5th NJCC - R1 Photo Gallery

The fifth edition of Malaysian NJCC or National Junior Chess Championship is being held at DAT Chess Center. Today is Day 2 of the tournament which format is nine SWISS rounds of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment. Two rounds completed yesterday on its Day 1. 

The tournament is divided into two sections - Boys and Girls. All the three children of GiLoCatur are taking part. Both Fikri and his younger brother, Fahim, are playing in the boys section. Fikri is seeded 18th out of total 56 participating boys with 1679 Elo rating. While Fahim is ranked 43rd with national ratings of 1370. Click here to see all the participants. 

GiLoCatur's only daughter, Anis Fariha, is one of nineteen (19) Malaysian juniors who take part in the girls category. With Elo ratings of 1573, Anis is the 8th seed. Go to this link to find out who is the top seed in the girls section.

Below are several photos of the 5th NJCC which GiLoCatur captured during the first round yesterday morning using BlackBerry. 

Best of Luck to all contestants especially GiLoCatur's children. Hopefully, they have better results than last year. For the record, Fikri was 12th, Anis was fourth and Fahim was 40th.

The Demise of Mr Fang Ewe Churh

GiLoCatur just heard the news of the demise of Mr Fang Ewe Churh from Malaysian popular chess columnist, SS Quah. Surely, GiLoCatur does not know well about Mr Fang but based on SS Quah's obituary in his blog, no doubt Mr Fang is one of the key figures in Malaysian chess history. A very big condolence to Mr Fang's family.

Click here to read the obituary by SS Quah.

For those who don't know about the formation of MCF i.e. Malaysian Chess Federation in August 1974, including GiLoCatur ofcourse, should read this article written by SS Quah who was there in the meeting which was chaired by none other than the late Mr Fang Ewe Churh.

UTP National Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship UPDATE 1

17.11.2012

A special day for both GiLoCatur and wife. It was on this date seventeen years ago that our marriage journey began. How do we celebrate it? Watching our three sweet kids - Fikri, Anis Fariha and Fahim Al-Faqeh, take part in the 3rd National Rapid Chess Championship at the UTP's main hall.

Before The Championship Kicked Off

Both U16 and U12 sections

Chess-playing children and their parents

GiLoCatur and family checked into a homestay at Taman Maju on Friday evening after making an hour journey from Teluk Batik. We spent one night at the Nipah Bay Village in Pangkor Island or Pulau Pangkor in Malay. It is one of GiLoCatur's favourite places to visit. One of the reasons is that it was the honeymoon spot for GiLoCatur and wife.

We arrived at the championship venue at around 9.30 in the morning. Many participants especially for the age group categories had already arrived with their respective parents or accompanying adults. For playing purposes due to small amount numbers of participants in some age groups, Under 8, Under 10 and Under 12 are merged into Under 12 category. Meanwhile, both Under 14 and Under 16 are merged Under 16 category.

Fahim has been registered in Under 10 category, Anis in Under 14 and their elder brother, Fikri, in the Open category. Therefore, Fahim has to play Under 8, Under 10 and Under 12 opponents. Anis, on the other hand, will play against either Under 14 or Under 16 opponents. Fikri will have tough chess opponents in the Open category which is a FIDE-rated event. It will be his first FIDE-rated rapid tournament.

 Under 12 Section

There are 73 participants in the Under 12 section which consists of three age groups - U8, U10 and U12. With national ratings of 1370, Fahim is seeded 6th. Seven rounds had completed on the first day of the two-day tournament. Fahim has scored 5/7 points. The leader for this section is a Kelantanese boy named Nik Muhammad Haziq Najmuddin who has accumulated 6.5/7 points. Can Haziq live up to his top billing to emerge as the top scorer in this section? 

 Under 16 Section

It is very obvious from the starting rank list here, Under 14 players are dominating the Under 16 section. The top rank is Dilwen Ding Tze How, a MSSM WP player. Anis is ranked third rated at 1585. After seven rounds, she has scored 6/7 points maintaining her third position. With perfect 7/7 score, Dilwen is leading seventy four players in the Under 16 section with one point margin.It looks unstoppable for Dilwen to emerge top in the section even though Anis will be his next opponent tomorrow (Sunday, 18th Nov 2012) morning.  

Open Section

In the Open section, 47 participants take part including two Filipino strong players. Four players share the top position with 6/7 points. Fikri has scored 4/7 points after winning four games. He fumbled a winning edge game to an experienced local player in the fourth round.   

Special 13th November!

Today is Tuesday, 13th November 2012.

