Laman Firey Rook Chess Malaysia

Svidler vs Parimarjan, Gibraltar Masters 2012

2012-02-01T22:41:00.001+08:00

1 February 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here is a live game between GM Peter Svidler (pix below left) of Russia against GM Negi Parimarjan (pix below right) of India in the Gibraltar Masters 2012.

Official website: www.gibraltarchesscongress.com.

(source: Susan Polgar’s Daily Chess News blog)

1Malaysia KK City Chess Tournament, 4-5 Feb 2012

2012-02-01T19:24:00.001+08:00

1 February 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The Sabah Chess Association is organising a two-day weekend tournament for individual and team events on separate days in Kota Kinabalu city this coming weekend, 4-5 February 2012.

The tournament will be held at Asia City Complex. The individual chess rapid to be played over 7 rounds of Swiss-System will be national-rated and held on the 4th February 2012, Saturday. While the team chess event will be held at the same place on the 5th February 2012, Sunday.

To download team event registration form click here.

To read more, please visit sabahchess.com or you may visit the facebook page for the tournament, click here.

Hou Yifan’s Games From Gibraltar 2012

2012-02-01T18:57:00.001+08:00

1 February 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here are two games played by Women World Champion, GM Hou Yifan during the Gibraltar Masters 2012. In both games she won convincingly. One against Vietnam’s GM Le Quang Liem and the other against veteran GM Judit Polgar.

Official website: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/

Masrin Erowan Wins NC2012 Sabah Chess Selection

2012-02-01T12:05:00.001+08:00

1 February 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here are the final round results and final ranking of the recently held chess tournament in Kem Lok Kawi named NC2012 Sabah Chess Selection in conjunction with “Panglima 5 Brigade” Trophy Chess Championship 2012.

Mas Erowan (pix above – right) came out as the champion with 7 points from seven rounds. He beat 53 others to the winner’s rostrum and overcame Mohd Noh Anuk in the last final round. Second was National Master Mohd Kamal Abdullah with 6 points. He beat Abdul Sahim Wising on second board of the final 7th round. Third, Sulaiman Jamal with 5.5 points.

To see more results, please visit sabahchess.com or click here.

To see a previous similar post on the same tournament, please click here.

(Photos from Masrin Bronstein’s facebook)

1st Malacca International Chess 2012!

2012-01-31T00:35:00.002+08:00

31 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur - At last the awaited Malacca chess event of the year has some news to announce. Here it goes:-

Word has it that the 1st Malacca International event has been finalized and that the event will be hosted by the Historical City of Malacca starting from 20th April right up to 1st May 2012. The event will be marked as one of the major international event to commemorate the 750th year of Malacca since it was first founded and built

The event shall start with an 11 round International Rapid event offering a prize fund of USD 20,000 to be played over the 2 days weekend, followed by Classical event over 9 rounds for 2 categories - Open International and Challenger, offering a total prize fund of up to RM 50,000.

The total prize fund is one of the biggest purse ever offered for a local tournament surpassing that of the Malaysian Chess Festival. Entry fees for the event and other details are being fine tuned before it is officially released

The 12 days chess gala will be hosted at the Hang Tuah Hotel right in the heart of Melaka City where Mahkota Parade, Dataran Pahlawan, Historical Museums, popular night spots and eateries, are all located within walking distance from the playing venue.

An opening dinner is also on the agenda and it is very likely that it will be officiated by the YAB Ketua Menteri Malacca with many local, regional and international chess dignitaries expected to attend the festival.

Event schedule that has been tentatively agreed earlier today is as follows:

Be on the lookout for more information on the event which will unfold within the next few days. Players who are interested to have a good start and learn more about the event, please get in touch with:

Haslindah Ruslan - MCF Vice President at +6019.206.9605
Gregory Lau Beng Hock - MCF Honorary Secretary at +6012.289.8215
Najib A Wahab - Technical Director +6016.338.2542

Come and join the fun!

Kelantan Close 2012 – Nik A Farouqi Wins

2012-01-29T22:47:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. Nik Farouqi vs Mas Hafizulhelmi, Round 4, Kelantan Close 2012

(Photo by Mohd Ezmi Mahmood’s facebook)

29 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The eight round Swiss- System Kelantan CLose 2012 Men Open was won by Nik Ahmad Farouqi with 7.5 points from 8 rounds of play. The final ranking is as shown in the table below:-

Round 8 Results, Men Open, Kelantan Close 2012

To read more results, please visit caturkelate.blogspot.com or click here.

Farouqi Shocker!

2012-01-28T19:40:00.001+08:00

28 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Today is the first day of the Kelantan Close 2012 held jointly by Persatuan Catur Kelantan and CSTA University Teknologi MARA Machang, Kelantan. Nik Ahmad Farouqi has made a sensation by winning his game against Malaysia’s number 1 player, IM Mas Hafizulhelmi.

Here is the winning game from Nik Ahmad Farouqi in the Kelantan Close 2012 Men’s Open category.

To read more, please visit caturkelate.blogspot.com.

(source of game: http://caturkelate.blogspot.com/)

Some Games of Round 3, Gibraltar Masters 2012

2012-01-27T11:47:00.002+08:00

Pix 1. Hou Yifan Pix 2. Zhukova

(PHOTOS by Zeljka Malobabic)

27 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here are few games from round 3 of the Gibraltar Masters 2012. All games were from Internet Chess Club site.

David Howell and Judit Polgar ended a slugfest with two kings remaining on the board and a drawn game.

Meanwhile GM Michael Adams of England had a nice win in the third round against GM Daniel Fridman in a French Defence opening (French Tarrasch variation) in the Gibraltar Masters 2012.

In round 3, Women’s reigning World Champion, GM Hou Yifan of China also won her third round game against GM Zoltan Almasi with a Ruy Lopez opening.

Rank after round 3, Gibraltar Masters 2012:-

Official website: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/index.htm

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

(source of games: Internet Chess Club)

Polgar’s Round 2 Game, Gibraltar Masters

2012-01-27T00:03:00.001+08:00

26 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In Gibraltar Masters 2012, Le Quang Liem and Judit Polgar won their round 2 games. Judit’s round 2 game against Ikonnikov Vyacheslav is shown below:-

For Asian readers, here is a game involving GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam in round 2 against Del Rio De Angelis Salvador G. Le won his second round game shown below:-

Results of round 2 Gibraltar Masters 2012 (up to table 25)

Current Leaders after round 2, Gibraltar Masters 2012

Here is a video commentary by GM Simon Williams of round 2. The video has three parts. The one shown on this blog is the first part of round 2.

