 rapid games. I am not sure about this rapid thing, coz as far as I know, my sis is not that good in rapid (unfortunately). We'll see...
MWM 2010 - Semi Final Game 1 Updates!
The game 1 of the semis has ended at 2.30pm. Game 2 will start at 3.30pm as agreed by all 4 players.
The battle between Nurul Huda W and Nur Nabila gives the favour to Nurul Huda. She won with a very interesting tactical play when Nabila made a blunder by taking Nurul's pawn on f5. You can see the analysis at http://hairulovchessmaniacs.blogspot.com
While Alia vs Fong Mi Yen is also another interesting story, where both still in process in the middle-game, and Alia is in the time trouble. I think Fong Mi Yen, thinks that she could won on time considering Alia only got few minutes left, and overlook the position thus giving Alia a one piece advantage. And eventually Alia won the first game.
The next game will be an interesting game to watch coz, both the losers in game 1 will surely give all out to win the game, and force the rapid 2 games. So, we shall see...
The battle between Nurul Huda W and Nur Nabila gives the favour to Nurul Huda. She won with a very interesting tactical play when Nabila made a blunder by taking Nurul's pawn on f5. You can see the analysis at http://hairulovchessmaniacs.blogspot.com
While Alia vs Fong Mi Yen is also another interesting story, where both still in process in the middle-game, and Alia is in the time trouble. I think Fong Mi Yen, thinks that she could won on time considering Alia only got few minutes left, and overlook the position thus giving Alia a one piece advantage. And eventually Alia won the first game.
The next game will be an interesting game to watch coz, both the losers in game 1 will surely give all out to win the game, and force the rapid 2 games. So, we shall see...
MWM 2O1O - Quarter Finals
Eight players fighting in the quarter finals :
Nurul Huda W - Fadzilah W
Fong Mi Yen - Amira Syamina Zullkafli
Khairunnisa - Nur Nabila Azman Hisham
Alia Anin Azwa Bakri - Tan Li Ting
All games played were like the finals! except for Nurul and Fadzilah. Since there are siblings people can already expect the result, just like the game between Nabila and Najihah a day before.
On the other hand, Alia and Li Ting drew their game, but in the second game, Alia make full used of the blunder made by Li Ting by letting Alia's Rook controlling the c-file and thus blocking the Bishop c-8 movement, and the Rook on a8. Li Ting resigned later on and Alia advance to Semis.
Amira's game with Fong Mi Yen, the first game Mi Yen made a Bishop's sacrifice and it works! So she won the first game classical. The second game, Amira put all out and was in an advantage to win it. But I guess she was too scared to make a ultimate decision and it cost her the game. The game ended in a draw, and Mi Yen qualify to semis.
My game between Nabila was a tiring game for me, I knew if we go to the rapid then I be in trouble coz the last time I play rapid was in the Merdeka last year, and the last before that was the previous merdeka event! Nabila had all the advantage for being more experience than me (and she did make full use of it. But since I am there to play, I might as well give a fight and enjoy myself. And I did, even though I lost the game but to play and give a fight it was something that I am looking forward. Coz I never wanted to go home and still thinking about the game. I won the first classical game, and blew the second classical. The first rapid ended up in a draw, and I lost the second rapid. Though my brothers made fun of me and my silly mistakes in a position that I could have won, but we laugh all night talking about it, at least if i didnt go through the semis, I gave my siblings the show that made all us on fire into more chess after this. See, there is always a bright side in everything that God destined for!
I knew that in my shoutbox as well as others shoutbox and blog people are talking about the MWM. Some in a good way, and some in a negative side. But I have been there, playing and kibitz the game. For all the 16 players they have played their best in the competition, all games were all the best game ever for them to have played in their life. Let me put it this way, all that came here, all came for a reason. A reason to qualify to represent Malaysia and be acknowledge as to be the best in the Women field. This is the first edition, so it is always controversy in players selection, well nobody's perfect, but there are always room to improve and I bet MCF will look through and considering all the comments made by all.
Whoever the players are, all were fighting like it is the finals, some even spend the more than 12 hours at DATCC just to play until the end (since it is a knock out round. And I too were one of the players that were put in the situation.
If the comments said that "what so good about the battle between siblings" "favoritism"- for the guests that said that, you just have to be at DATCC for yourself and feel the excitement, the joy and the frustration. In either way, whether the players are good players or the bad players, at least they are willing to take part and play. And the good news is - All of Malaysians is talking about the MWM!!!
An applaude and appreciation to the main sponsor, a generous to the malaysian chess scene that wants to see the the development of Women in Chess, Mr Sirajuddin. A token of RM5O each to the players for juz entering the top 16, RM1OO for entering the Quarter Final, RM 2OO for the semis, RM3OO to the runner up and RM 5OO to the champion, therefore a total of RM2OOO were contributed. Though it is not a huge amount compared to Men Masters, but in my opinion, better start small, then nothing at all! Thanks to him and the MCF for making this event something to look forward for.
Nurul Huda W - Fadzilah W
Fong Mi Yen - Amira Syamina Zullkafli
Khairunnisa - Nur Nabila Azman Hisham
Alia Anin Azwa Bakri - Tan Li Ting
All games played were like the finals! except for Nurul and Fadzilah. Since there are siblings people can already expect the result, just like the game between Nabila and Najihah a day before.
On the other hand, Alia and Li Ting drew their game, but in the second game, Alia make full used of the blunder made by Li Ting by letting Alia's Rook controlling the c-file and thus blocking the Bishop c-8 movement, and the Rook on a8. Li Ting resigned later on and Alia advance to Semis.
Amira's game with Fong Mi Yen, the first game Mi Yen made a Bishop's sacrifice and it works! So she won the first game classical. The second game, Amira put all out and was in an advantage to win it. But I guess she was too scared to make a ultimate decision and it cost her the game. The game ended in a draw, and Mi Yen qualify to semis.
My game between Nabila was a tiring game for me, I knew if we go to the rapid then I be in trouble coz the last time I play rapid was in the Merdeka last year, and the last before that was the previous merdeka event! Nabila had all the advantage for being more experience than me (and she did make full use of it. But since I am there to play, I might as well give a fight and enjoy myself. And I did, even though I lost the game but to play and give a fight it was something that I am looking forward. Coz I never wanted to go home and still thinking about the game. I won the first classical game, and blew the second classical. The first rapid ended up in a draw, and I lost the second rapid. Though my brothers made fun of me and my silly mistakes in a position that I could have won, but we laugh all night talking about it, at least if i didnt go through the semis, I gave my siblings the show that made all us on fire into more chess after this. See, there is always a bright side in everything that God destined for!