It is a public holiday. It is a special day for GiLoCatur's family especially to Fikri, the eldest child in the family. Why it is so special? The answer is that it was on this date sixteen years ago that Fikri was born. Fikri's birthday is a bit special to GiLoCatur and wife, not only because he is our first child but because his birthday is few days away from our marriage anniversary. This year will be the sweet 17 anniversary for GiLoCatur and wife. 

Alhamdulillah, Fikri makes GiLoCatur and wife proud and happy. Hopefully, he will continue to be like that. Next year, he will sit a big examination which is SPM. An exam that will determine his future life direction. Therefore, his chess activities will surely be lessen and reduced. 

Last week on Tuesday, GiLoCatur was so proud and joyful when Fikri walked to the podium to receive his certificate and "watch" gift for being a member of a MSSM team champion in the L18 category of chess competition. Most gracious to the Almighty Allah! Hopefully, Fikri will continue to be a champion in many years to come.   

"SELAMAT MENYAMBUT ULANG TAHUN KELAHIRAN KE 16 BUAT ANAKANDAKU, FIKRI! SEMOGA ALLAH SWT PANJANGKAN USIA UNTUK TAAT KEPADANYA DAN PESURUHNYA, MURAHKAN REZEKI, BERIKAN KEJAYAAN DAN MERAHMATIMU ... amin amin ya rabbal alamin" 

SUKIPT Chess Round 10 Update

SUKIPT Chess is going to end tomorrow.

The final 11th round will be held tomorrow morning. Three rounds completed today (Saturday, 10th Nov 2012). The tournament is in the climax phase. So, who are leading both the men's and the women's category? What were the thrilling results today?

The women's section

It is quite interesting in the 8th round because Nurul Najmi from UIA managed to hold the top seed, Xin Ting, to a draw. Losing to Siti Nor Raihan (UIA) in the 9th round surely a frustrating result for Tszee Yeung (UPSI). In the 10th round, it was Raihan's turn for a disappointment. USM player, Choon Yong, beat Raihan playing black. Nurul Najmi (UIA) had the same fate as her team mate, Raihan, losing to Lee Yin (USM). Should she won, she would join Tszee Yeung and Choon Yong in the 8 pointer group as well as Raihan. The fight has yet finish especially for both silver and bronze medals.  

The men's section

Ahmad Fadzil Nayan of UIA is currently leading the men's category. In Round 8, he drew for the first time against Syazwan of UM. In the next two rounds after that, Fadzil scored two more points. That means, having just one draw from the total of ten rounds, he has accumulated 9.5/10 points. Trailing one point, Ian Siah is currently at second place with 8/10 points. Three players are having 8/10 and 7.5/10 each. Fadzil just needs half point from his final round against Chek Kin Keuw of UPM to seal his glorious achievement in the SUKIPT Chess. If Kin Keuw manage to win and Ian Siah wins over Syazwan at Board No 2, the championship will be determined by the tie break because both Fadzil and Ian Siah will have same 9.5/10 points. For sure Fadzil will make sure the individual gold medal is his. The battle of Table No 3 is also very important especially  for both Xin Hao if USM and Abdullah Khairi KZ of UIA. The winner most probably will win the medal.

GiLoCatur strongly believes that both Guan Xin Ting of UPSI and Ahmad Fadzil Nayan of UIA will be the champions and Gold medal winners. Let's find out tomorrow!   

SUKIPT Chess Round 6 Update

GiLoCatur is very impressed with the pairings & results of SUKIPT chess at the chess-results.com. It is published before the next round starts. Hopefully, it will be like that until the end.

So, can Siti Nor Raihan overcome the women's top seed, Xin Ting, to continue her perfect winning score? Can Ian Siah stop the men's top seed, Fadzil Nayan from his winning streak? So what are the results of the top boards of both the men's and women's sections?

Let's GiLoCatur answer one by one. 

In the women's section, Siti Nor Raihan of UIA unfortunately could not continue her winning streak. Her opponent, Xin Ting of UPSI, maybe too strong for her to defeat. For sure, she will be heartbroken for this result but she should pull herself back when playing at Board No 3 this afternoon in the 7th round against KBU player, Suet Yuan. The win of Tszee Yeung over Lee Yin of USM for sure makes UPSI's chess coach, Ezmi, proud and happy. He would be double joy happy if another UPSI player, Izza Hasrina, could win over her USM opponent, Choon Yong at Board No 4.

In the men's section, Ian Siah could not stop Fadzil of UIA to win six consecutive games. The latter is one round closer to become the individual Gold winner. Both Syazwan (UM) and Xin Hao (USM) managed to win over their respective lower-rank opponents. At Board No 4, Wan Aizuddin of UPM upsets his higher-seeded opponent. While at Board No 5, Nabil Azman of MMC drew with UMS player, Jeppy Tewelu. Jeppy is not a stranger to GiLoCatur as he was the L18 category MSSM champion in the 2010 edition. Nabil needs to avoid another slip up if he wants to challenge Fadzil for the championship. Their points are 1.5 adrift. Will both of the top two seeds ever meet in this tournament?  Will Fadzil continue his winning streak in the next round when he will be challenged by Xin Hao of USM who is trailing halfpoint? Let's wait to find out.