You can see a commentary on the top two boards of round 2 Gibraltar Chess Masters 2012 by clicking on this link www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/videos.htm.

Official website: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/index.htm

Gibraltar Chess Festival 2012

2012-01-25T19:37:00.001+08:00

25 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The Gibraltar Masters 2012 is now playing from 24 Jan – 2 February 2012. GM Peter Svidler, GM Judit Polgar, GM Le Quang Liem and GM Hou Yifan are some names that are playing in this year’s tournament.

Masters gets underway

The official website of the tournament reported that the major event of the Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival - the Gibraltar Masters - got underway at the Caleta Hotel this afternoon. This is the tenth in the series of major international chess events held on the Rock and the second one to be sponsored by Tradewise Insurance.

Pix 1. Board 1, round 1, GM Peter Svidler plays against IM Jovanka Houska, England. (Photo from official website of tournament)

Here is the game between Svidler and Houska of round 1, Tradewise Gibraltar Masters 2012 played yesterday, 24 January 2012.

Here is a video of the Gibraltar Chess Festival 2012.

Results of Round 1 (up to table 26)

Official website: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/

Nik Ahmad Farouqi Wins 17 Chess Club FIDE Rated Tournament 2012

2012-01-25T02:00:00.000+08:00

25 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The 17 Chess Club FIDE Rated Tournament 2012 held from 20-24 January 2012 at DATCC ended later yesterday afternoon with Nik Ahmad Farouqi declared the champion with 7.5 points from 9 rounds of single round robin format of Group A.

Abdul Haq Mohamed was second with 6.5 points and third was Mohd Saprin Sabri (pix above) with 6.0 points. To Saprin’s credit, he is the only non-losing player in the tournament but suffered due to six draws too many. All other players had at least one loss.

Meanwhile in the B group, Faiezul Zainal won convincingly with 8 points from 9 rounds of play from a similar single round robin format. Second, Foo Chee Kin with 6.5 points and surprisingly, Saprin’s protege son, Amir Qayyim Mohd Saprin (pix above, Photo by Ng6 blogger) is in third place with 6.0 points.

Johansen Darryl K wins Queenstown Chess Classic

2012-01-24T21:40:00.001+08:00

24 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Discovered that Lim Kian Hwa of Malaysia had recently participated in the New Zealand’s Queenstown Chess Classic held from 15-23 January.

Chess.com reported that the 2012 Queenstown Chess Classic runs from 15-23 January in New Zealand.

The competition is a nine-round international open incorporating the 119th New Zealand Chess Championships, with a guaranteed prize fund of NZD 30,000 (approx USD 24,000).

The tournament is the inspiration of New Zealand chess Grandmaster Murray Chandler (pictured), and is the third edition following two successful previous events in 2006 and 2009.

The tournament was won by Australian GM Johansen Darryl K with 7.5 points. Johansen won by winning the crucial last ninth round game against GM Gawain Jones of England. GM Li Chao of China who had been leading up to round 8 fell to second place after drawing the last ninth round game against Tao Trevor. Li Chao also scored 7.5 points but lost out on tie-break points.

Lim Kian Hwa (pix left) of Malaysia ended in 111th position with 3.5 points after winning the last round game against Beckman John. He was the sole representative from Malaysia. Another notable was WGM Sukandar Irene Kharisma of Indonesia. She finished in 13th spot with 6.5 points, enough for one IM norm. Congrats to her.

Lim’s play (shown below) involved two FMs and one WIM comprising of 3 wins and a draw from nine rounds of play. He played against 6 Australians and 3 New Zealanders.

Here is the round 8 game between GM Li Chao of China and GM Eduardas Rozentalis of Lithuania during the Queenstown Chess Classic 2012, Queenstown, New Zealand.

To read more, please visit http://www.newzealandchess.co.nz/queenstownchess/

Sabah Chess Masters

2012-01-24T08:05:00.003+08:00

24 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur - Here is one chess tournament organized by Sabah Chess Association and the military. It will be held in Sabah 's military camp in Lokkawi on 28-29 Jan 2012. In conjunction with their 48th anniversary, the chess tournament titled Sabah Chess masters Piala Panglima 5 Brigade 2012 will be held at Dewan Mini MINDEF Kem Lokkawi in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Here is the news article related to the chess event.

Please contact Chi Tin Phin (016-813 3487), Kamariah Abu Bakar (017-818 8798) or Charles Lucas (016-836 2436) for further details. Please visit their website http://sabahchess.com.

Nik Farouqi, Faiezul Zainal Leads In 17 Chess Club

2012-01-23T13:13:00.001+08:00

23 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The 17 Chess Club FIDE Rated Tournament 2012 is currently on-going at DATCC with two groups of 10 players.

In Group A, Nik Ahmad Farouqi (pix above) and Abdul Haq Mohamed are leading the group with 4 points after 5 rounds of play.

Meanwhile in Group B, Faiezul Zainal is leading with 5 full points from 5 rounds of play.

To read more either visit chess-results.com or visit Pengurusan Catur Ar-Rahman or click here.

Group A – Round 5 results and Round 6 pairing (23 Jan 2012)

Group B – Round 5 results and Round 6 pairings (23 Jan 2012)

To read more either visit chess-results.com or visit Pengurusan Catur Ar-Rahman or click here.

Tata Steel Chess – Round 8

2012-01-23T10:34:00.001+08:00

23 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The official website of the Tata Steel Chess 2012 tournament reported that a flurry of draws and just one decision in eighth-round action brought little change to the standings in Grandmaster Group A at the 74th annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk-aan-Zee on Sunday. Levon Aronian of Armenia settled for a relatively quick draw, while the other tournament leader, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, rejected an early peace offer only to reach the same result by a repetition of moves after trying in vain for most of the afternoon.

