Chess In Universities

In Malaysia, chess in schools? Naaaaay ... not yet.

But chess in universities, maybe. Why GiLoCatur thinks so?

Check out the upcoming chess tournaments that will held in several different universities all over the country.

1) UniKL MFI Chess Open

GiLoCatur has never been to this university which is located in Bandar Baru Bangi. The university was previously known as Malaysian France Institute. Now it is one of Universiti Kuala Lumpur or simply UniKL branches. The chess tournament will be held on this weekend Saturday. It is two more days to go. Nearly 250 participants have registered so far. Click here to view the names.

There would be Open, Under 18 and Under 12 categories including University students who will be in the Open category. The format of play will be 7 or 8 SWISS rounds of 20 or 25 minutes per player. This tournament is a national-rated event.

2) UiTM Segamat Chess Open

UiTM is a very popular university. It has many branches all over the country. The one located in Segamat is also called as UiTM Johor. Its HQ is located in Shah Alam. UiTM Shah Alam is very familiar to GiLoCatur. Back in 1986, GiLoCatur had the two-week orientation program in the campus. For chess tournaments, GiLoCatur and the kids had participated in three chess tourneys organized by the UiTM Shah Alam. GiLoCatur hopes UiTM Shah Alam and its other branches like UiTM Johor will keep organizing chess tournaments for many years to come.

This tournament will take place this Sunday, 10th April. So, how's the format of play for the UiTM Johor Open? Check out the details from the organizer by downloading the form here.

GiLoCatur plans to go to Segamat for this tournament but due to some matters, has to cancel it. Segamat is not that far away from Shah Alam. It is about 3 to 4 hours drive. GiLoCatur hopes chess players in surrounding areas will take part. DO YOU DARE?

3) UUM Sintok YAB Chess Open

UUM is a university located in Sintok Kedah. UUM stands for Universiti Utara Malaysia. On 23rd April,  a chess open tournament will held there. For more details, check out this link. The champion will receive the prize money of RM 450. Not bad eh!

4) UniSZA Chess Open

UniSZA or Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin is a university situated in Terengganu. To foreign visitors, Terengganu is famous for its beautiful islands like Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas. (note: pulau in Malay means island). Check out the state's official tourism website here to find out more. From the university's  official website, GiLoCatur found out that the university has three campuses. So, at which campus the chess open will held? It should be easy. Below picture has the answer. So when is the date of the tournament? It will he held on Saturday, 16th April 2011. Some people may wonder why the tourney is scheduled on Saturday, instead of Sunday. Actually, for Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah, the weekend is on Friday and Saturday; NOT Saturday and Sunday.

The format of the tournament is 8 SWISS rounds of 20 minute per player. The champion will receive prize money of MYR 500. As most rapid chess tournaments, it will be held only in one day. For further details like the fees, the contacts and how to register, please visit here.  

[ updated and included on 7th April, 12.15am]

IIUM and  USM had organized chess tournaments early this year. Both universities are very active in organizing chess tournaments. UPSI is another university that has an annual chess event. Unfortunately, GiLoCatur missed all their last events. As far as GiLoCatur remembers, GiLoCatur had been to two chess tourneys each at both IIUM and UPSI. GiLoCatur has never participated so far in USM chess events. GiLoCatur hopes to be at USM next time.

GiLoCatur would like to encourage the young chess players to take part in chess tournaments held in universities. Be adventure in travelling to these Us with friends. Go by bus or by train. Fill up your young life with adventure and chess. Open your eye. GiLoCatur really relishes the student life. How about you?