The SUKIPT chess competition becomes hotter and hotter. Who will emerge as the champions? Who will represent Malaysia in the Kazan's Summer Universiade Games?

SUKIPT Chess Round 4 Update

GiLoCatur dropped by today at the Polytechnic of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the venue for 2012 SUKIPT Chess. Round 4 was on-going. GiLoCatur had the chance to greet Ustaz Abdul Rahman, the author of http://percaturan.blogspot.com/. He is one of the arbiters. GiLoCatur believes he is influential and the key person in having the results posted and published at the chess-results early.   

Round 4 - Men's Section

Round 4 - Women's Section

The Women's Section

Below are the Top 4 boards in the women's section.

The top board match between Siew Ting of Taylor's University and Xin Ting of UPSI is among the last two matches to finish in the women's section. GiLoCatur believes whoever win this match might become the champion. At the end, Xin Ting who hails from China wins the battle. In the Round 5 which started 45 minutes ago, she plays white against the 9th seed, Lee Yin of USM who in Round 4 defeated an unrated opponent from IIUM or UIA named Nurwahida Atika at Board No 4. 

Izza Hasrina from UPSI won on time against her USM opponent, Sok Lin at Board No 2. At the 3rd Board, Siti Nor Raihan from UIA who is rated at 1476 plays white against her opponent from UiTM, Putri Nurfariza. Searching GiLoCatur's Blog, Putri was the first runner up in G18 category in the National Age Group (NAG) 2010. She took part in the Beijing Asian Youth Invitational. This 3rd Board battle finally was won by Nor Raihan. The 4th Board battle in the women's section is between Nurwahida Atika of UIA and Lee Yin of USM. The latter won and scored the important one point.

Board 1 - Siew Ting vs Xin Ting (red shirt)

Board 2 - Sok Lin (USM) vs Izza Hasrina (UPSI)

Board 3 - Siti Nor Raihan (IIUM) vs Putri Nurfariza (UiTM)

Board 4 - Nurwahida Atika (IIUM) vs Lee Yin (USM)

The Men's Section

The top seed Ahmad Fadzil of UIA was challenged by UTP player, Ramone Mikgail Kok. GiLoCatur started to know about Ramone last year during the 3rd Penang Heritage Open. He drew with GiLoCatur's daughter, Anis, in the fourth round. From then on, GiLoCatur noticed that Ramone has been improving a lot. But he could not tame Fadzil who is one of the Malaysian players participated in the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen.  

At Board No 2, UM player Syazwan drew with his UNITEN opponent, Taione Sikivo who is rated 300 below. Sikivo is not unknown in the local chess scene since he has participated in the local chess tournaments quite often. Syazwan vs Sikivo match was among the last matches to finish. It had not yet finished when GiLoCatur left the venue. Based on their board position like below, GiLoCatur was confident that they would draw.

Top Board - Ramone of UTP vs Fadzil of UIA

The last matches to finish

Round 4 - Syazwan (white) vs Sikivo (black)

SUKIPT Chess Has Begun

About two hours ago, GiLoCatur went to Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah which is just nearby to GiLoCatur's office. Actually, it was the first time that GiLoCatur entered the institution building. Why GiLoCatur visited the polytechnic you may wonder?

The chess event of SUKIPT, the short form of Sukan IPT or the Higher Education Ministry Games kicked off today at 11.30am. About 250 players from different Malaysian higher learning institutions will be competing in eleven SWISS rounds beginning today until Sunday. Four Gold medals are at stake for chess event in SUKIPT - Individual both men and women and Team both men and women. 

Who are the hot favourites to win the Individual Gold medals? Which higher institution will emerge as the champions in the team event?

In the LELAKI event, GiLoCatur picks Ahmad Fadzil Nayan (IIUM) and Muhammad Nabil Azman Hisham  (MMC) as the hot favourites. Both of them are the top seed and 2nd seed respectively. Their top challengers shall be Muhammad Syazwan Zulkifli, Looi Xin Hao and Ahmad Fariz Ahmad Shafruddin. Except Xin Hao, the others are familiar faces and regulars in the local chess tournaments. You can follow the results here.