I knew that in my shoutbox as well as others shoutbox and blog people are talking about the MWM. Some in a good way, and some in a negative side. But I have been there, playing and kibitz the game. For all the 16 players they have played their best in the competition, all games were all the best game ever for them to have played in their life. Let me put it this way, all that came here, all came for a reason. A reason to qualify to represent Malaysia and be acknowledge as to be the best in the Women field. This is the first edition, so it is always controversy in players selection, well nobody's perfect, but there are always room to improve and I bet MCF will look through and considering all the comments made by all.
Whoever the players are, all were fighting like it is the finals, some even spend the more than 12 hours at DATCC just to play until the end (since it is a knock out round. And I too were one of the players that were put in the situation.
If the comments said that "what so good about the battle between siblings" "favoritism"- for the guests that said that, you just have to be at DATCC for yourself and feel the excitement, the joy and the frustration. In either way, whether the players are good players or the bad players, at least they are willing to take part and play. And the good news is - All of Malaysians is talking about the MWM!!!
An applaude and appreciation to the main sponsor, a generous to the malaysian chess scene that wants to see the the development of Women in Chess, Mr Sirajuddin. A token of RM5O each to the players for juz entering the top 16, RM1OO for entering the Quarter Final, RM 2OO for the semis, RM3OO to the runner up and RM 5OO to the champion, therefore a total of RM2OOO were contributed. Though it is not a huge amount compared to Men Masters, but in my opinion, better start small, then nothing at all! Thanks to him and the MCF for making this event something to look forward for.
MWM 2O1O - Round 1
Currently I am DATCC Kompleks Wilayah Kuala Lumpur. And right now, the battle of the Semis is going on between Four Players :
NWM Nurul Huda W - WCM Nur Nabila Azman Hisham
NWM Alia Anin Azwa Bakri - Fong Mi Yen
Though the tournament and the games has made the coverage widely in other blogs (firey_rook, gilachess, hairulov, chess is chess etc, esp this blog http://malaysianwomenmaster.blogspot.com but let me recap you with what is going on.
The tournament is a real tiring tournament indeed, only those with stamina can last the gruelling of intense hours. For "veteran" like me I think I need to do something to catch up with the stamina of the younger ones, because playing for hours from as early at 1Oam until about 11am at night, is too much for me. We are travelling from Kuantan as early at about 4.3Oam in the morning, and lucky for us the traffic is ok so we reach KL minutes before 9am. All of us had some urgent things to do, so we cant drive to KL a day before. My first round game finished early, so I supposed to have time to relax, but my sis game is still going on therefore I dont have the heart to go anywhere until she finished. It was a surprise that my sis, Fadzilah can still have the skill in chess, even though she is the only one in the family that completely stop playing. But for the readers info, Fadzilah during her prime she was the Pahang Closed champion! and have countless representing the states and was offered to represent Malaysia in the Asian team back in the 9Os but had to say no due to working reasons. But I am definitely happy to be here at DATCC with my siblings. Like I said earlier the last time all of us were together was in 2OO7! now not just the three sisters, but all my brothers came to support us! Great huh! (just like the old times when we were all young.
Ok, back to the game, I won the first round against Latifah Kaiyisah, and my sis won against Latifah Syamimi. I didnt play that good to win the game, but because I have played against her before this, the confident was there and that is how I won. But waiting for Fadzilah game against Haslindah was surely tiring. She lost her first game, but dont know what happened somehow she managed to bounce back and clinched the victory in the second game. And victory forced Haslindah to rapid games. We all thought Haslindah could easily thrashed Fadzilah, since we all knew that Fadzilah rarely play. But like we said to Fadzilah, it is not about winning or losing, is about how you play, as long as you play your best! if she win it will be a bonus, but if she lost she lost with a fight till the end. And luckily she won both rapid. And she advance to the Quater Final. The game ended at about 9.3Oam.
At the same time, Alia was still playing against Renitha also in a rapid match. In classical match both game ended in a draw, in the first rapid match also ended in a draw, but the second game of the rapid, Alia did well against the panic of time trouble from Renitha, and while Alia win 2 seconds still remaining, Renitha lost on time! So, Alia advance to the Quarter Final.
Amira and Hoh Tjin Li game is still going on at the time we were leaving, and that was at 9.45pm. The next I saw her again, so she won. She lost her first game, and in her second game, during time trouble from both side, I heard Hoh claimed the game to be drawn, because no pawn movement. But the complaint was against her, and it cost her a penalty for false claim, and the time somehow in Amira advantage. Amira won the second game and force both of the to play rapid game.
The game between Fairuz Hamizah the little 13 year old from Kedah against Tan Li Ting, caught my eye most. Because Fairuz the talented girl seemed to be out of the scene because all of us are looking at our youngest NWM Tan Li ting who just spend 6 weeks training in China. We are all anxious to know what can she deliver in the 1st edition of MWM. Both classical game ended in a draw. And both rapid games ended in draw. It was an impressive performance of Fairuz against Tan Li Ting! so, the game now reached to armageddon! the sudden death. Fairuz make a correct guess, and now she needs to make a decision to play white or black in the sudden death game. If she choose to play white, she will be given 5 minutes game but a win is a must. But if she choose black, she will be given 4 minutes and a draw is enough to go advance to Quarter. And she choose Black. I saw the game, she had all the advantage to win the game, or at least a draw, everyone was hopeful for a upset. But she made a fatal mistake by exchanging all her pieces, and thus gave the clear advantage to Li Ting. A cheer of joy from Mr Tan, but a cry of tears on the Fairuz and family. It was heartbroken to see a scene like that, it was so close for her, and yet so far. To come all the way from Kedah and to give a fight and lasted from morning till night, is not a bad thing, so Kudos to her!
NWM Nurul Huda W - WCM Nur Nabila Azman Hisham
NWM Alia Anin Azwa Bakri - Fong Mi Yen
Though the tournament and the games has made the coverage widely in other blogs (firey_rook, gilachess, hairulov, chess is chess etc, esp this blog http://malaysianwomenmaster.blogspot.com but let me recap you with what is going on.
The tournament is a real tiring tournament indeed, only those with stamina can last the gruelling of intense hours. For "veteran" like me I think I need to do something to catch up with the stamina of the younger ones, because playing for hours from as early at 1Oam until about 11am at night, is too much for me. We are travelling from Kuantan as early at about 4.3Oam in the morning, and lucky for us the traffic is ok so we reach KL minutes before 9am. All of us had some urgent things to do, so we cant drive to KL a day before. My first round game finished early, so I supposed to have time to relax, but my sis game is still going on therefore I dont have the heart to go anywhere until she finished. It was a surprise that my sis, Fadzilah can still have the skill in chess, even though she is the only one in the family that completely stop playing. But for the readers info, Fadzilah during her prime she was the Pahang Closed champion! and have countless representing the states and was offered to represent Malaysia in the Asian team back in the 9Os but had to say no due to working reasons. But I am definitely happy to be here at DATCC with my siblings. Like I said earlier the last time all of us were together was in 2OO7! now not just the three sisters, but all my brothers came to support us! Great huh! (just like the old times when we were all young.
