UniKL MFI Chess Tournament Report

Yesterday, GiLoCatur and all the three children - Fikri, Anis Fariha and Fahim, took part in the UniKL MFI Chess Open tournament held at the campus in Bangi, located in Selangor state. Fahim, the youngest son, played in Under 12 category. He was among 101 total participants that include players came all the way from Kelantan brought by PCNK or Kelantan Chess Association. 

Meanwhile, both Fikri and Anis were among 94 total participants in Under 18 category. Several schools sent their pupils as a warm up for the upcoming Selangor district chess championship. The schools include Sekolah Seri Puteri from Cyberjaya, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor or better known as KUSESS and SMK Perimbun from Cheras and Sekolah Menengah Teknik Sepang or SEPTECS.

And for sure, GiLoCatur was playing in the Open category which attracted 126 total players that include IPT or university students. Who else took part in this category? There are four Malaysian-based foreigners who took part where three of them are familiar to GiLoCatur and other Malaysian chess community. They are Ian Udani from Philippines, Ahmat Rubel Abbas from Indonesia and Jasur Madjidov from Uzbekistan. Another one is Guan Xing Ting from China who is studying in UPSI.

All the participants battled their chess skills and strategy in eight rapid rounds. The tournament started at about 10.00am and completed at about 6.00pm. It is very scintillating especially for GiLoCatur to be part of and witnessing a chess tournament like this. The playing hall were full of 321 total participants and chess parents as well as teachers who accompanied their school pupils. For sure, the children especially the U12  category contestants made the loudest noises chitchatting, kibitzing, talking, laughing and running all over including the "BONGSU" trio. Mmmm who are the "BONGSU" trio? GiLoCatur will reveal their identity next time. Enough with the description of the chess tournament, let's find out who are the champions?

IM Mas received his champion's medal and prize money

In the Open category, IM Mas Hafizulhelmi emerged champion after winning all his games including against Ian Udani, the second seed, in the seventh round. Ahmad Rubel is the first runner up and Mohd Nabil is the second runner up. Ian Udani and Jasur Madjidov is placed fourth and fifth respectively.

In the Under 18 section, Faizal Roslan managed to make a comeback from his fifth round defeat to become the champion after winning against Fikri Saleh in the final decider round. Entering the final round, four players had 6/7 points. On top board, playing white Faizal faced Fikri who were leading with higher tie breaks. While on second board, Tariq played white against Subramanian. At the end, Tariq and Subramanian drew so that they both scored 6.5/8 points. 13-year old Faizal managed to defeat 15-year old Fikri. Thus, he had 7/8 points and won the Under 18 section.

In the Under 12 category, 9-year old Jagathees Guna Balan won all his games to claim the championship. Syabas and Tahniah to all the champions and winners.