“I think it was a drawish line, more or less,” said Aronian about his Queen’s Gambit with black against Bulgaria’s Veselin Topalov. “I don’t know too much about it but it felt very natural the way I played it.” When asked about his preparation, Aronian indicated he hadn’t studied all that hard, as he’d spent the night before Sunday’s round at the BIM-House, a jazz music hall in nearby Amsterdam. Even so, at one point he felt that black was better “but then, I committed a couple of inaccuracies, because I thought the game was already finished. Fortunately, I collected myself and played correctly and it was a draw.”

Carlsen, meanwhile, played black in a Gruenfeld against Azerbaijan’s Teymour Radjabov (see picture), an inventive player with a reputation as a tough defender, who sprung an early proposal to split the point on his formidable opponent. The top-rated Norwegian refused, of course. “You should expect to have to fight to the end for every half point,” he told reporters afterwards. “But, okay, I think the position never strayed beyond the bounds of a draw, although I believe I was better to begin with and then, he might have tried for a win, because I over-pressed.” The game ended when a repetition of moves became unavoidable, which deprived Carlsen of the privilege to play on until just two kings were left on the board – as he did twice in earlier rounds.

To read more of the round 8 report, please visit the official website of the tournament or click here.

Here is the round 8 game between Radjabov – Carlsen, Tata Steel Chess 2012, Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, 22 January 2012.

(Photos by Fred Lucas)

Video Interviews On Tata Steel 2012

2012-01-19T16:58:00.001+08:00

19 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here are a few videos on the on-going Tata Steel Chess 2012 in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

Round 3 video commentary by ICC Chess.FM on Carlsen-Aronian game.

To watch the free video by ICC Chess.FM please visit the YouTube link: http://youtu.be/yTsR8zi04vM

Round 4 Tata Steel 2012 latest videos

You Tube link : http://youtu.be/rHqwEHHxFiM

Interview on Hikaru Nakamura by Tata Steel Chess 2012 Daily

You Tube link : http://youtu.be/GPwpVsSWDyk

Interview on En Passant of Anne Haast from Netherlands in Dutch

You Tube link : http://youtu.be/6hkG8zoNQAE

Interview on Lisa Schut from Netherlands after her fourth round win.

You Tube link : http://youtu.be/uIJpdPUTVvs

Official website for latest videos : http://www.tatasteelchess.com/tournament/video/nr/5

Leadership changes hands to Levon Aronian!

2012-01-18T21:35:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. Daniellan, Cmilyte, Lahno. (Photo by Fred Lucas)

18 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In the Netherlands, the leadership has changed hands yet again as Levon Aronian joins Carlsen at the top after round 4 play in the closely followed Tata Steel Chess 2012.

TWIC website reported that Levon Aronian scored his third win in four rounds of the 74th Tata Steel tournament to join Magnus Carlsen in the lead going into the first rest day. Aronian kept grinding away against Gata Kamsky and eventually emerged with a winning position. Fabiano Caruana drew with Carlsen in a Berlin where both players thought white should be much better but they couldn't point out where and the game drifted to a draw. Sergey Karjakin got back to 50% with a win against David Navara on the black side of a Berlin where Navara should have taken a draw by repetition. Vassily Ivanchuk was visably upset when Loek van Wely found a tactical escape to draw after being under strong pressure. Remaining games drawn.

The official website of the tournament reported that a fine technical victory with white over Gata Kamsky of the U.S. in fourth-round action brought Armenia’s Levon Aronian back on top of the standings in Grandmaster Group A of the 74th annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament at Wijk-aan-Zee Tuesday (see picture). The world’s second highest ranked player was level with Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, who headed the field as the sole leader at the outset of the round but had to settle for a draw with black in a hard-fought Berlin Wall game against Fabiano Caruana of Italy (see picture).

Referring to his defeat at Carlsen’s hands the day before, Aronian expressed his joy at finding himself “on the other side today. This time it was me who was pressing, and even though I also managed to let my opponent get away, in the end he was the one to make the final mistake.”

Pix 2. Group A players. (Photo by Fred Lucas)

Pix 3. Bruxon, Nyzhnik and Vocaturo. (Photo by Fred Lucas)

Pix 4. Anne Haast. (Photo by Fred Lucas)

Here is the round 4 game between Levon Aronian and Gata Kamsky of the Grandmaster Group A, Tata Steel Chess 2012 in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

Official website: http://www.tatasteelchess.com

Carlsen Returns As Leader, Tata Steel 2012

2012-01-17T22:59:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. IM Tania Sachdev, playing in Group C, Tata Steel Chess 2012. (Photo by Fred Lucas)

17 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In the Netherlands, the third round completion returned GM Magnus Carlsen as the leader of the Group A tournament of the Tata Steel Chess 2012 after beating Aronian.

The official website of the tournament reported that Magnus Carlsen of Norway, the world’s highest ranked chess player, replaced Armenia’s Levon Aronian on top of the standings in grandmaster group A of the 2012 Tata Steel Tournament after an exciting third-round duel between the two ended in a victory for the Norwegian Monday (see picture). Playing white in a Queen’s Gambit, Carlsen profited from an overly aggressive black kingside pawn advance to gain an early advantage but Aronian fought back for all he was worth. In the end, it took Carlsen 68 moves before he forced Aronian – the number two on the international rating list- to admit defeat.

Carlsen left no doubt afterwards that he was far from happy with the win. Judging from the look on his face, in fact, no one would have guessed that he had just beaten his strongest opponent on the planet and taken the lead in the world’s strongest tournament.

“I was completely winning, of course,” he complained to journalists. “All I had to do was to try and find the most accurate way to win.” Apparently, he failed. “No, I didn’t feel good about that but I had to go on, and in the end I won mostly by luck. But a win is a win.” Asked if Aronian might have salvaged a draw, Carlsen said he felt he was “probably still winning” after he “wasted the advantage” but admitted that the Armenian came awfully close to escaping with a half point.

There was an added bonus of 500 euros for the lucky but far from satisfied winner when Dutch GM Ivan Sokolov decided to award the “Piet Zwart” prize for the round’s most attractive group-A game to the 22-year-old Norwegian. The prize, named for a former Wijk-aan-Zee tournament director, is funded jointly by the municipalities of Velsen and Beverwijk.