Ok, back to the game, I won the first round against Latifah Kaiyisah, and my sis won against Latifah Syamimi. I didnt play that good to win the game, but because I have played against her before this, the confident was there and that is how I won. But waiting for Fadzilah game against Haslindah was surely tiring. She lost her first game, but dont know what happened somehow she managed to bounce back and clinched the victory in the second game. And victory forced Haslindah to rapid games. We all thought Haslindah could easily thrashed Fadzilah, since we all knew that Fadzilah rarely play. But like we said to Fadzilah, it is not about winning or losing, is about how you play, as long as you play your best! if she win it will be a bonus, but if she lost she lost with a fight till the end. And luckily she won both rapid. And she advance to the Quater Final. The game ended at about 9.3Oam.
At the same time, Alia was still playing against Renitha also in a rapid match. In classical match both game ended in a draw, in the first rapid match also ended in a draw, but the second game of the rapid, Alia did well against the panic of time trouble from Renitha, and while Alia win 2 seconds still remaining, Renitha lost on time! So, Alia advance to the Quarter Final.
Amira and Hoh Tjin Li game is still going on at the time we were leaving, and that was at 9.45pm. The next I saw her again, so she won. She lost her first game, and in her second game, during time trouble from both side, I heard Hoh claimed the game to be drawn, because no pawn movement. But the complaint was against her, and it cost her a penalty for false claim, and the time somehow in Amira advantage. Amira won the second game and force both of the to play rapid game.
The game between Fairuz Hamizah the little 13 year old from Kedah against Tan Li Ting, caught my eye most. Because Fairuz the talented girl seemed to be out of the scene because all of us are looking at our youngest NWM Tan Li ting who just spend 6 weeks training in China. We are all anxious to know what can she deliver in the 1st edition of MWM. Both classical game ended in a draw. And both rapid games ended in draw. It was an impressive performance of Fairuz against Tan Li Ting! so, the game now reached to armageddon! the sudden death. Fairuz make a correct guess, and now she needs to make a decision to play white or black in the sudden death game. If she choose to play white, she will be given 5 minutes game but a win is a must. But if she choose black, she will be given 4 minutes and a draw is enough to go advance to Quarter. And she choose Black. I saw the game, she had all the advantage to win the game, or at least a draw, everyone was hopeful for a upset. But she made a fatal mistake by exchanging all her pieces, and thus gave the clear advantage to Li Ting. A cheer of joy from Mr Tan, but a cry of tears on the Fairuz and family. It was heartbroken to see a scene like that, it was so close for her, and yet so far. To come all the way from Kedah and to give a fight and lasted from morning till night, is not a bad thing, so Kudos to her!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Malaysian Women Master (MWM) 2010 - Starts Tomorrow!
The Malaysian Women Master will starts tomorrow 26th Feb with a knock out round 1 of 16 at DATCC Kompleks Wilayah at 9am. The quarter finals on the 27th Feb, Semis on the 28th while the final will schedule on 1st March 2010. The players were selected based on the criteria mentioned by MCF as per here
There were controversy on the selected players as mentioned here and here I am not to give any comments about whether the selection is made out correct, right, accurate or what so ever, or whether the players selected are worth the strength to fit into the 16, but in my opinion whoever got selected, just play your best and show to the rest of the Malaysians that you deserve the spot in the 1st MWM 2010!
Here are the first pairing of the MWM 2010 : Round 1
Nurul Huda W - Latifah Syamimi
Fong Mi Yen - Winnie Hong
Khairunnisa' W - Latifah Kaiyisah
Alia Anin - Renitha Narayanan
Tan Li Ting - Fairuz Hamizah
Nur Nabila - Nur Najihah
Haslindah Ruslan - Fadzilah W
Amira Syamina - Hoh Tjin Li
It looks like the first round are battle between sisters! My sis and I will paired against the sis, Syamimi and Kaiyisah, while Nur Nabila and Nur Najiha will play each other in the first round.
Check out bloggers like Hairulov or GilaChess for the coverage of the event! And one more thing, wish me and my sis the best of luck!
There were controversy on the selected players as mentioned here and here I am not to give any comments about whether the selection is made out correct, right, accurate or what so ever, or whether the players selected are worth the strength to fit into the 16, but in my opinion whoever got selected, just play your best and show to the rest of the Malaysians that you deserve the spot in the 1st MWM 2010!
Here are the first pairing of the MWM 2010 : Round 1
Nurul Huda W - Latifah Syamimi
Fong Mi Yen - Winnie Hong
Khairunnisa' W - Latifah Kaiyisah
Alia Anin - Renitha Narayanan
Tan Li Ting - Fairuz Hamizah
Nur Nabila - Nur Najihah
Haslindah Ruslan - Fadzilah W
Amira Syamina - Hoh Tjin Li
It looks like the first round are battle between sisters! My sis and I will paired against the sis, Syamimi and Kaiyisah, while Nur Nabila and Nur Najiha will play each other in the first round.
Check out bloggers like Hairulov or GilaChess for the coverage of the event! And one more thing, wish me and my sis the best of luck!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
National Age Group 2010
Other bloggers have updated much much more info on the below tournaments, so, I juz want to do a reminder here :
SMK Seri Kenangan Rapid Chess info will be found here
There will be DATCC Rookie Tornado Chess this 27th Feb 2010 made specially for the National Rating of 1400 and below, the details can be found here
2nd Leg of the KL Rapid Grand Prix will happen on the 6th March 2010 and the info will be found here
For Pahang players (in which most of you are new to chess) who are interested to sharpen their skills I would recommend this 2 tournament, because for the first - It is only for rated below 1400 (which gives you the opportunity to play against opponent with the same level as you), and second - the tournament is with the time control of 45 min each will give the players the time to think and write their game and do the analysis after the game ended.
Also, those 2 tournaments will be a good practice for the Pahang youth before the National Age Group (NAG) 2010 (In which I am encouraging for you to take part). This annual event will be held in Pulau Pinang this year. The tournament will commence on 14th March - 16th March 2010. The time control will be 60 min + 30 sec increment from move 1. For more info check out here
You can click for online registration at this site
SMK Seri Kenangan Rapid Chess info will be found here
There will be DATCC Rookie Tornado Chess this 27th Feb 2010 made specially for the National Rating of 1400 and below, the details can be found here
2nd Leg of the KL Rapid Grand Prix will happen on the 6th March 2010 and the info will be found here
For Pahang players (in which most of you are new to chess) who are interested to sharpen their skills I would recommend this 2 tournament, because for the first - It is only for rated below 1400 (which gives you the opportunity to play against opponent with the same level as you), and second - the tournament is with the time control of 45 min each will give the players the time to think and write their game and do the analysis after the game ended.
