Karpov Visit to Malaysia 2010

Pic left : listening carefully to Karpov statement
Pic right : from L-R Richard Conn, Karpov and Dato' Tan

Pic left : Hamid Majid - nominees for General FIDE secretary

Pic right : Karpov and his advisor Richard Conn being interviewed by Astro Arena.

Pic left : It's Yeoh Li Tian turn to be interviewed as our chess prodigy
Pic right : Then IM Mas. But in astro arena only IM Mas interview was featured in the news (and I am right when I told him that he speaks english during the interview!)

Pic left : Karpov (B) against Li Tian (W) in a blitz exhibition match

Pic right : the position.

Pic left : IM Mas turn to face the 12th World Champ

Pic right : Karpov in serious mood during the game. This is the first time I caught him in action, and I was there the entire game! (whoa!!)

Pic left : IM Mas was trembling the entire time, including the time where Karpov analyse the game and showed him the better moves.

Pic right : This is the position. Look equal huh?! but IM Mas blundered a rook few moves later. And he had no idea that the Rook was free until Karpov took it! It's ok Mas, everybody knew your expertise is in Classical game.

Pic left : Pn Haslindah - VP MCF with IM Mas

Pic right : "I'll be back again during the Malaysian Chess Festival"

L-R : Khairunnisa, Haslindah, my 2nd cousin-niece WCM Nur Nabila and my 2nd cousin Zazaluma (is it in the genes, that coincidently we play chess?hmmm)

A Memorable 20th July 2010!

It was raining heavily when I arrived at LRT Ampang Park on that day and I had to walk in the rain to reach G Tower City Restaurant. Arrived cold and wet at the 28th Floor, meant nothing to me, as when I saw him again after the first and the last time I saw him was in 1993 at World Junior Chess Championship in Bratislava, Slovakia, my heart was thumping hard! There was the surprise look on everyone's face when I showed up there for the press conference and dinner.


Who am I referring to? It is none other than the 12th World Champion, Anatoly Karpov! He was in Malaysia as part of his Asian tour in his FIDE Presendential campaign. If I only I get the chance to play against him, then that will be most memorable of all time!! (hahaha), but unfortunately I am not the chess prodigy nor Malaysia's No 1 chessplayer to get that chance (huhuhu).
But nevertheless, it was great to get the chance to take photo with him again (the first time was lost somewhere, or else I would get him to autograph on the pic), and to get his autograph on a chessboard and his press campaign booklet. And I am in a good mood talking about it that night with friends and the next day to my friends and siblings and who would have thought that, the cloud 9 time would turn into a horrible feelings when a very rude person gave my car a hit and run! (terrible!)

3rd Kuantan Master Rapid Junior 2010

Dont forget the date! 8/8/2010 at MRSM Kuantan. Register now!

Karpov Here in Malaysia!

As reported here. The former world chess champion is coming to Malaysia! And the best news is, I am invited to the press conference held tomorrow! Yeay!!

I am thinking about asking question during the press conference (and i have a lot in my mind now, but wonder if it suitable for the event, since he is here for the FIDE Elections), and posted in this blog, but, hmm wonder what question would that be? Anyone can help me out on this one..

New Chess Centre In Kuantan

It is located at B90 Level 1 Jalan Lim Hoe Lek. Opposite of Stadium Darulmakmur, and the next building to it is LA Hotel.

It is not that big, but I think it can accomodate about 60 people at one time. I have just got the keys, and chairs and tables will arrive later as I had just made bookings last saturday. Wiring and furnishing of the centre will be done by this sunday. In any case ALL CHESS ENTHUSIATS are INVITED for the opening of the chess centre on the 7th August 2010 at 11am. There will be blitz and food & beverage during the opening.

Thanks to our first contributor to the centre small library, I received 2 chess books from dear friend, Ilhamuddin

3rd Kuantan Master Junior Rapid Chess Championship 8 August 2010

Announcing our 3rd Year of Kuantan Master Junior Event in recognising the BEST JUNIOR player under the age of 20 years old. The 1st year was held at SMK Paya Besar, the 2nd year was at SMK Sg Soi and this year we shall have it at MRSM Kuantan.