The official website reported that in Group C, Germany’s Elisabeth Paehtz and England’s Matthew Sadler shared the day prize of 100 euros in group C for their spectacular draw in 40 moves from a Modern opening. Paehtz teetered on the edge for a few moves when she was forced to send her King on a long march to b3, which it should not have but did in fact survive.

Official website: http://www.tatasteelchess.com

PERCAWI City Day Age Group Chess Open 2012

2012-01-17T10:39:00.001+08:00

17 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The Cheras Chess Academy and MSSWP are organising the annual PERCAWI City Day Age Group Chess Open 2012 to be held on the 12th February 2012.

For those young chess enthusiasts and itching to have a go at the game of strategy, pencil in the date of the 12th February 2012.

Registration Form:

Please contact : Collin (pix above) 016-2123578 and Bob Yap 012-2878378.

(Source: www.kids4chess.com)

Rakan Muda Chess

2012-01-17T10:16:00.001+08:00

17 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here is a tournament announcement from the Johor Bahru Chess Association of an upcoming chess tournament to be held next month – 19 February 2012. This tournament has been announced in the chess-malaysia email group on yahoo.

Organisers     : Rakan Muda Johor Bahru, Johor Chess Academy , JB Chess
                        Association & Southerncity Giant Hypermarket.
Venue            : Concourse Area, Southerncity Giant Hypermarket,Tmn Suria,JB
Date&Time     : Sunday - 19th February 2012 from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Time Control   : Swiss System of 7 Rounds with 25 minutes per player to complete the game.
Entry Fee       : Under 12 - RM 13.00
                       Under 17 - RM 15.00
Prizes            : Under 17 :

RM200,RM100,RM80,RM60,RM50,RM40,RM40,RM30,RM30,RM30

Under 12:
RM100,RM80,RM60,RM50,RM40,RM40,RM30,RM30,RM30,RM30

Closing Date : 17 February 2012

Late entries and entries without payment will not be accepted.Entry fees are non refundable.

For more information, kindly contact :
Mr.Narayanan Krishnan
Tournament Director
Tel. N0: 013 7717 525
email : jb_chess_association@yahoo.com

Aronian Leads In Tata Steel Chess

2012-01-16T20:52:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. Groups A and B, Tata Steel Chess 2012. (Photo by Fred Lucas)

16 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In the Netherlands, Levon Aronian has taken the lead in the Grandmaster Group A after winning against Nakamura during round 2 of play in Tata Steel Chess 2012.

The official website of the tournament reported that in round 2 of Tata Steel Chess, world number two Levon Aronian took sole lead by beating last year's winner Hikaru Nakamura (see picture). The American grandmaster of Japanese descent had little to complain about a Dutch opening, as Aronian freely admitted: “That was not the way to play against the Dutch!”. Soon White give up a queen for rook and bishop and it seemed Black was doing fine (see diagram). Somehow, some way, over the next 30 moves Aronian used his surplus of pieces to greater effect than Nakamura used his queen, and collected the full point.

World number one Magnus Carlsen could not keep in pace, as he soon found himself in a lifeless position against Vasily Ivanchuk of Ukraine. The matadors gave it 30 more moves, but the evaluation never dipped below dead even. The third leader after day one, Dutch Anish Giri, had by then long left the premises. Teymour Radjabov had comfortably taken the sting out of Giri's Samisch King's Indian and even though the youngster was up a pawn, there was no way to exploit this asset and his draw offer after 24 moves was accepted.

Official website: http://www.tatasteelchess.com

Results of 2nd Cerdik Catur Semi-Pro

2012-01-16T20:09:00.001+08:00

16 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here are the final ranking for the top 25 players after the 8th final round of play for the 2nd Cerdik Catur Semi-Pro Chess Championship 2012 held at DATCC, Wilayah Complex, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 15 January 2012. 179 players participated in this record-breaking attendance one-day rapid tournament.

The tournament was won by Norazman Ismail with 8 full points from 8 rounds of play. In the final 8th round, Norazman beat Mohd Ezmi Mahmood, who ended in 6th position with 6.5 points. In second place was Michael Angelo Palma with 7 points, third, Nor Zaiasron Yahaya with 7 points, fourth Mohd Fairuz Shah with 6.5 points, fifth, Muhd Rabani Che Hassan from UiTM, 6.5 points. In seventh was Mohd Khairul Nizam Johariy, also from UiTM, with 6.5 points. Top seed, Fikri Saleh, ended in 8th position with 6.5 points.

To see more results, please visit stonemaster.info or visit chess-results.com or click here.

Kamaluddin Yusof Among Most Improved 2011!

2012-01-16T13:07:00.001+08:00

16 January 2012, Kuala Lumpur – The new ratings is out! Here are the top 20 most improved Malaysian chess players in the country. Top of the list is Chew Zhi Qi with a 208 rating points difference moving from 1199 to 1407.

Two players of notable interest are Kamaluddin Yusof (pix above) who moved from 1859 to 2016 stratosphere ratings and blogger Naserov, Dr Nasrul Humaimi Mahmood, also made a quantum jump leap from 1608 to a rating of 1749!

Congratulations to all top 20 most improved chess players! Keep it up! At this rate, we will get a serious GM for Malaysia soon!

To see the whole file National Ratings for all Malaysian chess players, please click here.

(source: Lim Tse Pin, Malaysia’s Ratings Officer, MCF)

Carlsen wins 1st Round – Tata Steel 2012

2012-01-15T19:55:00.001+08:00

15 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In Netherlands, the first round of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2012 got underway yesterday with a win for the World’s Number One Magnus Carlsen.

The official tournament website reported that world number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway Saturday defeated Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan in the opening round of the 74th edition of the annual chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee see picture. Defending himself with a Hedgehog that arose from a Symmetrical English, the only player to make his debut in Grandmaster Group A, was slowly disemboweled by the former child prodigy, now leading the world rankings by a signifant margin.