In the PEREMPUAN event, GiLoCatur picks Norhaida Hussin and Kwan Tszee Yeung as the hot favourites. The former represents IIUM (UIA in Malay) while the later represents UPSI, a teachers university. Neither both of them is the top seed. The top seed is Kwan's team mate, Guan Xin Ting who hails from China.The other two Top 5 Ranking players are Nor Atiqah Mohd Niza and Aisah Reduan. Beside these five top seeded players, GiLoCatur would like to follow the results and performance of Putri Nurfariza Ahmad Darji who represents UiTM. If GiLoCatur's memory is right, she was once the individual P18 champion in the MSSM chess competition. Follow the results here.

GiLoCatur strongly believes that all the competing players will play their hearts out since the Gold medallist might be awarded a scholarship. In addition, this SUKIPT chess event most probably be the platform for the selection to the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia in July next year. 

GOOD LUCK to all the participating players in the SUKIPT Chess!

Below are the photos of the event's venue.

The women's section

The men's section

Spectators area

Burger King Chess Sparring Session With MAX!

It is quite sometime that GiLoCatur had not have chess sparring session. Last friday night, Max of 17ChessClub was so kind to have a chess sparring which GiLoCatur prefers to call "Burger King chess sparring" with GiLoCatur and Fikri. Both Fauzi Ahim and Ng6, two of GiLoCatur's chess buddies, could not make it. It would be much much more fun if both of them could attend. 

The session lasted about two hours since Burger King at which we had the session was open until 2.00 am. The session began several minutes to midnight. Even though it was just a short session, we all had fun blitzing. Hopefully, the photos below will encourage a longer and merrier sparring session on this coming Friday night. Do we have an appointment, Max?  :)-

Max (right) in deep thought playing black

Lesson Learnt - More Pieces Do Not Ensure Victory

In chess war, having more soldiers (i.e. pieces) than your opponent does not ensure your winning. You may lose to better tactics and strategy. Chess also teaches you to be patient in your moves. It is important to check your King's safety and defend first before you make aggressive (offensive or attacking)  move. Below game between two players in the recent CAS Allegro that GiLoCatur noticed is a good example.

A game in the recent CAS Allegro

To the knowledge of GiLoCatur, black player in the above game is not a novice or beginner. But losing the above game shows that he/she was impatient and overlooked his/her playing-white opponent. No doubt, black has a clear winning advantage for having more pawns (even having one pass pawn) and one extra piece which is a Knight. But black player allowed white player to have the black King to be on f7 square while white rook has control over h file. White's King should be moved onto either g8 or g6 square and then maneuvered his/her attack. Miscalculation! GiLoCatur believes that is the reason for black player to lose this game. 

That is the beauty of chess. Having less pieces but with better tempo and strategic piece position, you can be the winner.

DARE 2 FUNDRAISE?

The World Youth Chess Championship or WYCC 2012 is around the corner. Slovenia which is situated in Europe will be hosting the biggest and most important chess event for junior chess players.

How many young players from all over the world will participate? How many Malaysian junior chess players will fly to Slovenia to take part in the world age group event?

Based on its official website, 1587 young chess players from more than 100 countries around the world will compete in the WYCC. Sixteen (16) of them are Malaysians. It is quite a big number since the expense to take part in the event for a Malaysian player is quite a lot. 

Looking at the entry statistics among the ASEAN countries, GiLoCatur found that Malaysia has the highest number of participants. On the other hand, Vietnam which won the most individual gold medals in the ASEAN Age Group  held in last June has twelve (12) players taking part. Singapore which had won more medals than Malaysia in the same event is sending nine (9) players. Surprisingly, both Philippines and Indonesia which had better medal tally than Malaysia has NO and only ONE representative respectively. Who do you think the only representative from Indonesia? The clue is he had played in the KL open and made an amazing winning streak.

Believe it or not, not many junior chess players can afford to take part in the WYCC 2012 in Europe even for a player living in a developed nation like Canada. Hopefully, the story of a 12-year-old-girl from Canada named Ashley Tapp can be an inspiration and motivation for us, the Malaysian chess community, to raise enough money needed for an international chess stint. Ashley had embarked on a fundraising activity to collect 8,000 (surely Canadian dollars) so that she can make the trip to Slovenia and compete in U12 Girls category in the WYCC 2012.

The BIG QUESTION here is can we, the Malaysian chess community - both parents and chess-playing children alike, emulate a fundraising program which include playing chess for donations and selling items on line like what Ashley did in her country? To find out yourself about the similar obstacles and problems (1. parents have to carry entire financial burden, 2. no or lack of sponsors, 3. chess does not have rightful place in schools, 4.  parents have to pay high tournament fees) encountered by a chess player in other countries like Canada and in our country, go to the website here. 

GiLoCatur would like to wish ALL THE BEST to all the sixteen (16) Malaysian players competing in the WYCC 2012. Best of Luck also from GiLoCatur to Ashley Tapp, a Canadian girl chess prodigy.