The tournament is open to all youngsters out there at the age below 20 years old in and outside Kuantan. With the 7 rounds swiss system and the time control of 25 minutes to finish.

The last 2 years installment was won by Muhammad Khairilhelmi Rosseli from SMK Abdul Rahman Talib Kuantan. Will he retain the title that he won for 2 consecutive years? We will find out when the game is kick off on 8th August 2010!

The Champion of Kuantan Master shall have his/her name crafted at the Challenge Trophy and the sum of RM100.

Any queries regarding this event, call me at 019-9699879. Letters regarding the tournament will be distributed to all schools in Kuantan by next week.

FIDE Elections 2010

Is the title correct? hmm.. I have been reading about this presidential contest in FIDE for so many months now. And anytime soon there will be court case. You can read it here

It surely is a surprise to me when I heard the former world champion GM Anatoly Karpov is contesting for the top post! and in his line up is our very own IA En Hamid Majid. En Hamid is nominated by Karpov, with back up and blessing from MCF and Dato Tan and he will fight for the post General Secretary of FIDE (Whoa!!!)

(No wonder when I called him after Ole Ole he didnt answer the call, but instead reply a sms to me saying that he is in overseas. I guess he must have been busy and all geared up for the elections.)

What do I think about this (I hate to be involved in politics!), I think Kirsan (the current FIDE President) has been holding the post (since 1995) for too long now. Let's try for new faces, and see what happened next. Coz so far, even under the ruling of Kirsan, Malaysian Chess scene is the same for so many years, no changes in anything. And I still dont know what will happen if Karpov hold the post? Will there be any changes in Malaysian Chess? There should be right, coz if Karpov win, Hamid will be in the team. And the best part, he is from Malaysia. And I do wish for good news to come up from this elections.

Magnus Carlsen - From Board to Catwalk

I read about Magnus signed up as a model in chessbase.com and in chessvibes.com. But while I was flipping thru The Star newspaper yesterday (Tuesday), there he was! Chessplayers nowadays is totally different from the old days. Today, they endorsed so many products, they are like the celebs and the sports icon in their country. I guess once you are on top of the world you can endorse many things.. (with good looks of course!)

you can read it here

New Chess Centre In Kuantan

I have been working 7 days a week, juggling with work and chess at the same time (phew! happy that world cup has ended, so the sleeping days shall go back to normal again). I am in need of a break actually. But I cant take any, as I have so many things to do.

I am opening a new CHESS CENTRE in Kuantan soon. I am still selecting the date for the opening, but early August seems to be the best available date. It shall be a small chess centre, so dont expect much. But I will add up many things afterwards, when the response is overwhelm. I am very nervous about venturing into this, coz I know, many chess centre previously are "once upon a time" thing. I might not know if I shall suffer the same thing, but one thing for sure, I will never know if I never give it a try. So, juz open it first and see how it goes.

A request here to my fellow chess friends for any donation on chess books, articles, mags to be placed in the small library at the chess centre. I would very much appreciate it if the donated books or etc, is signed by the contributors.

I'll announce later of any updates of the CHESS CENTRE, so stay tuned! :-)

Ole Ole Open 2010

I was at the Ole Ole Open, at Seksyen 18 Shah Alam, acting as the arbiter for the event. I learned new things at the tournament, and with experience and opportunity, that extend my knowledge in arbitrating a chess event. I dont juz go and be an arbiter for nothing, after each event I always consult with either En Hamid or En Najib regarding things that happened and the decision that I made (lucky me, so far, I have made the right decision). When it comes to national rating, Mr Lim Tse Pin is the person that I would refer to. I have the ambition of being the first female to become the International Arbiter (IA) in Malaysia. Coz, with the recognition of IA, I think i'll be respected more in the local chess scene. I am looking for more norms to complete the regulation set by FIDE.