Also, those 2 tournaments will be a good practice for the Pahang youth before the National Age Group (NAG) 2010 (In which I am encouraging for you to take part). This annual event will be held in Pulau Pinang this year. The tournament will commence on 14th March - 16th March 2010. The time control will be 60 min + 30 sec increment from move 1. For more info check out here
You can click for online registration at this site
Now Back To Chess!
My apology to all the readers that have been craving for me to update my blog, but settling things that demanded my attention more has been my priority. But not to worry, my first update of a chess competition will be the coming Malaysian Women Master (MWM) 2010!
At home, for weeks I have been busy with my dearly brother Khair's wedding on the 13th and 20th February, and even when it is over I still feel exhausted. Alhamdullillah, the wedding reception on our side went well as we have planned it. I am not taking any leave of work for the wedding coz at the same time, the office is being audited by both Internal and External Auditor.
At office, the Auditor has completed the Audit field work, therefore what is left is the completion of audit, in which I am taking over to do it this year as my boss is busy with the meeting for our new office that will commence construction at Indera Mahkota, Kuantan anytime soon.
Now, I am taking a break from work (though the Information System people had juz arrive from KL) becoz the system isnt working like what we expected. And becoz of that I agree to play in the coming Malaysian Women Master together with my two sisters. The last time all three of us decided to play together was at the Sukan Wanita Kebangsaan 2007. It would be nice to hang out again and have fun!
I am not doing any preparation for the MWM, and my first round opponent has been playing around KL a lot compared to me, but we'll see if I can make it thru the quarter final.
At home, for weeks I have been busy with my dearly brother Khair's wedding on the 13th and 20th February, and even when it is over I still feel exhausted. Alhamdullillah, the wedding reception on our side went well as we have planned it. I am not taking any leave of work for the wedding coz at the same time, the office is being audited by both Internal and External Auditor.
At office, the Auditor has completed the Audit field work, therefore what is left is the completion of audit, in which I am taking over to do it this year as my boss is busy with the meeting for our new office that will commence construction at Indera Mahkota, Kuantan anytime soon.
Now, I am taking a break from work (though the Information System people had juz arrive from KL) becoz the system isnt working like what we expected. And becoz of that I agree to play in the coming Malaysian Women Master together with my two sisters. The last time all three of us decided to play together was at the Sukan Wanita Kebangsaan 2007. It would be nice to hang out again and have fun!
I am not doing any preparation for the MWM, and my first round opponent has been playing around KL a lot compared to me, but we'll see if I can make it thru the quarter final.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
MASSIN 2010 - the updates!
We lost both the rapid games today. Therefore the total score of 76.5 - 75.5 by just mere one point we lost to Singapore.... Again... (huhuhu)
And Singapore lift the Dato' Tan Kim Yeow again this year.
In anyway, good job to all the players and official for at least giving the fans the joy even for one moment, and who would have thought of that mere one point which separate the title holder...
And Singapore lift the Dato' Tan Kim Yeow again this year.
In anyway, good job to all the players and official for at least giving the fans the joy even for one moment, and who would have thought of that mere one point which separate the title holder...
MASSIN 2010 - Rapid Result
Malaysia lost by 17.5 - 20.5. But in the overall Malaysia is still leading by 58.5 - 55.5. Hope in the next round we can still secure the gap and win the MASSIN 2010!
MASSIN 2010 - We Won the Classical!!!
He made there. This is Pakcik Shukor Mustapha from Temerloh Pahang. Trying hard the get him the message that he was selected to play in the Mas-Sin Match. He lost the first round to IM Giam, but won the second round with another Singaporean.
This is the game that he won.
(**pic taken from My Chess Diary blog**)
I cant recall when was the last time we won the Mas-Sin Chess Classical... But winning the friendly this year, and it was held here in our own turf, certainly give me something to smile about the whole day.. :-))
The second round ended up with a tie of 19-19 score to both side, but given that we won the first round and added that up, overall we won by 41-35!!
Good job to all the players, officials!!
We have another Rapid games today, hopefully we win again!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
MASSIN 2010
Juz received the sms from Haslindah updating me every result of the MASSIN. Thanks Haslindah! It is really great to know that Malaysia is still leading by 7.5 - 3.5 when she sms at 12.31pm - Won : Puteri Rifqah, Islamurni, Nithyalaksmi, Tan Yong Hao, Aziz Farhan, Wong Yin Long! Draw : Mok, Peter Long, Zarul Shazwan. Lost : Maisarah, Jagathees (both U-8 players).
Then when she sms again at 1.41pm, Malaysia is still leading by 17 - 9. Won - KK Chan, Mas, Abdullah, Wei Hao, Tan Yong Zhong, Feiruz, Tan Li Ting, Ismail. Draw : Roslina, Zarul. Lost : Sumant, Amier, Shukor.
And before the 2nd round start, Malaysia lead by 22 - 16!!!! (yeay)
Hope to hear more good news from her again! :-))
Then when she sms again at 1.41pm, Malaysia is still leading by 17 - 9. Won - KK Chan, Mas, Abdullah, Wei Hao, Tan Yong Zhong, Feiruz, Tan Li Ting, Ismail. Draw : Roslina, Zarul. Lost : Sumant, Amier, Shukor.
And before the 2nd round start, Malaysia lead by 22 - 16!!!! (yeay)
Hope to hear more good news from her again! :-))
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Chess Back in MSSM?!
Just heard the news! Chess is one of the sports included in MSSM calendar this year (all 24 sports will be in the calendar)! Announcement was made by Dato' Seri Muhyiddin Yassin - the deputy Prime Minister and also the Minister of Education on Buletin Utama TV3 today!
I hope what I am hearing is correct and this is definitely is the good news! Hopefully other bloggers and the MSSM people can verify this soonest! (yeay!)
I hope what I am hearing is correct and this is definitely is the good news! Hopefully other bloggers and the MSSM people can verify this soonest! (yeay!)
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Chess Meeting with Dato' Tan at DATCC - 17/01/10
I received an email from En Hamid regarding the chess meeting this Sunday. It is an effort of a brainstorming session from Dato' Tan Chin Nam - the honorary life Presiden of MCF, in which to me he contribution towards chess in Malaysia in HUGE (to the amount that we are grateful of)!
I am very much interested to attend the meeting, as I too want to share my point of view from the chess in my area - Kuantan, and what kind of support that I can find the from the meeting. I too would like to listen what Dato' Tan have in store for all the chess fans, or any comments, views that the bloggers and the rest of chess enthusiasts wish to put on the table!
But I am torn between going there and the pile of work on my table that i am supposed to finish by this weekend before the meeting with the IT expert from KL to be schedule for the rest of the week beginning next week... Which one comes first? Can I do both - going and completing my job? (sounds very much impossible..)