Second seed Levon Aronian of Armenia quickly reached a comfortable position as Black in a Ruy Lopez against Russia's Sergey Karjakin. A tense struggle ensued until Karjakin cracked under pressure with (see diagram) 32.Nh5?, where White could have struck with 32.Bxh6!! and after for example 32...gxh6 33.Rxd7 Nxd7 34.Ng5 Kh8 35.Nxf7 Kg8 36.Nxh6 Kf7 37.Qf7 Kxh6 38.Nf5 Kg5 39.Qxd7 White is certainly not worse as Black will soon have to give his knight to stave off bigger trouble. Aronian missed 32...Nxe4! 33.Ng5 Nxg5 34.Rxd7 Qe6 when White would soon have collapsed under the combined pressure of the black pieces. Instead, the game entered an endgame where Karjakin nonetheless succumbed to the continuous strain on his position.

The 500-euro “Piet Zwart Prize” for the best game of the day was awarded to Anish Giri (see picture) for his victory over World Championship contender Boris Gelfand of Israel. The Dutch prodigy, fresh off his formidable tournament victory at Reggio Emilia in Italy a week ago, made a big impression with another fine example of his mature positional style. Giri aptly neutralized Gelfand's initiative after the latter sacrificed a pawn out of a Queen's Gambit Accepted. Commentator of the day, Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov, was especially impressed with the 17-year-old's ability to keep posing his opponent new problems every time a safe haven came in view.

Below is the cross-table for Grandmaster Group A after the first round:-

Official website: http://www.tatasteelchess.com/

Norazman Ismail Wins SM 2nd Cerdik Catur Semi-Pro

2012-01-15T18:36:00.001+08:00

15 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur : Latest News from DATCC, Stonemaster’s 2nd Cerdik Catur Semi-Pro Rapid, 1st is Norazman Ismail (pix above) scoring 8 points from 8 rounds of play! A record turn out with 175 players participated in today’s Stonemaster’s 2nd Cerdik Catur Semi Pro Rapid Chess Championship 2012!

1st Norazman Ismail (pix above), 2nd Michael Palma, 3rd Nor Zaiasaron Yahaya, 4th Ahmad Fairuz Shah, 5th Rabbani Che Hassan, 6th Ezmi Mahmood, 7th Khairul Nizam Johardy, 8th Fikri Saleh (son to blogger Gilocatur!)

(source: Mohd Zullghafari Saparmin)

Khor Boon Han Declared Open Perak Teen Champ!

2012-01-15T10:07:00.001+08:00

15 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here are the final results of the recently held Perak Age Group Open Chess Championship 2012 in National State Library in Ipoh, Perak on 14 January 2012. The tournament was organised by the Perak International Chess Association.

Khor Boon Han beat 71 other players in the Under-16 Age category to win with 6 points and a superior tie-break points after seven rounds of rapid play. Meanwhile Khairulanwar Iskandar won in the Under-14 Age category with 6 points and Muhammad Khairul Izwan Haikal Kam won in the Under-12 Age category with the full 7 points!

The top fifteen winners in each category is shown below:-

Here was the original flyer for this tournament as published in the Perak Chess Association blog or click here.

(source: Arman Amin)

Tata Steel Begins Today!

2012-01-13T16:40:00.001+08:00

13 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur - Chessdom and Susan Polgar’s website reported that Tata Steel 2012 will take place 13-29 January 2012 in Wijk Aan Zee. It is the first super chess tournament of the year with two players from the 2800 club – Carlsen and Aronian – and multiple grandmasters from the 2700 list.

Among the participants is the winner of last year’s Tata Steel – GM Hikaru Nakamura, the co-winner of Tata B, GM David Navara, and the winner of Tata C GM Daniele Vocaturo.

Official website: http://www.tatasteelchess.com/

Tata Steel A 2012

GM Magnus Carlsen NOR 2823
GM Levon Aronian ARM 2807
GM Sergey Karjakin RUS 2772
GM Veselin Topalov BUL 2768
GM Vasily Ivanchuk UKR 2765
GM Vugar Gashimov AZE 2756
GM Gata Kamsky USA 2756
GM Hikaru Nakamura USA 2753
GM Teymour Radjabov AZE 2752
GM Boris Gelfand ISR 2746
GM Anish Giri NED 2722
GM Fabiano Caruana ITA 2712
GM David Navara CZE 2705
GM Loek van Wely NED 2689

MAS Declared Winner Of Seremban Open

2012-01-08T20:47:00.001+08:00

8 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur - Latest News: SEREMBAN PARADE OPEN - 1st IM MAS Hafizulhelmi, 2nd IAN UDANI, 3rd FM NICHOLAS CHAN, 4th KAMALUDIN YUSOF,5th NABIL, 6th SYAKEER Shazmeer Azhar.

(source : M Zullghafari Saparmin)

Syakir, Riqfah Win Seremban Age Group

2012-01-07T22:04:00.001+08:00

7 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur - Latest News: tournament result for Seremban Age Group. Under 18 won by Syakir Syazmeer, 2nd - Nur Nabila, 3rd - Faizal Roslan. Under 12 won by Puteri Rifqah, 2nd - Nithya Sivanesan, 3rd - Muhd Faqih Aminuddin.

Tomorrow the Seremban Open 2012 will take place. Preregistered list include IM MAS, FM Nicholas Chan, and Ian Udani.

(source : Syazrin b Abdul Rahman)

Wang Yue Wins Hastings Masters 2012

2012-01-07T08:22:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. Masters winner Wang Yue with Amber Rudd MP and Councillor Maureen Charlesworth (Photo from tournament official website)

7 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – From Hastings Masters, the news is GM Wang Yue has won the tournament. There is a superb review in The Guardian by Leonard Barden. You can check the official website here.

The top-seeded GM Wang Yue, 24, is China's No. 2, is ranked in the world top 50, and was nearly 100 points ahead of his nearest Hastings rival in the ratings. He won GBP 2000 after having scored 7.5 points from 9 rounds.