Local Chess Tournaments In The Last Two Months of 2012

How time flies.

It is quite klise. It is a common expression. In fact, it is an idiom. GiLoCatur hopes Malaysian nowadays youngsters know what an idiom is. 

Why GiLoCatur uttered the above idiom? In less than two weeks the long school holidays will begin. The new year of 2013 will come leaving the year of 2012 in about two months. It also means, year wise, that GiLoCatur's age of a very good number of 44 will increase one more year.

What else chess parents like GiLoCatur will plan for their chess-playing children? Register the children for chess tournaments, right? Especially during the weekends. It is important for parents like GiLoCatur to make sure that the children occupy the children's school holidays with beneficial and good activities. It is very fortunate for chess parents like GiLoCatur because almost on every weekends there are chess tournaments  being held in both coming November and December months. Let's check out one by one.

3rd & 4th NOV weekend

On Saturday, a chess tournament for juniors especially in the southern region will be held at Giant Plentong Hypermarket located in Masai, JB. The tournament which is divided into two categories - Under 12 (primary school) and Under 17 (secondary school) will be played in 7 SWISS rounds of 20-minute-per player format. It is organized by Giant Plentong Hypermarket, JB Chess Association and Rakan Muda Johor Bahru. Click here for further details and download the entry form. 

On Sunday, there are two chess tournaments that GiLoCatur is aware of. One is for juniors only while the other one is for OKU and team participation.

At SJK(C) Kepong 2, the 18th edition of Kepong Juniors Open chess tournament will be held. Unfortunately, it is already full meaning no more new registration will be accepted. There are four categories which offer championship trophy. The tournament has high value in GiLoCatur's eyes because it is a national-rated event and allow participants to play against their own peers. Why a national-rated event has high value? It will provide the bench mark and progress of a chess player.

Don't worry for those who cannot take part in the Kepong Juniors event. Another event which is known as Braille chess tournament is still open for the Malaysian chess community on the same day. The event has two categories which are Individual for the blinds and team open. The entry fee for the team event is only RM50 per team which comprises four players. The event which is jointly organized by KL Braille Resources and DBKL will be held at the closed stadium of Titiwangsa Lake. To download the entry form and find out further details, please go to this blog. The closing date is on the coming 1st November.

[Please come back again since more update will come - GiLoCatur 30/10/2012, 1.10pm]

Insofar October Tournament Final Results

Last Sunday an Insofar Chess Tournament was held at the Kompleks Wilayah. The tournament was divided into two categories - Open and Under 1600. As per its blog here, both categories of the tournament are national-rated. Below are the final results as per emailed by the tournament's arbiter, Mr Najib Wahab. 

This coming weekend will be a bit longer since Eidul Adha or Hari Raya Haji will be on Friday. Thus, it will be a public holiday. On Sunday, there will be another nationally-rated chess tournament known as CAS Allegro organized by the Chess Association of Selangor. GiLoCatur's name is listed at the top in the Category 1 list. But it looks like that GiLoCatur will not get the chance to take part for a certain reason. So far more than seventy players have registered. Will the list become longer? Who will emerge as the champion? SEE YOU AT THE KOMPLEKS WILAYAH THIS COMING SUNDAY!

Play Sicilian Dragon Like IM Yee Weng

GiLoCatur wonders whether the Malaysian chess community especially the young and new ones know who IM Yee Weng is. 

It is a puzzle to GiLoCatur that many Malaysian chess players and enthusiasts do not know about Malaysian top players. For example, do you know how many chess masters - Grand (GM), International  (IM) and Fide (FM), Malaysia has so far? And once again it will be a big puzzle to GiLoCatur if a Malaysian chess player still can't find the answer in the now "maklumat di hujung jari" era.

Back to GiLoCatur's earlier question, please spend your time to read the interview with IM Lim Yee Weng by Junior Tay here to get some info and insights about him. Maybe you can learn Sicilian Dragon moves and tricks from few of his annotated games published in the interview article.

GiLoCatur began to know Yee Weng back in end of April of 2008. GiLoCatur along with both Fikri and Anis took part in our first FIDE-rated chess tournament, the 35th Selangor International Open. Yee Weng emerged as the champion after scoring 7.5/9 points. In the following year in the 36th edition of the Selangor Open, IM Yee Weng who is one year junior of  IM Mas and is same age as IM Zi Jing tried to defend his title. Click here to find out whether he succeeded the feat.

IM Yee Weng on 3rd board in the 36th Selangor Open
The image from GiLoCatur Photo Collection

GiLoCatur made several coverages on Yee Weng's international stints here, here, here and here.

GiLoCatur would like to wish IM Yee Weng BEST OF LUCK in his dream and aim to become a Grand Master (GM). Who knows, he might be the FIRST Malaysian GM.