:-((
I am very much interested to attend the meeting, as I too want to share my point of view from the chess in my area - Kuantan, and what kind of support that I can find the from the meeting. I too would like to listen what Dato' Tan have in store for all the chess fans, or any comments, views that the bloggers and the rest of chess enthusiasts wish to put on the table!
But I am torn between going there and the pile of work on my table that i am supposed to finish by this weekend before the meeting with the IT expert from KL to be schedule for the rest of the week beginning next week... Which one comes first? Can I do both - going and completing my job? (sounds very much impossible..)
:-((
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Malaysian Women Master 2010 - Latest Updates!
Late in publish this.. Juz found out about this on last friday.. the format of MWM 2010 has been changed. Instead of having a 8 players round robin event, the format has now changed to the 16 players and a knock-out round! The organiser would want to the event similar to world chess championship knock-out round... Probably the search for top 4 to Siberia 2010 will be done thoroughly from this system (probably)..
Anyway as the players will be selected based on MCF tournaments which are :
1. Top 4 finishers from the National Closed Women Chess Championship 2009
2. Top 2 finishers from the National Junior Chess Championship 2009
And players from the FIDE list and the MCF National Rating :
3. Top 4 players from the top 20 Women Players in Malaysia based on FIDE Rating list (going down the list in a sequential order)
4. Top 4 players from the top 20 Women Players in Malaysia based on the National Rating list (going down the list in a sequential order)
Also players selected as the MCF President's choice :
2 Players nominated by MCF President and approved by the council
I wonder who the top 16 players would be, but I bet the top 4 from the National Closed event NWM Tan Li Ting, Renitha, NWM Alia, and Winnie Hong - most definitely will take part. Also I think the players from top 2 from the recent National Juniors (W) 2009 - WFM Nur Najiha and Amira Syamina - will take part too. Perhaps the rest (players), will be decided later once the selected players received and and accepted the offer made by the MCF.
All the best to players!
Anyway as the players will be selected based on MCF tournaments which are :
1. Top 4 finishers from the National Closed Women Chess Championship 2009
2. Top 2 finishers from the National Junior Chess Championship 2009
And players from the FIDE list and the MCF National Rating :
3. Top 4 players from the top 20 Women Players in Malaysia based on FIDE Rating list (going down the list in a sequential order)
4. Top 4 players from the top 20 Women Players in Malaysia based on the National Rating list (going down the list in a sequential order)
Also players selected as the MCF President's choice :
2 Players nominated by MCF President and approved by the council
I wonder who the top 16 players would be, but I bet the top 4 from the National Closed event NWM Tan Li Ting, Renitha, NWM Alia, and Winnie Hong - most definitely will take part. Also I think the players from top 2 from the recent National Juniors (W) 2009 - WFM Nur Najiha and Amira Syamina - will take part too. Perhaps the rest (players), will be decided later once the selected players received and and accepted the offer made by the MCF.
All the best to players!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
No More Chess In MSSM?!?!
Why I put that a question mark? hmmm.... rumours had been spread throughout the town (the news were reported here and here too and other blogs as well) that chess is no longer included in MSSM!!! ( I think the news is confirmed) the first time I heard about it, I was in shocked! I dont know how to break the news (in this blog and to my students) because I was so affected by it. In my mind, there are so many questions that pop up all of the sudden... Had there be any negotiations? had there been any talks?
I was like "come on!"... Why of all the sports, chess was one of it? At time where we had so many chess enthusiasts, and more and more blogger came forward spreading news about local chess scene that bloom like mushroom all over Malaysia (we saw more states came into action in organising chess tournaments). We even had Rapid chess on almost every weekend of the month! And more FIDE rated event coming into our local chess too! We had parents too that contributed so much to chess by financing their kids to play abroad! And we do had so many talented chess players that were first noticed through MSSM! Why on earth now when Chess is recognised and included in the SEA games and the ASIAN games! not to mention in the PARA games as well! (and we won golds too!). I wonder how the selection for Asean School chess will be held if the players werent selected from MSSM?
I was thinking writing further about this and send it to one of the newspaper in Malaysia.. I dont know if it will help much, but that is the least I could do..
Currently, I am searching for the my past MSSM years booklet. I cant write much about the current MSSM situation coz I wasnt there at the time, but I most definitely going to write about my years during MSSM and how the life of us were change because of MSSM. Because for a person like me who cant compete in other sports, chess is the best choice for co-curriculum activity!
I was like "come on!"... Why of all the sports, chess was one of it? At time where we had so many chess enthusiasts, and more and more blogger came forward spreading news about local chess scene that bloom like mushroom all over Malaysia (we saw more states came into action in organising chess tournaments). We even had Rapid chess on almost every weekend of the month! And more FIDE rated event coming into our local chess too! We had parents too that contributed so much to chess by financing their kids to play abroad! And we do had so many talented chess players that were first noticed through MSSM! Why on earth now when Chess is recognised and included in the SEA games and the ASIAN games! not to mention in the PARA games as well! (and we won golds too!). I wonder how the selection for Asean School chess will be held if the players werent selected from MSSM?
I was thinking writing further about this and send it to one of the newspaper in Malaysia.. I dont know if it will help much, but that is the least I could do..
Currently, I am searching for the my past MSSM years booklet. I cant write much about the current MSSM situation coz I wasnt there at the time, but I most definitely going to write about my years during MSSM and how the life of us were change because of MSSM. Because for a person like me who cant compete in other sports, chess is the best choice for co-curriculum activity!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Malaysian Women Master 2010 - The Updates!
Juz received confirmation on this event.
There will be 8 players selected for this event, and so far only 6 players verbally confirmed their participation. The players selected are :
1. NWM Roslina Marmono - (Top 4 in FIDE list)
2. NWM Alia Anin Azwa Bakri - (National Champion 2008 / Top 4 FIDE list)
3. NWM Tan Li Ting - (National Champion 2009)
4. Renitha Narayanan - (Top 2 National Closed 2009)
5. WFM Nur Najiha Azman Hisham - (National Junior Champ 2009)
6. WCM Nur Nabila Azman Hisham - (National Junior Champ 2008)
Other 2 players still havent made any confirmation yet, and one of them is from the President's choice. It is going to be a round robin event.
Date of the event will be on 26th Feb 2010 - 28th Feb 2010 and will continue on the 6th March 2010 - 7th March 2010 (the final date confirmation will be announced later by MCF).
Venue for the event will be held at the DATCC Chess Centre in Kompleks Wilayah, Kuala Lumpur.
Important notes : TOP 4 FROM THIS TOURNAMENT WILL BE USED AS A CRITERIA FOR SELECTION TO OLIMPIAD 2010 that will be held in Khanty-Mansiyk.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Mag-nificent Magnus!
