Sunday, February 15, 2009

11th CAS-Octagon First Quarter Allegro Championship 2009 - The Results

CAS first tournament for the year started with a bang with an commendable 100 participants. Leading the field was our country's top player IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (NR 2332).He is currently gunning for his GM title in the coming months which will augur well for Malaysian chess

The tournament hence attracted a strong field of players and this would benefit the up-and-coming youngsters to measure or improve their strength.




The results in pictures

The tournament was slightly delayed due to the unforeseen breakdown of the air-conditioning system. A minor dispute over a touch-move rule was satisfactorily resolved and no untoward incident ocurred during the tournament. Chief Arbiter was IA Lim Tse Pin (seen below with the computer)

Main Prize Winners

Champion - Ian Udani. Despite an earlier draw with Fariz Shafruddin and in the final round with Sumant Subraniam the six point lead was sufficient to earn him the top spot.












2nd - Sumant Subramaniam, a draw in the final round giving him 6 points earned him the second position















3rd - Fariz Shafruddin who topped the 5 1/2 pointers with six other winners. The draw with Zambri in the final round cost him the opportunity to grab the top position.













4th - FM Anas Nazreen Bakri


















5th - IM Mas Hafizulhelmi


















In 6th Position was Gerald Soh, followed by Muhd Nabil in 7th position, Mohd Zambri 8th, Norazman Ismail 9th and Ahmad Fadzil Nayan (Engineering student and golden boy of UIA) who managed to squeeze into the 10th spot with 5 points.







































..........................................................................................................................................................

..... and additional prizes for the players

Consolation Prize Winners


Committee Member Mat Zaki Yeop, took the Veteran title











... and the rest of the happy winners












































































Complete listings


The final ranking and cross-table

























In Closing

The President and Hon Secretary called on the members to come forward to contribute towards the continued success of the Association. It is important to set an orderly succession plan, as well as to provide fresh ideas and efforts for the betterment of chess in the country

Chess has picked up momentum but needs an integrated approach and unity amongst the chess fraternity to progress and in seeking recognition from the public.



Some of the youngsters in the tournament

















Age is no barrier in chess