Ok, back to Ole Ole. The cash prizes at Ole Ole might not be as tempting at the rest of the chess tournaments held elsewhere, but I think it is worth it, coz registering with RM20 fee, qualifies all players to a RM50 shopping vouchers at Cosway! Isnt that great! Imagine a family (father and kids playing), all received more than RM50 vouchers! And good news to all, the Ole Ole Shopping Complex has announced that the tournament shall be an annual event.

To find out more about the result of the event click here

Hectic Schedule! and Ole Ole Open 2010

I was in KL yesterday, and back in Kuantan on the same day. Juz in time for PCDK new AJK meeting at D'Santai Restaurant Tanjung Lumpur. Post mortem from the recent Kuantan Open event were tabled and the upcoming project from PCDK.

And today I am off to KL again, attending some accounting seminars for two days. Will only back in Kuantan on Thursday for meeting with IT people from KL and KT. And at night I will be attending another AJK PCDK Meeting to table and make final decision regarding another chess event in Kuantan.

And on Friday after work I am off to Shah Alam to be part of Ole Ole Open on the 10th July 2010! I was the arbiter last year, and I am happy to be the arbiter again this year! Being the arbiter is not so much fun as being a player, but I'm loving the moment where I learned new things. And after all, being with the players I myself building the passion to play again.

Hectic schedule, huh?! Not to mention staying up to watch World Cup.. hahaha! I was a football fan watching EPL, Champions League, etc, but that was the era of Cantona, the young Giggs, Baggio, etc... But now, watching the once in 4 years game is enough for me to keep updated with football. And still, the team that I support to become the World Cup Champ ever since the world cup in 1990 (in 1984 at mexico i am not supporting any team but cheering with the siblings), has never lift the trophy! And it happened again this year when Argentina lost horribly to the Dutch! (huhuhu) And the team that I used to cheer for and support for winning make it thru this year (what la! wrong guess again!)

Ok, back to Chess! All players you are welcome to register for the Ole Ole Open Section 18 Shah Alam, the game is on the 10th July (Saturday). Further info kindly contact : Abdul Haq - 013-3927718.

See you guys there!

Dungun Open 2010 (16-17/7/2010)

More Pic on Kuantan Open 2010

**Pic courtesy from Cikgu Safri**

Photos from Kuantan Open 2010

Kuantan Blitz Open 2010

While waiting for the result, we had a small Blitz event for fun! with the fee of only RM5.00! The champ goes home with RM70, Second with RM50 and Third with RM30. While the rest top ten received Hamper worth RM20 each courtesy from KRT.

Champ - Kamaluddin Yusof (7 points)
Second - Muhammad Arshad (6 points)
Third - Abdul Khalid Musa (5.5 points)
Fourth - Mohd Khair (5 points)
Fifth - Nor Azmi Mohd Nor (5 points)
Sixth - Sulaiman Johari (5 points)
Seventh - Nurul Huda (5 points)
Eighth - Nordin Md Yamin (4.5 points)
Ninth - Muhamad Khairilhelmi (4.5 points)
Tenth - Asman Aminullah (4.5 points)

Kuantan Open 26th - 27th jun 2010

Finally the Kuantan Open has ended today... (phew! what a relief!) I thought i dont have to do any job, but i ended up doing things too.. it is not as hectic as I was the Tourney Director in previous Kuantan events. I learned new things from Pairing Arbiter En Muhammad Arshad, so I can say that I enjoyed my times there. Though, i am supposed to go to the office for the stock take, i wanted to take my time off and leave, but hmm... since over the phone things got pretty well at the office, so its ok la... be at the tourney hall and support my bro to be the champ.. but unfortunately he is not the champ.. again!!!! arghhh!!! so frustrated when he does it again!! ok.. cool! obviously he is more frustrated than me, and kept thinking about the game after it all ended when we reached home... next time perhaps!

Ok back to the game, it is a surprise and a deeply thankful to the players that came all the way to Kuantan.. Thanks to Mrs Goh and family from KL, Kamaludin also from KL, Cikgu Sabirin and family from Terengganu, Cikgu Safri and family from Muadzam, En Kamarul Arifin from Temerloh, Brian who got home from Singapore, and also others that i perhaps missed out the names to mention.. a deeply appreciation on behalf of the organiser!