The news of Magnus Carlsen being the youngest player to have the achieved the World No 1 in FIDE ratings has been in many blogs. But I still want to write this anyway... :-)) It juz so happened that I like the article so much that I insist to tell the story.
When Magnus mentioned in the interview here about he and his intuition - "I'm good at sensing the nature of the position and where I should put my pieces. You have to choose the move that feels right sometimes; that's what intuition is. It's very hard to explain." My brother Kamal used to mention about this "intuition" thing a couple of years ago, he says how important to try and develop the intuition skill. He was trying hard to make me understand.. kinda like Magnus - hard to explain. I think my conclusion overall, is how far your logic calculation goes (I think) during play.
Also the interview here about what he thinks about computer - "It's more an analytical tool," Carlsen said "Playing against the computer regularly would mean that I would lose more often than I won and I don't think that would be very helpful for my confidence." I seldom advise my students to play against Fritz as your opponent, but I always advise them to use them as a tool. Hope this article will explain to them the importance of using it as a tool.
In this interview here ,I like the fact that he still continue his studies / his schooling years and at the same time took part in many major events. It is not an easy life to juggle chess and study at the same time.. (but somehow, Magnus done it!)
When I asked Dao Thien Hai about his opinion whether we can have a GM or not, he said, for one to become a GM he must be a professional player (meaning quit school and do chess full time). I kinda disagree when he said that, coz I still think education is important, at least SPM is a must for all! look at Nicol David, she scores good SPM results then only she continue her passion for squash professionally and look at her now (on top of the world)!
So, for those who wish to go for titles, juz dont stop at the point where you cant have the dream come true. But instead be bold and strive harder! The dreams maybe granted years later, but at least you hold on to the dream. To be exact IM Mok proves that age 40s never stops him to get his IM title (though it took him 10 years to get that.. Bravo Mok!)
p/s - I never stop hoping for the 1st Malaysian GM!
When Magnus mentioned in the interview here about he and his intuition - "I'm good at sensing the nature of the position and where I should put my pieces. You have to choose the move that feels right sometimes; that's what intuition is. It's very hard to explain." My brother Kamal used to mention about this "intuition" thing a couple of years ago, he says how important to try and develop the intuition skill. He was trying hard to make me understand.. kinda like Magnus - hard to explain. I think my conclusion overall, is how far your logic calculation goes (I think) during play.
Also the interview here about what he thinks about computer - "It's more an analytical tool," Carlsen said "Playing against the computer regularly would mean that I would lose more often than I won and I don't think that would be very helpful for my confidence." I seldom advise my students to play against Fritz as your opponent, but I always advise them to use them as a tool. Hope this article will explain to them the importance of using it as a tool.
In this interview here ,I like the fact that he still continue his studies / his schooling years and at the same time took part in many major events. It is not an easy life to juggle chess and study at the same time.. (but somehow, Magnus done it!)
When I asked Dao Thien Hai about his opinion whether we can have a GM or not, he said, for one to become a GM he must be a professional player (meaning quit school and do chess full time). I kinda disagree when he said that, coz I still think education is important, at least SPM is a must for all! look at Nicol David, she scores good SPM results then only she continue her passion for squash professionally and look at her now (on top of the world)!
So, for those who wish to go for titles, juz dont stop at the point where you cant have the dream come true. But instead be bold and strive harder! The dreams maybe granted years later, but at least you hold on to the dream. To be exact IM Mok proves that age 40s never stops him to get his IM title (though it took him 10 years to get that.. Bravo Mok!)
p/s - I never stop hoping for the 1st Malaysian GM!
MCF's Chess Calendar 2010
Here is the new 2010 chess calendar as announced by the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF). Looking at the schedule, MCF event will start with the Malaysia - Singapore Match! Based on the previous incidence couple of years back, the format of the match will be slightly differ. In either way, I am still waiting for MCF to confirm this, and the list of players taking part.Then we have the Malaysian Women Master too! I am still waiting for the confirmation to announce in this blog.
The annual event that kids have been waiting for - the National Age Group 2010! This Penang Chess Association (PCA) will organised the event. So, to all parents out there, take note the tourney will be held at Dewan Sri Pinang from March 14 - 16! I do hope the categories contended will included the U-18 category too, coz I noticed that we have players playing in the World Youth in U-18 category but is selected based from other tournaments not from the NAG. I think it is fair for those school leavers that wish to try their luck.
As many knows, MSSM for chess will no longer be around (wonder for how long will it be this time, coz if I am not mistaken parents still pays for MSSM fee as part of the school fee), therefore you can see in the calendar there will be a tourney called National Scholastic Age Group. I am still puzzle whether is this an open event or the players selected from the MSSD or MSS from states? Hope MCF will clarify on this matter. But I am hoping (crossing my fingers) for chess to be in MSSM for more years to come!
For those who wish to compete in the National Closed 2010, the event will start from June 16-20. After all the rush in auditing and the installation of the new system, June is the month that I am actually free and available to play. Hope I can make it to this year National Closed!
In the calendar the Malaysian Chess Festival this year will be in the month of Ramadhan! I think the last of the Malaysian Open will be on the 29th Ramadhan.. hmm... I am not sure that I like this date.. coz, those are the crucial time where the preparation for Raya is held! I didnt take part last year, so, I was hoping that I can play this year!
For this year, the international highlights or events for the Malaysian chess fans will be the Asian Games Guangzhao where chess will be one of the sports contended and the Siberia 2010, where Chess Olimpiad will be staged once in every two years! (for chess.. there will be more than 100 countries taking part!)
Friday, January 01, 2010
Happy New Year 2010!
Ucapan Selamat Tahun Baru 2010 buat semua peminat catur seluruh tanahair! Dengan azam di tahun baru ini, "mudah-mudahan kita semua berjaya mengharungi pelbagai cabaran dalam dunia catur yang bakal mendatang di tahun 2010 nanti!"
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Malaysian Women Master 2010?
Heard this news.. there will be Malaysian Women Master 2010?! hope... this is true coz it sure is a good news to all Women players!
The likes of WIM Siti Zulaikha Foudzi, WCM Nurshazwani Zulkafli, NWM Roslina Marmono.. sure sounds too good to be true to see them in action again. Cant wait to watch these players compete against the younger players like WCM Nur Nabila Azman Hisham, WFM Nur Najihah, NWM Tan Li Ting, Renitha Narayanan.... etc... (juz mention few names)
Hope I could be there too.. But I dont think I am strong enough to play. Most probably ended up losing all games.. hahaha.. but in either way, I am so excited if the the Masters Event happened! At least this year we have the woman team for Siberia 2010 Olimpiad! (Our women missed the Dresden 2008).. I dont really bother / care much if the team is formed from our young players. To me, if the shoe fits and they deserve the spot to represent Malaysia, then they earned my support in their journey Siberia 2010!