Carlsen vs Ivanchuk, Grand Slam

2012-01-06T21:52:00.001+08:00

Grand Slam Final Sao Paulo/Bilbao

Chessbase Magazine in the December 2011 edition reported that In the Grand-Slam Final only two of the six top players managed to stand out: Vassily Ivanchuk was the man of the moment in the first leg in Sao Paulo, Magnus Carlsen dominated the return leg in Bilbao. As last year’s Grand Slam was held over two venues, one in Sao Paolo, Brazil and the other in Bilbao, Spain. Going by the traditional way of scoring in chess, the Norwegian would have won the tournament with 6 out of 10 (ahead of Ivanchuk with 5.5). In view of the course of the tournament it was somehow fitting that both of them tied at the end on 15 points because of the three points for a win rule used in the "Masters". A playoff with blitz thinking time was to decide the outcome and winner of the tournament. In the first tie-break game Carlsen was better with White, but Ivanchuk escaped with a draw. The second game, on the other hand, was a very one-sided affair going in favour of the Norwegian, who was thus able to celebrate a further success in a top tournament.

Here is the winning game between Magnus Carlsen of Norway and Vassily Ivanchuk of Russia during the Grand Slam Final 4th in Bilbao, Spain that provided the spurt for Carlsen to finish equal with Ivanchuk on 15 points.

[Event "Grand Slam Final 4th"] [Site "Sao Paulo/Bilbao"] [Date "2011.10.10"] [Round "9"] [White "Carlsen, Magnus"] [Black "Ivanchuk, Vassily"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "E21"] [WhiteElo "2823"] [BlackElo "2765"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "2011.09.26"] [EventType "tourn"] [EventRounds "10"] [EventCountry "BRA"] [EventCategory "22"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceDate "2011.11.11"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 b6 5. Qc2 Bb7 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. Qxc3 Ne4 8. Qc2 f5 9. g3 Nf6 10. Bh3 O-O 11. O-O a5 12. Rd1 Qe8 13. d5 Na6 14. Bf4 exd5 15. Bxf5 dxc4 16. Ng5 Qh5 17. Rxd7 Kh8 18. Re7 Nd5 19. Bg4 Qg6 20. Nf7+ Kg8 21. Bf5 Qxf5 22. Qxf5 Nxe7 23. Nh6+ gxh6 24. Qg4+ Ng6 25. Bxh6 Rf7 26. Rd1 Re8 27. h4 Nc5 28. h5 Bc8 29. Qxc4 Ne5 30. Qh4 Nc6 31. Rd5 Ne6 32. Qc4 Ncd8 33. Qg4+ Ng7 34. Qxc8 1-0

Diagram 1. White just played 17.Rxd7!

However, Carlsen, the leader in the world ranking list set about matters very energetically with White and after around 15 moves of a side variation of the Nimzo-Indian he achieved a strong initiative on the kingside. In the position on the board Carlsen was unable to resist the temptation to play the move 17.Rxd7. In analysis, however, he admits had he been somewhat more circumspect he would have played 17.Rd4, followed by Bd2 and Rh4. But in spite of a few more inaccuracies on his part and an unsuspected defensive resource found by the Ukrainian, Carlsen managed to win the game at the end thanks to the weakened black kingside. As a result, Carlsen became the winner of the 4th Grand-Slam Finals 2011.

Here is the winning 2nd rapid playoff to determine the winner of the 4th Grand-Slam Final 2011 winner. Carlsen played black and won.

[Event "Grand Slam Final playoff 4th"] [Site "Sao Paulo/Bilbao"] [Date "2011.10.11"] [Round "2"] [White "Ivanchuk, Vassily"] [Black "Carlsen, Magnus"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C65"] [WhiteElo "2765"] [BlackElo "2823"] [PlyCount "78"] [EventDate "2011.10.11"] [EventType "match (rapid)"] [EventRounds "2"] [EventCountry "BRA"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceDate "2011.11.11"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Be3 Qe7 6. Bxc6 bxc6 7. Bxc5 Qxc5 8. Nc3 O-O 9. O-O Rb8 10. Qd2 Qe7 11. b3 c5 12. h3 d6 13. Nh2 Nh5 14. Nd5 Qd8 15. Rae1 Be6 16. Nc3 f5 17. exf5 Bxf5 18. f3 Bg6 19. Rf2 Qh4 20. Nd5 Rf7 21. Qc3 c6 22. Ne3 Nf4 23. Qd2 Rbf8 24. Nd1 h5 25. Nc3 Bf5 26. Ne2 Ne6 27. Qe3 Rf6 28. Kh1 Rg6 29. Rg1 Nc7 30. Rgf1 Nd5 31. Qd2 Rgf6 32. Nc3 Nf4 33. Ne4 Rg6 34. Rg1 Qd8 35. Nf1 Qe7 36. Nfg3 d5 37. Nxf5 Rxf5 38. Nc3 Qh4 39. Kh2 Qg3+ 0-1

Diagram 2. Black played 39…Qg3+, White resigned.

Final Rankings Grand-Slam Finale 2011.

(source: Chessbase, Dec 2011)

Wang Yue Leading At Hastings Masters

2012-01-05T20:32:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. GM Wang Yue, China (Photo from tournament website)

5 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – At the Hastings Masters, the 8th round was completed yesterday with most of the top games were wins. This contrasts sharply with the ‘good old days’ when there would be many drab draws. At the moment, GM Wang Yue is leading with 7.0 points out of 8 rounds of play. IM Lalith Babu of India is second with 6.5 points and IM Shvam Sundar of India in third. While GM Istratescu Andrei of France in fourth with 6.0 points. Today will be the last day of the tournament and round 9 will be played. 118 players are participating.

The tournament website reported that Wang Yue (6) v Andrey Vovk (5½) – the younger Ukrainian brother felt his position was fine. We didn’t discuss it for long; one doesn’t with somebody who lost. It was only tonight that I realised they were unaware of the nature of the Commentary Room. My apologies for that. 10…d5 would not have been to my taste before completing his development, but what do I know. Chris criticised 16…Bf5, but Black disagreed. Andrey felt 23…Re7 was incorrect and 23…b6 should have been played.

