23rd Selangor Juniors Open Chess Tournament Under-16 Highlights

A blast from the past, this "premier" Under-16 Category was won by many national upcoming strong juniors in those days who eventually become very strong players in later years (at least in Malaysia context) e.g. Ooi Chern Ee from Penang (1992), Ng Ee Vern from Selangor (1995 - 1997), Lim Yee Weng from Selangor (1998), Nicholas Chan from Selangor (2001 - 2002), Anas Nazreen Bakri from Malacca (2003 @ 12y.o., 2006 - 2007), and Abel Yap Jinwei from Selangor (2004). Other notable junior players include Adrian Wong (1988), Mohd Hirmiadi Don (1989), Chen Tien Yue (1990), Hoy Weng Keung (1991), Hafiz Shafruddin (1999 @ 13y.o.), Muhd Johan Iskandar Foudzi (2000), and Low Jun Jian (2008). Then, this tournament was discontinued after the 22nd edition for 3 years from 2009 until 2011.  

So, who shall be crowned as Champion in this edition? 

Will s/he become the next generation elite player for the country?

Now, the tournament highlights in Under-16:-

1. In Round 1, two players namely Iskandar Danial Adam and Lee Guang Yang from Klang, Selangor who are eligible as running candidates and to be chosen into Selangor Generasi-10 team for upcoming Kasugi Team Chess Championship had to forfeit their respective game as they reached after the walk-over period of 25 minutes. Generally, no upsets among the top 8 board with the exception of Board 5 where Bausch Koh Sian Kuan lost his Round 1 encounter after failing in his attempt to claim a draw using Article 10.2. The Chief Arbiter, Lim Tse Pin, had applied Article 10.2.c in the given situation and his opponent, Ho Eu Sheng, was awarded 2 extra minutes and the game continued as per normal play. [Take note, do not be mistaken for the 2 extra minutes given to opponent under Article 10.2.b. The game actually has ended and waiting for Arbiter to made a decision at a later stage of the game if Article 10.2.b was applied.]

2. In Round 2, 9th seed Daryl Wong Cheng Lim created an upset by defeating 2nd seed Subramanian Sivanesan. While, 16th seed Viknesh Viajantheran continued to rub salt into 11 y.o. Bausch lousy start to the event. While, 6th seed Sun-Xin had practically killed off 17th seed Guang Yang chance of qualifying into the Selangor Generasi-10 team in this round. Vinton Wong Hsien Loong (was ranked last on the field by accident due to his National Rating was not updated into the rating column. This act has benefited him since he will be paired against lower seeded player on the top-half of the pairing card. His actual ranking should be 9th seed.). He won his encounter against 10th seed Kughan Ravindran.

3. In Round 3, Cheong Jie Yao had created a major upset by defeating MSSM player, Low Jun Keat on Board 2. Both Tharoun Sharma Ravindran and Vinton who had split point in Round 1 had managed to draw against much higher rated players in this round. While, Iskandar and Dawson Tan Soon Wei had won their respective encounter against giant-killer Viknesh and Eu Sheng. Elsewhere, Bausch picked up his first point. Can he clawed back like what he did in Under-14 one week ago from 1 point from 3 games to 5 points from 7 games? Lets wait and see.

4. In Round 4, the battle of supremacy and the right to the U-16 title just started. Whoever wins on Board 1 is likely to be crowned as Champion. 11+ (not yet 12 y.o.) Tan Yong Zhao  had emerged as the clear leader after disposing-off Jie Yao. Other players like Jun Keat, Ethan Wong Hsien Aun,Vinton and Tharoun had won their respective games to be tied on points with Jie Yao.Elsewhere, Natasha Kavina Sundra Rajoo and Lee Zhi Wei had lost unexpected to lower ranked opponents.