The winners are :
Category B (U-12):
Champ - Siti Aisyah Sabirin (6.5 points)
Second - Muhd Asyraf Razman (6 points)
Third - Siti Khadijah Sabirin (5.5 points)
Fourth - Mubin Nor Azmi (5 points)
FIfth - Muhd Aiman Hakim Roseli (5 points)
Sixth - Ummu Hani Safri (5 points)
Seventh - Kuhan Ganesan (5 points)
Eighth - Hemasankarry Rajasegaran (4.5 points)

Best U-9 :
First - Meor Airil Rahimi Ayib Rosdi (4 points)
Second - Zulkarnain Safri (4 points)

Category A (Open) :
Champ - Kamaluddin Yusof (6.5 points)
Second - Hamidi Taib (6 points)
Third - Mohd Khair (6 points)
Fourth - Wan Ali Wan Manan (5.5 points)
Fifth - Kamarul Ariffin (5 points)
Sixth - Abd Khalid Musa (5 points)
Seventh - Sulaiman Johari (5 points)
Eighth - Lee Boon Why (5 points)

Best U-20:
First - Sharif Mohd Zaki (5 points)
Second - Ikmal Ubaidillah (4.5 points)

Best U-15:
First - Nur Sabrina Aliya Asman (5 points)
Second - Ahmad Akmal Mohd Azman (4.5 points)

Best Ladies:
First - Nurul Huda (4 points)
Second - Musfirah Nor Azmi (3 points)

For detail results, you can click here (thanks to Muhammad Arshad for the uploading of the result) :
Open Category
U-12 Category

Kuantan Open 26-27 jun 2010

The above is the Map to Dewan KRT Berjaya Permai (click to en large the image for better view). Take the Tanjung Lumpur bridge from Kuantan town, just go straight along the road until you find a landmark - Pusat Tenun Pahang, then turn left at the traffic light. Go straight again until you another landmark on the right SMK Sungai Soi. Near to the school is Perumahan Berjaya Permai.

I am back in Kuantan today (thurday), and since I am here, I'll be taking over from the tournament director the registration job. Those who is interested to play, register with me. You can email me at nwmchess@yahoo.com or you can sms me at 019-9699879 or you can fax your registration to me (attention my name) at 09-5147688.

Those who has register and make the payment, you can come to the playing hall (Dewan KRT) at at 10am before round 1 started at 10.15am. BUT for those who register and without any payment made yet to the organiser, kindly be at Dewan KRT for registration from 8.30am - 9.30am. We will close the registration at 9.30am to ensure that game will start on time at 10.15am!

I am encouraging players, parents, guardians and teachers to be there on the 26th June for the PERSATUAN CATUR KUANTAN meeting at 12.30 noon, as everyone can give ideas and give a thorough discussion on how to make chess better in Kuantan! During the meeting I will make the announcement on the opening of my chess centre that I will name it after the name of my siblings' team which is SETIA CHESS CENTRE.

NCC 2010 - Ranking list

Finally the NCC 2010 is over, after 5 days battling for the NM and the NWM title and the top 4 spot to play at the Malaysian Masters, it is ended today.

We witness NM Tan Khai Boon and NWM Fong Mi Yen joining the elite NM and NWM club today!

Here, I am signing off from Kolej Pendeta Za'ba UKM (will still be in KL attending courses and will only be back in Kuantan on the 24th June 2010).

Next - Kuantan Open 2010 on 26th and 27th June 2010!

NCC 2010 - FInal Round Update!

Fong Mi Yen drew her game with Camilia Johari, thus makes her the newly crowned National Woman Master (NWM) for 2010. Tan Khai Boon also won his game against Nik Ahmad Farouqi, and that too makes him the new National Master (NM) for 2010.

Only few tables still playing, for more updates check out - NCC blog

NCC 2010 - FInal Round

**By the way Gilachess is selling the NCC Bulletin for both Open and Women section. You can contact him at the NCC blog for details**