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 HafizulhelmiIn 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
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