The Top 3 Winners of 5 UPSI Chess Open Editions

The UPSI Chess Open was just been concluded last weekend. This year is its 6th edition. To GiLoCatur's knowledge, this chess tournament began its annual tradition since the year of 2007. GiLoCatur and the kids had attended three of the total six editions. We missed to take part in the two-day event last weekend since GiLoCatur's children need to focus on the final examination. 

For those who were not at UPSI and want to know the final results of the tournament, please check out the chess-results website at following links - Open. Secondary and Primary categories.

The champion of the Open category went to Malaysian-based Filipino Ian Udani. In GiLoCatur's opinion, Ian has great record and the most successful chess player in the UPSI Chess Open so far. Why GiLoCatur said that? Check out the Top 3 Winners of the UPSI Chess Open editions below.

Does anyone know who were the Top 3 Winners for its first edition in 2007? If yes, please let GiLoCatur know.

2008 Champion

Ian Udani became the champion in both 2008 and 2009 editions. In 2008, the first runner up was won by Kamaluddin Yusof aka Abang Bro while the 2nd runner up spot was grabbed by NM Mohd Kamal Abdullah.  In 2009, Nur Nabila Azman Hisham becomes the only girl/lady player to be among the Top 3 Winners  so far after she managed to win the 1st runner up spot. Who was the 2nd runner up? The answer is Abdullah Che Hassan. 

2009 Champion

In the 2010 edition, it was an all-Malaysian affair. Mohd Syakir Shazmeer, the eldest son of Azhar Mohd Said, who was the champion of the Secondary school category in previous year, emerged as the champion of the 4th edition. The second and third placing went to Mohd Saprin Sabri and Sumant Subramaniam respectively. If GiLoCatur is not mistaken, Ian did not participate that year. 

Ian Udani came back in the following year. But its attempt to win the championship hattrick in 2011 was stopped by the then Malaysian top chess player, IM Mas Hafizulhelmi. Both of them drew against each other and had same points. But the former i.e. IM Mas emerged as the champion because he had better tie break. while the latter i.e. Ian Udani was declared the 1st runner up. Who was the 2nd runner up? The correct answer is Mohd Syazwan Zulkifli.

IM Mas (left) - 2011 Champion

Last weekend, both IM Mas and Ian Udani took part in the 6th edition of the UPSI Chess Open. The former was to defend his title especially against his rivalry opponent, the two-time champion Ian. While the latter wants to make a history to become the first one to make the hattrick in winning the chess tournament. At last, Ian Udani fulfilled his mission when he managed to win over IM Mas in the sixth round. In the final round, a draw is enough for Ian to score 6.5/7 points and won the championship. Even though, IM Mas won his last round game but a draw with another Filipino player in the fourth round and having 5.5/7 points he was denied to be among the Top 3 winners. Two players with 6/7 points had pipped IM Mas to emerge as the 1st and 2nd runner ups. They are Nelson Villanueva, another Malaysian-based Filipino chess player, and Aram Varahram whom GiLoCatur believes is from India. [Correction - Iraq, 19/10/2012 00:48am] If that so, it is the first time to be all-non-Malaysian Top 3 Winners affair in the UPSI Chess Open editions.

Isn't it a great achievement for Ian Udani to emerge champion THREE times and became the first runner up ONE time in the total FOUR editions of the UPSI Chess Open he participated? In cash terms, no doubt Ian had accumulated the most money prizes in the history of UPSI Chess Open. Well Done, Ian! 

A Look At GiLoCatur's Blog Entry Statistics

It had been about three weeks that this blog had not been updated. Wow! What's happening to GiLoCatur? Does he lose interest in blogging? Does he lose enthusiasm in chess? Is he really very busy at work? 

Basically, the answer for the above questions is NO. So, in that case WHY? Actually and honestly, GiLoCatur does not have the real answer. LOL ...

In this entry, let's take a look at the statistics of this blog's number of entries since its beginning in May more than four years ago. In the seven months of the first year of GiLoCatur's blog existence, ninety eight (98) entries had been written. The highest entry in 2008 was in the month of November with thirty seven (37) entries. 

In the next two years i.e. 2009 and 2010, GiLoCatur wrote more than three hundreds entries. GiLoCatur wrote almost everyday especially in 2010, the highest number of annual blog entries so far. Then, the number decreased to just about two hundreds entries last year. And it continues the declining trend where this year the number of entries has yet pass the one hundred mark.

GiLoCatur would like to say TQVM (Thank you very much) from the bottom of GiLoCatur's heart to all the visitors and readers of this blog. GiLoCatur will try to write more in the future. Hopefully, the Almighty Allah bestows great mood, motivation, energy, enthusiasm, passion and creative ideas to GiLoCatur to elighten the Malaysian chess blogging community.