[Event "Hastings Masters"]
[Site "Horntye Park Sports Complex, "]
[Date "2012.01.04"]
[Round "8.1"]
[White "Wang, Yue"]
[Black "Vovk, Andrey"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2697"]
[BlackElo "2551"]
[PlyCount "75"]
[EventDate "2012.01.04"]
[TimeControl "120+24"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. Be3 exd4 8. Nxd4 Re8 9. f3 c6 10. Bf2 d5 11. exd5 cxd5 12. O-O Nc6 13. c5 Nh5 14. Qd2 Be5 15. g3 Ng7 16. Rfd1 Bf5 17. Bb5 Bd7 18. Nb3 Ne7 19. Bxd7 Qxd7 20. Nxd5 Nxd5 21. Qxd5 Qxd5 22. Rxd5 Bxb2 23. Rb1 Bf6 24. Nd2 Re7 25. Ne4 Ne8 26. Rbd1 Kf8 27. Rd7 Rc8 28. g4 Be5 29. c6 b6 30. Ng5 Rc7 31. Nxh7+ Kg7 32. Rxe7 Rxe7 33. Rd7 Bd6 34.Ng5 Bb4 35. Bd4+ f6 36. Ne6+ Kf7 37. c7 Nxc7 38. Rxe7+ 1-0

Here is a game from round 6 of IM Jovanka Houska, England vs Gavin R Lock in which the lady wins playing black. Black wins the pawn race with her c-pawn just one step away from its queening square on c1.

[Event "Hastings Masters"] [Site "Horntye Park Sports Complex, "] [Date "2012.01.02"] [Round "6.15"] [White "Lock, Gavin R"] [Black "Houska, Jovanka"] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "2157"] [BlackElo "2415"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "2012.01.02"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 c6 3. c4 e6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. Bxe7 Qxe7 6. e3 Nf6 7. Nc3 O-O 8. Be2 Nbd7 9. O-O b6 10. cxd5 exd5 11. Qa4 Bb7 12. Rfd1 Rfd8 13. Rac1 Ne8 14. Bd3 Nd6 15. Ne2 a6 16. Qc2 h6 17. Ng3 c5 18. Bh7+ Kh8 19. Nf5 Nxf5 20. Bxf5 c4 21. Qd2 Bc8 22. h3 Nf6 23. Qc2 a5 24. Ne5 Bxf5 25. Qxf5 b5 26. g4 Re8 27. Kg2 Kg8 28. f3 Ra6 29. Re1 Re6 30. Re2 Nd7 31. Nxd7 Qxd7 32. Rce1 b4 33. e4 g6 34. Qf4 dxe4 35. Rxe4 Rxe4 36. Rxe4 c3 37. bxc3 bxc3 38. Qe3 Rc8 39. Re5 c2 40. Rc5 Rxc5 41. dxc5 Qe6 42. Qc3 Qxa2 43. Kg3 Qb1 0-1

To read more, please visit the tournament website or click here.

KLCA Organises KL Masters in June 2012

2012-01-03T07:29:00.001+08:00

3 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – For those who wish to have a FIDE Rated tournament in rapid or blitz, well, your wish has been answered. The KLCA is organising the Masters and International Youth Under 16 plus the National Rapid and National Blitz Championship 2012 in 8-17 June 2012.

The Masters is by invitation only with the tentative entry list being GM Tahir Vakhidov (UZB), GM Bui Vinh (VIE), GM Richard Bitoon (PHI), IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (MAS), IM Nguyen Van Huy (VIE), IM Kevin Goh Wei Ming (SIN), IM Rolando Nolte (PHI), IM Tirta Chandra Purnama (INA), IM Jahongir Vakhidov (UZB) and IM Agryadip Das (IND).

Entry Fee for the Youth U-16 Open is USD 100 for foreign participants and RM 150 for Malaysians irrespective of rating.

The entry fee for the FIDE rated National Rapid is RM 100 and for the FIDE Rated National Blitz it is RM 40. (Note that local players must be a member of their respective national state associations and in good standing with MCF, KLCA and the organisers).

To read more, please visit this link here.

Two Games From 54th Reggio Emilia

2012-01-02T23:06:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. GM Hikaru Nakamura, USA (Photo from chessbase.com, report by Martha Fierro and Augusto Caruso)

2 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In Italy, the 54th Reggio Emilia chess tournament is taking place with Nakamura in first place after five rounds with 4 points. It is a six player double round robin tournament, 10 rounds of play with Giri, Ivanchuk, Morozevich, Nakamura, Caruana and Vitiugov as participants.

[Event "54th Reggio Emilia"] [Site "Reggio Emilia ITA"] [Date "2011.12.31"] [Round "5"] [White "Nakamura, Hikaru"] [Black "Ivanchuk, Vassily"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A22"] [WhiteElo "2758"] [BlackElo "2775"] [PlyCount "113"] [EventDate "2011.12.27"] 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. g3 Bb4 4. Nf3 Bxc3 5. bxc3 d6 6. Bg2 O-O 7. O-O Re8 8. Ne1 c6 9. d3 h6 10. Rb1 d5 11. Qb3 b6 12. cxd5 cxd5 13. Nc2 Nc6 14. h3 Bb7 15. Nb4 Na5 16. Qb2 d4 17. c4 Rc8 18. Bxb7 Nxb7 19. e4 dxe3 20. Bxe3 Qd7 21. Kh2 Nd6 22. Rbc1 Nf5 23. Rfd1 h5 24. Qe2 h4 25. Nc2 b5 26. Qf3 bxc4 27. dxc4 hxg3+ 28. fxg3 Qe6 29. c5 Red8 30. Bf2 e4 31. Qb3 Qe5 32. Ne3 Rxd1 33. Qxd1 Rxc5 34. Nc4 Qc7 35. Bxc5 Qxg3+ 36. Kh1 Qxh3+ 37. Kg1 Qg3+ 38. Kf1 Ng4 39. Qd8+ Kh7 40. Qd5 Qf3+ 41. Ke1 Ng3 42. Rc2 f5 43. Kd2 Nf6 44. Qd8 Ne2 45. Ke1 f4 46. Rxe2 Qc3+ 47. Kd1 Qxc4 48. Qd4 Qb5 49. Rh2+ Kg6 50. Kc2 a5 51. Be7 Qc6+ 52. Qc5 Qa4+ 53. Kc1 f3 54. Bxf6 Kxf6 55. Rd2 g6 56. Rd6+ Kg7 57. Rd8 1-0

The women section of the 54th Reggio Emillia also had six women playing the double round robin tournament. Anna Sharevich, Sopiko Guramishvili, Marin a Brunello, Maria De Rosa, Iva Videnova and Marianna Chierici making up the six women players.