5. In Round 5, Ethan and Jie Yao had consolidated their position among the front runners going after top prizes. While, Subramanian got back within a striking distance to compete against the front runners after winning his game against unrated Muhd Adam Fauzan. Elsewhere, Bausch managed to scramble for a win from an inferior position under time pressure after a blunder made by Zhi Wei who had more time on his clock. What about the top board action? Yong Zhao with a 1 point advantage over the field was paired against 3rd seed Jun Keat. The latter attacked furiously on former King located on Queenside and managed to expose the former King for an easy win since the former had to give up at least a pawn or two. Alas, the latter suddenly fell into a simple chess tactic and lost his own Queen instead. Looks like Yong Zhao will join Anas as the youngest player to win Selangor Junior Open (Under-16). Will it happens? Lets wait and see.

6. In Round 6, Yong Zhao should be cruising on the lap for victory since two players who were 1 point lower had lost their games to Yong Zhao in early rounds. He was paired against his nemesis, Subramaniam, who he had not win at all previous encounter. Can he breaks the jinx? Too bad, No. Elsewhere, Jie Yao and Ethan had decided to split the point. Iskandar up the tempo in his quest towards a place in the team by disposing off fellow contender Jun Keat from the challenge and Dawson who did not have a good outing last Sunday too had bounced back to trounce Bausch. Sun Xin and Vinton too had kept up with the pace with respective win. While, Natasha and Zhi Wei did not play up to their rating strength.

7. In Round 7, Yong Zhao was facing a similar situation like MBSSKL Open Under-23 (yup you see it correctly, no typo error in Category) played a day earlier where he was leading the field by half a point until the last round. All he needs is to draw the game. However, he lost the last round and the dream to become the youngest ever Champion in MBSSKL Open was shattered. So near yet so far. Will history repeat itself again? He was paired against Sun Xin. As one by one ended their games, the tension on Board 1 was rising exponentially. All players put their focus on the last remaining board. Nevertheless, Yong Zhao had managed to reach a position of 3 pawns vs. 3 pawns on same side with a slightly favorable King's position before he claimed a draw under Article 10.2. The CA had applied Article 10.2.b in this situation. The verdict, the game ended in a draw shortly by players agreement after both players reach a sensible non-winnable position despite Yong Zhao had sacked a pawn to get into that position purposely. Elsewhere, players on top boards had played their heart out to craft a win under "fairplay spirit" (unlike the scene witnessed a week earlier where players end the game after 1 move was made).

The final standing for top 15 prizewinners as below:-

Take note: Tan Yong Zhao was declared as the Champion due to P/E as first tie-break.

Rk.		Name	FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3
1		Tan Yong Zhao	MAS	1714	5.5	26.5	19.75	25.5
2		Ethan Wong Hsien Aun	MAS	1553	5.5	28.5	22.75	22.0
3		Dawson Tan Soon Wei	MAS	1459	5.0	26.0	16.50	18.0
4		Iskandar Danial Adam	MAS	1513	5.0	22.0	15.00	17.0
5		Subramanian Sivanesan	MAS	1711	4.5	29.0	18.50	18.5
6		Ee Sun-Xin-G	MAS	1515	4.5	26.5	16.75	16.5
7		Cheong Jie Yao	MAS	1506	4.5	26.0	12.50	22.0
8		Kughan Ravindran	MAS	1475	4.5	22.0	12.50	13.5
9		Vinton Wong Hsien Loong	MAS	1487	4.0	29.0	15.75	18.0
10		Bausch Koh Sian Kuan	MAS	1546	4.0	24.5	13.00	13.0
11		Lee Guang Yang	MAS	1342	4.0	21.0	9.00	11.0
12		Viknesh Viajantheran	MAS	1360	3.5	28.0	13.00	12.5
13		Daryl Wong Cheng Lim	MAS	1480	3.5	22.5	9.00	16.5
14		Tharoun Sharma Ravindran	MAS	1432	3.0	30.0	12.25	16.0
15		Low Jun Keat	MAS	1558	3.0	29.0	9.50	17.0

 For the full result, please click here.