Let GiLoCatur end this entry with a couple puzzles. Not chess puzzles ya!

In what year and month that this blog had the highest entry? In which quarter i.e. Q of year, the highest number of entries was achieved? (clue or hint : nearly 150 entries in 3 months). Good luck ...

The UPSI Chess Open

The UPSI Chess Open is one of GiLoCatur's favourite local chess tournaments. As far as GiLoCatur remembers the tourney is normally being held in the month of October.  Its first edition began in 2007. So, this year it will be the sixth edition.

For those not in the know, UPSI is a Malay acronym for Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris or in English, Sultan Idris Education University. The university is situated in Tanjong Malim town which is famous for its PAU. GiLoCatur strongly believes all the Malaysian readers know what PAU is. But how about foreign visitors? 

GiLoCatur just learnt that PAU is BAOZI in English. Interesting eh! Please visit Mr Wikipedia here to learn what baozi or pau is.  

Back to the UPSI Chess Open, why it is a favourite tournament for GiLoCatur. The answer is simply due to its time control or format. It has longer time control compared to the common one-day rapid chess tourney. It is either 45-minute or 60-minute per player. It has been a tradition that the chess tournament is held for two days. 

GiLoCatur had attended three editions - 2008, 2009 and 2011, out of its total five. The first edition was  a miss because GiLoCatur was yet in the Malaysian chess scene. While neither GiLoCatur nor the kids took part in its fourth edition in 2010 since GiLoCatur and wife went to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage.

2008

Not only both Fikri and Anis took part in the UPSI open that year, but also did GiLoCatur. The tourney was held on 25th and 26th of October. While Fikri and Anis participated in the Under 12 section, GiLoCatur  who was just rated at 939 at that time played in the Open category. GiLoCatur's best game in the 2nd edition that year was in the fourth round against Sahir Sarifdin of 17ChessClub who was about 700 points higher in the national ratings. Click here if you want to know what was the score accumulated by GiLoCatur. Below is the complete game.

Sahir Sarifdin (1655) - Saleh Abd Latif (939) [C44]
2nd UPSI Chess Open (4.15), 26.10.2008

1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 e5 3.d3 h6 4.Be3 Nf6 5.h3 b6 6.Be2 Bb7 7.Nbd2 Bc5 8.Bxc5 bxc5 9.c3 d6 10.0-0 Rb8 11.b3 Bc8 12.Nc4 Be6 13.Nfd2 Qd7 14.Kh2 h5 15.Ne3 g5 16.f3 g4 17.h4 Ke7 18.g3 gxf3 19.Bxf3 Ng4+ 20.Bxg4 Bxg4 21.Nxg4 Qxg4 22.Qxg4 hxg4 23.Rf2 Rbg8 24.Raf1 Nd8 25.Nc4 Rh7 26.Ne3 Rxh4+ 27.Kg2 Rh7 28.Nd5+ Kf8 29.Nf6 Rgg7 30.Nxh7+ Rxh7 31.Rh1 Rg7 32.Rh8+ Ke7 33.Rf5 Ne6 34.Ra8 Rh7 35.Rxa7 Kd7 36.a4 Kc6 37.b4 Kb6 38.Ra8 c6 39.Rg8 cxb4 40.cxb4 Nd4 41.Rfg5 Nc2 42.Kg1 Ne3 1-0

2009

GiLoCatur did not participate in the 3rd edition in 2009. GiLoCatur just focussed on blogging and monitoring the kids' games. Fahim made his debut appearance that year in the UPSI Open. He joined his elder sister, Anis, in the Primary School (Under 12) category. Meanwhile, Fikri who turned 13th in that year was playing in the Secondary School category. Unlike his younger sister and brother, Fikri made to the podium receiving his winning prizes. The score of all the three GiLoCatur's children in the 2009 edition could be found here.

GiLoCatur could still remember that Fireyrook had snapped few photos of GiLoCatur wearing new GiLoCatur shirt. Check out the photo gallery here and here of the third UPSI Open.

2011

GiLoCatur could not bear not to participate in the 5th edition last year. After not playing for two editions i.e. 3rd and 4th, GiLoCatur who had improved from 900+ to 1400+ in the national ratings joined more than 100 participants in the Open category as well as Fikri, GiLoCatur's eldest child. What was GiLoCatur's performance in the tournament? Who were the champions in that 5th edition? Check it out! Here and  Here.