The likes of WIM Siti Zulaikha Foudzi, WCM Nurshazwani Zulkafli, NWM Roslina Marmono.. sure sounds too good to be true to see them in action again. Cant wait to watch these players compete against the younger players like WCM Nur Nabila Azman Hisham, WFM Nur Najihah, NWM Tan Li Ting, Renitha Narayanan.... etc... (juz mention few names)
Hope I could be there too.. But I dont think I am strong enough to play. Most probably ended up losing all games.. hahaha.. but in either way, I am so excited if the the Masters Event happened! At least this year we have the woman team for Siberia 2010 Olimpiad! (Our women missed the Dresden 2008).. I dont really bother / care much if the team is formed from our young players. To me, if the shoe fits and they deserve the spot to represent Malaysia, then they earned my support in their journey Siberia 2010!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Chess In SEA games 2011
Chess is in the SEA games again!!!! great huh?!
Chess was one of the sports contended in Sea games held at Singapore,Vietnam, Philippines until Thailand list it out from the games, and Laos too this year.. but Indonesia in 2011 wants the game in! why wont them, Indonesia had the potential in the golds contended with her strong GM Susanto Megaranto and WGM Irene Sukandar. Other countries are please with the news and I bet preparations will be held in the countries to select the best players to represent the countries... In Sea games chess history, the best Malaysia could have are Bronze medal from Siti Zulaikha and from the Malaysian Team.
Which lead me to the question, who shall it be for Malaysia? I hope the selection of the players will be done in full integrity and the players picked are the best in its field. The categories that most definitely will be in are the Classical Chess, Rapid Chess and Blitz. I knew some players are good in Classical but not necessarily good in Blitz, so I do hope players were chosen wisely.
Chess will also be contended in Asian Games in Guangzhao 2010 too! the first in Doha Qatar 2006, we didnt send any players, juz hope next year the sports comittee will say it otherwise! With the coming of a new national chess coach in Malaysia, hope that investment will produce future champion in chess!
Chess was one of the sports contended in Sea games held at Singapore,Vietnam, Philippines until Thailand list it out from the games, and Laos too this year.. but Indonesia in 2011 wants the game in! why wont them, Indonesia had the potential in the golds contended with her strong GM Susanto Megaranto and WGM Irene Sukandar. Other countries are please with the news and I bet preparations will be held in the countries to select the best players to represent the countries... In Sea games chess history, the best Malaysia could have are Bronze medal from Siti Zulaikha and from the Malaysian Team.
Which lead me to the question, who shall it be for Malaysia? I hope the selection of the players will be done in full integrity and the players picked are the best in its field. The categories that most definitely will be in are the Classical Chess, Rapid Chess and Blitz. I knew some players are good in Classical but not necessarily good in Blitz, so I do hope players were chosen wisely.
Chess will also be contended in Asian Games in Guangzhao 2010 too! the first in Doha Qatar 2006, we didnt send any players, juz hope next year the sports comittee will say it otherwise! With the coming of a new national chess coach in Malaysia, hope that investment will produce future champion in chess!
2009 Malaysian Interstate Chess Championship
A tournament held at Sibu, Sarawak which starts today until Dec 27. It is a team tournament. There are 10 teams taking part, and you can find the list at Hairulov's blog. I juz want to announce that Pahang is not one of the teams taking part, unfortunately.
But I wish to thank Mr Lim Kian Hwa for the invitation. It was a great offer for a free board and lodging throughout the tournaments which was the last time I had the opportunity was during the Merdeka Team held years ago! It was a generous offer from the organiser. And besides how many team event that we actually had to regard the best state in Malaysia? I was thrilled at first and was hoping that Pahang could send a team, but sadly that Pahang cant send any team... (too bad). Hopefully next year we can a team and participate in any event that gives us the quota to send players.. All the best to the players!
But I wish to thank Mr Lim Kian Hwa for the invitation. It was a great offer for a free board and lodging throughout the tournaments which was the last time I had the opportunity was during the Merdeka Team held years ago! It was a generous offer from the organiser. And besides how many team event that we actually had to regard the best state in Malaysia? I was thrilled at first and was hoping that Pahang could send a team, but sadly that Pahang cant send any team... (too bad). Hopefully next year we can a team and participate in any event that gives us the quota to send players.. All the best to the players!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Malaysian Master 2009
The Malaysian Master 2009 had juz ended last week. The finals are between FM Nicholas Chan and IM Mas Hafizulhilmi. There are 6 rounds to be played in the finals but IM Mas won the first 2 rounds, and drew round 3 and won the round 4, therefore the Master 2009 was him!! and because of that, I think he is best suited to be known as the Malaysian's Best 2009! after all he is currently ranked 1 in the Malaysia FIDE rating list.
The journey through the finals was a real tough! only the selected best from the hundreds of Malaysian were picked to play. Top 4 from the FIDE list, Top 2 from National Closed 2009, NJM 2008 and one MCF choice. The first quarter finals saw IM Mas was paired to play against NJM 2008 - Tariq Amru. IM Mas won the game and proceed to the Semi-finals. The second quarter finals are between FM Ooi Chern Ee and FM Mok Tze Meng. Where the latter won the event and proceed to Semis too. The third quarter - IM Lim Yee Weng vs NM Edward Lee. Yee Weng won the match. And the 4th quarter finals - FM Nicholas Chan vs NM Evan Timothy Capel.
There was a prediction made by IM Jimmy Liew that the one who won the semis against FM Mok will be the one that will win the Master event! All of us was anxiously watching and waiting for the results of the game for the 1st semis between IM Mas vs FM Mok. A hard fought game between them but IM Mas prove to be the at his best. Later on FM Nicholas joined him in the finals when he won against IM Yee Weng in the semis.
Many blogger made the highlights toward the event (which is good news to us chess players), but let me list you the one blog that I often click to find out about the result. Here
Congratulations to IM Mas Hafizulhilmi and may his quest for the GM title inspire us all in moving forward too!
The journey through the finals was a real tough! only the selected best from the hundreds of Malaysian were picked to play. Top 4 from the FIDE list, Top 2 from National Closed 2009, NJM 2008 and one MCF choice. The first quarter finals saw IM Mas was paired to play against NJM 2008 - Tariq Amru. IM Mas won the game and proceed to the Semi-finals. The second quarter finals are between FM Ooi Chern Ee and FM Mok Tze Meng. Where the latter won the event and proceed to Semis too. The third quarter - IM Lim Yee Weng vs NM Edward Lee. Yee Weng won the match. And the 4th quarter finals - FM Nicholas Chan vs NM Evan Timothy Capel.