23rd Selangor Juniors Open Chess Tournament Under-12 Highlights

Now, the tournament highlights in Under-12:-

1. No upsets among the top 10 pre-seeded players based on their National Rating in Round 1.

2. In Round 2, Praghashkumar Thanasegeren dropped a bombshell in disposing top seed Tan Jun Ying. While, 4th seed Ng Jen Sheng was held to a draw by 11th seed Christine Lee. Is this the first indicator on a possible fierce contest? Lets wait and see.

3.In Round 3, there was only 7 players with full points. Board 1 and 3 were according to the seeding. However, Sean Ooi was held to a draw by Yee Jian Yang on Board 2. Giant-killer Praghashkumar had continued his killing act by disposing off Christine on Board 4. While, Ng Jen Sheng was lucky to escape with a draw in this round. His opponent, Lee Zhi Yan, was having a Queen against Ng's Rook with the former having an extra pawn from both same side pawn chain has request a draw using FIDE Article 10.2 aka 2-minute quick play ruling to chess players. The Chief Arbiter, Lim Tse Pin, has postponed his decision and applied Article 10.2.b despite the fact Article 10.2.a can be applied in this obvious case. Usually, an Arbiter who applied 10.2.b actually know the position is non-winnable for opponent [but there is a benefit of doubt on Claimant in each claim made i.e. s/he may not know how to continue playing, trying to use Arbiter as his/her savior; And/Or to satisfy his/her opponent's right to fight for a win], else Arbiter will applied Article 10.2.c i.e. to reject the claim. By applying Article 10.2.b, Ng in an inferior position who did not agree to accept his opponent draw offer was added 2 extra minutes to his time to prove that he can win. The game continued under CA supervision, and ended with Lee having a Queen and pawns vs. Ng's pawns. So, the game was declared a draw based on a simple fact that Lee has improved his position further. Why?
Situation: Lee has claimed a draw under Article 10.2 using superior position (+5 points) as a basis.
Verdict: CA had applied 10.2.b. Take note, 10.2.a can be applied here.
Possible outcome#1: Lee (+5 points) lost his game, so Ng will be declared as Winner.
Possible outcome#2: Lee (+5 points) won his game, so the game is declared as a draw game since Lee had request a draw under Article 10.2. Take note, some chess players in the tournament hall assume Lee should be given the win.
Possible outcome#3: Lee (+5 points) still maintain his superior position after both flag falls or has reached a position with neither side able/can produce a clear verdict based on their over the board chess-playing skills. A draw will be declared.
Result: Outcome#2 had happened.


4. In Round 4, Emir Rusyaidi Ahmad Nazari (still hot from his 2nd placing in MBSSKL U-14 yesterday) had stopped the progression of giant-killer Praghashkumar. While, Nithyalakshmi, Jaron and Jun Ying were  the winner on Board 2, 3, and 4 respectively. On Board 4, 35th seed Tan Qian Hui had delivered a shocking result by winning against Ng Jen Sheng. Is this the second indicator on a possible series of many upsets that yet to come? Lets wait and see.

5. In Round 5, Emir was pitted against Nithyalakshmi, and the winner of this encounter will likely be the Champion of this category at the end of the day. The latter won her encounter. Elsewhere, 12th seed Daniel Fitri Ramly had accumulated 3 wins from 4 games and was paired against top-ranked Tan Jun Ying. The fomer lost the game. Praghashkumar and Mok Shu Zing were able to draw against their higher ranked opponents respectively.

6. In Round 6, Nithyalakshmi had consolidated her position as the frontrunner by writing-off last week U10 Champion, Ng Shi Yang. While, Emir, Shu Zing and Daniel had created an upset by getting an upper hand against top ranked Tan Jun Ying, 7th seed Jaron Tan and 11th seed Christine respectively.