2012

It will be the 6th edition of the UPSI Open this year. The chess competition will kick off in about three weeks from now. The time control as per its flyer is 60-minute-per player of seven SWISS rounds. Unfortunately and most probably, GiLoCatur and the kids will not take part this year. The kids have to concentrate on their final exams during the period. GiLoCatur has been waiting for the tourney since last year. But what to do. GiLoCatur has to give more priority to the kids' academic.

But GiLoCatur believes many other Malaysian chess players will take part, right?

For further details on the 6th UPSI Chess Open, please visit this fb link.

CAIYOK NG6 AND ZAIASRON!

KL Open or its long name, DYTM Raja Nazrin Shah International Open Chess Championship, will kick off this morning at 9 o'clock. None of GiLoCatur's children take part like last year where GiLoCatur's daughter took part. 

Based on the pairings of Round 1 here, 82 players including ten (10) Grand Masters (GM) will take part in the tournament. GiLoCatur would like to wish "Good Luck" to all the participants especially the following two chess buddies. SALUTE TO ALL THE TWENTY (27) MALAYSIANS WHO DARE TO TAKE PART IN THE TOURNAMENT!

Zali or Ng6 of RHB

Zaiasron of BSN

A Suspense Moment for Malaysian women's Team in Round 10

It is several minutes to midnight in Malaysia. It is near to 7 o'clock in Istanbul, Turkey.

It is a very suspense moment watching the match between Malaysia and its ASEAN neighbour, Philippine. The score is now 1.5 point each. Malaysia was trailing 0.5 to 1.5 point when Camilia lost to her higher-rated opponent and Nabila drew on board 2. Thank god, Li Ting provided the important one point to equalize. Now, Malaysia is depending on its first board player, Najiha. Her win will make Malaysia and its chess community happy and joyous. Her defeat will make Malaysia lost the match to the Philippines. If she draws, both countries will share the match point. 

What it is gonna be? GO Najiha GO!

The final battle

40th Istanbul Chess Olympiad - Round 8

It is 1.10 am o'clock right now. GiLoCatur is still awake following the Malaysian teams playing the eighth round.

In the women section, Malaysia is paired against Bosnia & Herzegovina (BIH) at table number 26. On paper, Malaysia has lower chance to win the match since its ranking is much lower than its opponent. Malaysia is ranked 83rd while Bosnia & Herzegovina is the 39th seed.

But with the spirit of "Malaysia Boleh", Najiha, Nabila, Li Ting and Camilia had made Malaysia proud by winning over their opponents 3 to 1. 

Playing on board 4, Camilia made her 200-ratings-higher opponent resign at move 26th. Her win gave Malaysia one important point. 

Board 4

Malaysia was up 2 - 0 when later Najiha upset her WIM opponent. It is really a big win for her since she beats a 400-rating-higher opponent. GiLoCatur was confident that Najiha would win after 41st move she gained winning advantage.

Board 1

When Malaysia was up 2 - 0, a crucial half point would seal the victory for Malaysia. It was a suspense moment whether both Nabila and Li Ting could at least draw against their respective opponent. Then Nabila who also played on board 2 in the 39th Moscow Chess Olympiad made sure that Malaysia won when she drew with her WFM opponent, Aleksandra Dimitrijevic. 

Board 2

Board 3

Li Ting made the victory for the Malaysian women squad sweeter when she also drew with her rated-at-2066 WFM opponent, Dijana Dengler. 

It was an excellent performance indeed. GiLoCatur wishes that  the Malaysian electronic and print media write about this. 

Syabas & tahniah! Keep it up. 

It was a double joy for Malaysia since its men's team had thrashed Libya with 3.5 - 1 score. 

MMU ICO - Photo Gallery

Enjoy ten photos below that GiLoCatur snapped during the MMU International Chess Open that just concluded.

Razali Hamzah aka Ng6 against his red-shirt opponent

Fikri (Left) played a Filipino opponent named  Jimson Bitoon

GiLoCatur's office mate, Benny, faced Efren Bagamasbad (yellow shirt)

The game of Kamaluddin Yusof aka Abang Bro always attract spectators

The match between top seed, Eden Diano, and WFM Alia

[3/9/2012, 12.00pm - The above was the last match of the sixth round. WFM Alia who represented Malaysian in the 39th Women Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk managed to held draw her 2400-rated opponent. Alia had only her king while her Filipino opponent had a king and one pawn. A good result for Alia in the MMU ICO.  GiLoCatur hopes Alia will keep playing and be active in chess tournament. ]

Ahmad Fadzil Nayan, 4th place

Ahmad Fadzil just came back from Portugal after participating in the World University Chess Championship a week ago. His performance is quite commendable when he scored one win, six draws and two defeats to collect 4/9 points. Click here to see further.

The second runner-up, 2400-rated Eden Diano

The first runner-up, Kamaluddin Yusof 

The champion - Nelson Villanneva

closing ceremony