There was a prediction made by IM Jimmy Liew that the one who won the semis against FM Mok will be the one that will win the Master event! All of us was anxiously watching and waiting for the results of the game for the 1st semis between IM Mas vs FM Mok. A hard fought game between them but IM Mas prove to be the at his best. Later on FM Nicholas joined him in the finals when he won against IM Yee Weng in the semis.
Many blogger made the highlights toward the event (which is good news to us chess players), but let me list you the one blog that I often click to find out about the result. Here
Congratulations to IM Mas Hafizulhilmi and may his quest for the GM title inspire us all in moving forward too!
National Junior Chess Championship 2009
The National Junior Chess Championship and the National Junior (W) Chess Championship 2009 (the event that held annually beginning 2008), has ended last Sunday with this year title goes to NJM Yeap Eng Chiam from Kuala Lumpur the newly crowned NJWM is Nur Najiha Azman Hisham.
I was there last Sunday, juz to get out of hectic working schedule and take a break (those who saw me with the pimples on my face severely would understand how stressful I am lately), where would be best for me to take a break, even if it juz for one day (phew!)
There was a tie for the champion title in the open section between Yeap, Sumant, Evan and Justin. But the play-offs that held afterward (I heard it was a rapid event) decides that Yeap is the title holder!. And it looks like NM Evan who was in May won the NM title because of the play-offs wasnt lucky enough to get the NJM title in the same year (or else history is created!).
In the Girls section, WFM Nur Najiha takes the challenge trophy home and it has stayed in the family ground for 2 consecutive years now! the first time the championship was held last year, the winner goes to her elder sister WCM Nur Nabila. It sure does makes my second cousin Kak Zaza (her mom) proud! (I can tell from the looks in her face when Najiha together with Amira Syamina and Latifah Kaiyisah were in the same points after the last round, waiting for the results from the arbiter either it is a confirm that Najiha won becoz she won against those two or it is a play-offs like the open section).
More news on this you can visit Gilocatur at here. He was there supporting his children playing.
The four kids from Kuantan manage to get a good score too (at least from my point of view). Kuhan and Khirranya Ganesan - both got 3 points from 9 rounds. That is the minimum score that I told them to get (at least). This is their first tournament in a major event like this, all feelings are there, but overall they were all excited to continue their journey in tomorrow's Jax Tham rapid event and next year National Age Group 2009! Another 2 kids Muhd Firdaus Afiq Asman (5 points) and Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman (4.5 points). Sabrina create a lot of stir on her opponents when she drew her first round against Camilia Johari (National Junior Squad) and when she won against the Perakian Nur Munirah Mat Rahim (if I am not mistaken she was the MSSM U-18 champ).
Congratulations to all of them! I thank their parents for taking them to the tournament, and hope others make take the same step too, and may the hopes of the next National Player will hail from Kuantan soon! (insyaAllah)
I was there last Sunday, juz to get out of hectic working schedule and take a break (those who saw me with the pimples on my face severely would understand how stressful I am lately), where would be best for me to take a break, even if it juz for one day (phew!)
There was a tie for the champion title in the open section between Yeap, Sumant, Evan and Justin. But the play-offs that held afterward (I heard it was a rapid event) decides that Yeap is the title holder!. And it looks like NM Evan who was in May won the NM title because of the play-offs wasnt lucky enough to get the NJM title in the same year (or else history is created!).
In the Girls section, WFM Nur Najiha takes the challenge trophy home and it has stayed in the family ground for 2 consecutive years now! the first time the championship was held last year, the winner goes to her elder sister WCM Nur Nabila. It sure does makes my second cousin Kak Zaza (her mom) proud! (I can tell from the looks in her face when Najiha together with Amira Syamina and Latifah Kaiyisah were in the same points after the last round, waiting for the results from the arbiter either it is a confirm that Najiha won becoz she won against those two or it is a play-offs like the open section).
More news on this you can visit Gilocatur at here. He was there supporting his children playing.
The four kids from Kuantan manage to get a good score too (at least from my point of view). Kuhan and Khirranya Ganesan - both got 3 points from 9 rounds. That is the minimum score that I told them to get (at least). This is their first tournament in a major event like this, all feelings are there, but overall they were all excited to continue their journey in tomorrow's Jax Tham rapid event and next year National Age Group 2009! Another 2 kids Muhd Firdaus Afiq Asman (5 points) and Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman (4.5 points). Sabrina create a lot of stir on her opponents when she drew her first round against Camilia Johari (National Junior Squad) and when she won against the Perakian Nur Munirah Mat Rahim (if I am not mistaken she was the MSSM U-18 champ).
Congratulations to all of them! I thank their parents for taking them to the tournament, and hope others make take the same step too, and may the hopes of the next National Player will hail from Kuantan soon! (insyaAllah)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Regarding chess tournament in Kuantan
From the shoutbox and sms that I received, I know the chess fans in Kuantan is craving for at least one tourney at this year end. I wish the same thing too. But things are out of my hands. I can do the paperworks, the submission to find sponsors but to finally get someone to finance a chess events is totally frustrating. However, few local chess friends did have a small league here in Kuantan (I wasnt the organiser nor the player), I was there witnessing the event and renting our chess sets for the mini tourney.
I thought that the tourney juz ended there, but who knows those few friends that organise and sponsor the mini tournament decided to have another event! Currently they are working to get the major sponsors. To me, it doesnt matter whether the tourney is organise by Kelab Catur Kuantan or Persatuan Catur Kuantan or any interested individual as long as there is tourney in Kuantan and it follows FIDE rules and regulations!
As I mentioned so many times, I am quite busy in my working schedule, not juz me infact most of our AJK at Persatuan Catur Kuantan as well as AJK at Kelab Catur Kuantan are often occupied with works. Therefore we need volunteers from anyone out there to join the Kelab or Persatuan and become the AJK. Your ideas and effort can help expand the Kelab's and Persatuan's activities!
When everyone is counting on me alone, I feel sad and frustrated when I cant deliver. To not having any chess tourney this year also makes me feel terrible. And I wish I could have done more.... My sincere apology regarding this matter...
I thought that the tourney juz ended there, but who knows those few friends that organise and sponsor the mini tournament decided to have another event! Currently they are working to get the major sponsors. To me, it doesnt matter whether the tourney is organise by Kelab Catur Kuantan or Persatuan Catur Kuantan or any interested individual as long as there is tourney in Kuantan and it follows FIDE rules and regulations!
As I mentioned so many times, I am quite busy in my working schedule, not juz me infact most of our AJK at Persatuan Catur Kuantan as well as AJK at Kelab Catur Kuantan are often occupied with works. Therefore we need volunteers from anyone out there to join the Kelab or Persatuan and become the AJK. Your ideas and effort can help expand the Kelab's and Persatuan's activities!
When everyone is counting on me alone, I feel sad and frustrated when I cant deliver. To not having any chess tourney this year also makes me feel terrible. And I wish I could have done more.... My sincere apology regarding this matter...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)