7. In Round 7, Nithyalakshmi just need half point to take an unstoppable lead and be crowned as Champion. She went on to win her last encounter against top ranked Tan Jun Ying. Emir took a quick draw from Sean to obtain 2nd place, while Sean is likely to finish in top 4 bracket due to superior tie-break. On Board 3, Ng Jen Sheng after a slow start had managed to catch up eventually with top prize runners by defeating Shu Zing. While, Yee Jian Yang and Shi Yang won their encounters on Board 4 and 5 respectively.

The final standing for top 15 prizewinners as below:-

Rk.		Name	FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3
1		Nithyalakshmi Sivanesan-G	MAS	1622	7.0	31.0	31.00	28.0
2		Emir Rusyaidi Ahmad Nazari	MAS	1539	5.5	32.0	22.50	24.5
3		Sean Ooi Zhi Jian	MAS	1592	5.0	32.5	20.25	21.0
4		Ng Shi Yang	MAS	1486	5.0	27.5	15.00	21.0
5		Yee Jian Yang	MAS	1521	5.0	27.0	17.75	20.0
6		Ng Jen Sheng	MAS	1573	5.0	24.5	17.25	18.5
7		Mok Shu Zing	MAS	1467	4.5	31.5	17.00	19.5
8		Jaron Tan Xe Yung	MAS	1510	4.5	31.0	17.25	19.5
9		Praghashkumar Thanasegeren	MAS	1420	4.5	28.0	15.25	20.5
10		Christine Lee Mei Yen-G	MAS	1395	4.5	25.0	14.00	18.0
11		Giam Kee Wern	MAS	1264	4.5	21.5	13.75	13.5
12		Tan Jun Ying	MAS	1633	4.0	28.5	11.50	19.0
13		Nur Shahidah Azmi-G	MAS	0	4.0	25.5	12.50	16.0
14		Daniel Fitri Ramly	MAS	1323	4.0	25.5	11.50	18.0
15		Tan Qian Hui-G	MAS	1065	4.0	25.0	13.00	16.0

 For the full result, please click here.

23rd Selangor Juniors Open Chess Pre-Tournament Highlights

Today the Chess Association of Selangor (CAS) continues to organize another two categories namely Under-12 and Under-16. A total of 61 players turned-up for the event as compared to 77 on last Sunday when Under-10 and Under-14 took place. The Association has expected a lower turn-out around 50 players due to another Nationally-rated Chess Tournament that caters for Adults with subsidiary prizes for Children that took place within KL-vicinity. So, it was a relief to see the final number was 61 children taking part. It was learn that the other event had attracted 49 players.

From CAS perspective, having two tournaments on the same weekend within the same vicinity area is not a good thing for chess organisers. This kind of tournament clashes scenario actually dated back to 2005 and has became a usual affair in the past 5 years.

Will it benefits the Chess Organizer? YES / NO.

Will it be good for the Chess Community in long run? YES / NO.

Can an authority like MCF starts to enforce a blanket-ruling on "No more than one chess event on same day within same vicinity"? YES / NO.

If yes, will any chess organiser who is not affiliated to MCF follows MCF ruling? YES / NO.

Time to ponder!

Lets come back to the per-tournament highlights of the Under-12 and Under-16:-

1. In Under-12, two Penangites had registered themselves for the event after a successful outing last weekend where 8 y.o. Ng Shi Yang had emerged as Champion and Tan Jun Ying at 4th in Under-10 category.

2. The event saw Mr. Sivanesan from Negeri Sembilan brought his two children to compete in Under-12 (Nithyalakshmi Sivanesan) and Under-16 (Subramanian Sivanesan). Both children were seeded second in their respective category.

3. Several primary school boys who did well in Under-14 last Sunday had returned back to play in the Primary school category. While, two others namely Bausch Koh Sian Kuan who was placed 4th in U-14 and Tan Yong Zhao at 8th placing in U-14 have continued to challenge the bigger boys and girls in today's event by taking part in U-16 category.

4. In Under-16, we had witnessed several players like Low Jun Keat, Iskandar Danial Adam, Ee Sun-Xin-G, Vinton Wong Hsien Loong, and Lee Guang Yang who had represented Selangor in MSSM 2012. Others notable players like Cheong Jie Yao, Daryl Wong Cheng Lim, and Lee Zhi Wei also took part. So, what is the carrot to attract such a crowd? The answer: The chance to be part of Selangor Generasi-10 championed by NWM Nur Nabila Azman Hisham in upcoming Kasugi Team Junior Chess Championship 2012.  

Selangor Juniors Open: Pre-Registration List

The pre-registered names for Under-12 Category on this Sunday (8th July) @ ATCC, Wilayah Complex, KL as at 3rd July 2012 as follows:

1.            Akmal Zurunain Rizal

2.            Bryan Yap Chuan Yoong (Paid)

3.            Cheah Kah Hoe

4.            Cheah Xu Teng-G

5.            Christine Lee Mei Yen-G

6.            Ellie Emira Syamimi Ahmad Nazari (Paid)

7.            Emir Ahmad Nazari (Paid)

8.            Giam Kee Wern

9.            Haibatul Hannan Rizal

10.          Ivan Sean Yap Sheuan (Paid)

11.          Jaron Tan (Paid)

12.          Kabil Varmen

13.          Kabilan Thanabalan (Paid)

14.          Lee Jia Sheng

15.          Lee Zhi Yan (Paid)

16.          Lim Kai Xian (Paid)

17.          Lim Qi Yang (Paid)

18.          Loh Zi Yang

19.          Ng Jen Sheng

20.          Nithyalakshmi Sivanesan-G

21.          Pavithra Thanabalan (Paid)

22.          Praghashkumar Thanasegeren

23.          Sangetavathy Thanasegeren

24.          Sean Ooi (Paid)

25.          Vignesh Ponnurangam (Paid)

26.          Yee Jian Yang (Paid)

The Under-16 Category:

1.            Bausch Koh

2.            Cheong Jie Yao (Paid)

3.            Daryl Wong Cheng Lim

4.            Dawson Tan Soon Wei (Paid)

5.            Ee Sun-Xin-G (Paid)

6.            Ethan Wong

7.            Justine Prakash Kumar Palanisamy

8.            Lee Zhi Wei

9.            Mukash Kumar Sivakumar

10.          Naveen Vikneswaran

11.          Tan Shie Mei

12.          Tharoun Sharma (Paid)

13.          Vinton Wong

In each category, there will be 15 prizewinners. For those who wish to take part in this event but yet to pre-register yourself, please do so by sending an email to selangorchess@gmail.com by 5th July 2012 (Thursday). Thank You.

Announcement: 23rd Selangor Juniors Open (U12 & U16) on 8th July

Dear Parents,

CAS would like to thanks all parents who brought their children to participate in yesterday tournament who caters specially for the U-10 and U-14 children. Yesterday event was a great success despite it was the first children tournament by CAS since 2008. The final result for U-10 Category can be obtained from here. While, you can obtained the U-14 Category result from here.

The Selangor Juniors event will continue with the Under-12 and Under-16 Category on this Sunday.Please pre-register your child(ren) who would like to take part in the upcoming Selangor Juniors Open (A national level competition) @ ATCC, 4th Floor, Wilayah Complex, KL by sending an email to selangorchess@gmail.com by 5th July (Thursday). Payment shall be made on tournament day.

The Under-12 Category is for children born in or after the year 2000, while the Under-16 Category is for children born in or after the year 1996. All 15 prizewinners from each category will receive Certificate of Achievement and Medal from the Chess Association of Selangor. On top of that, the top 5 finishers will be rewarded with cash prizes.

In addition, top scorers from the Under-16 category will be shortlisted to represent Selangor U17 team in the upcoming Kasugi Team Championship on 14 & 15 July 2012.

For more information, please click here.