[Event "54th Reggio Emilia w"]
[Site "Reggio Emilia ITA"]
[Date "2011.12.31"]
[Round "5"]
[White "Sharevich, Anna"]
[Black "Guramishvili, Sopiko"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "D10"]
[WhiteElo "2267"]
[BlackElo "2374"]
[PlyCount "69"]
[EventDate "2011.12.27"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e4 b5 5. a4 b4 6. Nb1 Ba6 7. Qc2 Qxd4 8. Nf3 Qd8 9. Bxc4 Bxc4 10. Qxc4 Nd7 11. O-O e6 12. Bg5 Qc7 13. a5 Ngf6 14. Nbd2 Bd6 15. Qc2 O-O 16. Nc4 e5 17. Rfd1 Be7 18. Ne3 Rfc8 19. Qc4 Bf8 20. Nf5 Rab8 21. b3 Rb5 22. Be3 Nc5 23. Bxc5 Bxc5 24. Rd2 Rxa5 25. Rad1 Bf8 26. Ng5 h6 27. h4 hxg5 28. hxg5 Rc5 29. Qe2 Ne8 30. Rd7 Qa5 31. Nh6+ gxh6 32. Qh5 Ng7 33. Qxf7+ Kh7 34. R1d6 hxg5 35. Rg6 1-0

To read more, please visit chessbase.com or click here. Or the official website - http://www.ippogrifoscacchi.it/tornei_capodanno/54/tabellone.htm

Malaysia’s Top 100 For The New Year 2012

2012-01-02T22:23:00.001+08:00

2 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Here is the new top 100 Malaysian chess players as published by FIDE.com.

IM Mas Hafizulhelmi has fallen to number two behind the inactive IM Wong Zi Jing, who is now Malaysia’s Number One with a rating of 2410. While Mas Hafizulhelmi’s rating is now at 2388.

Malaysia (All players)

#	Name	Title	Fed	Rating	G	B-Year
1	Wong, Zi Jing	m	MAS	2410	0	1982
2	Mas, Hafizulhelmi	m	MAS	2388	14	1981
3	Chan, Nicholas	f	MAS	2378	0
4	Mok, Tze-Meng	m	MAS	2354	12	1968
5	Ooi, Chern Ee	f	MAS	2349	0
6	Lim, Chuin Hoong Ronnie	f	MAS	2317	9	1983
7	Liew, Chee-Meng-Jimmy	m	MAS	2297	8	1958
8	Ng, Tze Han		MAS	2285	0	1981
9	Long, Peter	f	MAS	2282	0	1961
10	Bakri, Anas Nazreen	f	MAS	2270	0	1991
11	Lim, Yee-Weng	m	MAS	2263	5	1982
12	Wong, Chee Chung		MAS	2257	0
13	Cheah, Eric		MAS	2255	0
14	Ahmad, Maliki		MAS	2254	0
15	Chuah, Jin Hai Jonathan		MAS	2250	0	1986
16	Hon Kah Seng, Christie	f	MAS	2236	0
17	Gregory, V		MAS	2235	0
18	Chan, Marcus		MAS	2227	0
19	Ng, Ee-Vern		MAS	2224	0
20	Madhavan, Collin	c	MAS	2220	0	1959
21	Foudzi, Siti Zulaikha	wm	MAS	2218	0	1988
22	Law, Zhe Kang		MAS	2215	0
22	Moh, Teng Keong Deon		MAS	2215	0	1984
24	Foo, Boon-Poh Paul		MAS	2210	0
25	Choong, Yit-Chuan		MAS	2205	0
25	Phuah, Eng-Chye		MAS	2205	0
25	Si, Ignatius		MAS	2205	0
28	Yeoh, Li Tian		MAS	2204	21	1999
29	Ng, Ek Teong		MAS	2200	0
30	Toh, Joseph		MAS	2189	0	1959
30	Yee, Keng Yew Aaron		MAS	2189	0
32	Chia, Soon-Keat		MAS	2186	0
33	Chow, Mon Ben		MAS	2185	0	1983
33	Muzzafar, Ahmad		MAS	2185	0
35	Goh, Yoon-Wah		MAS	2180	0
36	Abdullah, Mohd Kamal		MAS	2177	0
37	Lee, Kim Han Edward		MAS	2172	0	1993
38	Chin, F		MAS	2171	0
39	Lau, Gregory		MAS	2170	0	1964
40	Hong, Victor Wee Liam		MAS	2169	0	1990
41	Leong, Mun Wan		MAS	2167	0
42	Loo, Swee Leong		MAS	2158	9	1983
43	Zakaria, Fairin		MAS	2156	11
44	Wahiduddin, Kamalarifin		MAS	2155	6	1972
44	Che Hassan, Muhd Aizuddin		MAS	2155	0	1985
46	Karim, Wahid		MAS	2153	0	1970
47	Thaw, Chee Yin		MAS	2150	0	1982
48	Omar, Asrul Sharaff		MAS	2148	0	1971
49	Yeoh, Chin-Seng		MAS	2144	3
50	Navaratnam, Julian		MAS	2142	0	1972
51	Tan, Khai Boon		MAS	2139	8	1982
52	Sabri, Mohd Saprin		MAS	2137	6	1972
53	Yeap, Eng Chiam		MAS	2135	16	1995
54	Wong, Zi Chuang		MAS	2123	0	1987
55	Md Nor, Azahari		MAS	2120	1	1969
56	Lim, Chin Lee		MAS	2115	0	1977
57	Liong, Ing Kiat Anthony		MAS	2107	0
57	Soon, Wai Cheong		MAS	2107	0	1988
59	Johan Iskandar Foudzi	f	MAS	2106	0	1987
60	Lam, Tai Thomas		MAS	2105	0
61	Ibrahim, Mohd Irman		MAS	2104	3	1976
62	Au Yoong, Yow Loo		MAS	2102	0	1985
62	Zamhuri, Mustafa Kamal		MAS	2102	0	1972
64	Tan, Eu Hong		MAS	2101	0
65	Mohamed, Abdul Haq		MAS	2100	23
66	Tham, Tick Hong Jax		MAS	2099	22	1960
67	Shafruddin, Hafiz		MAS	2098	0	1986
68	Ooi, Chong Hean		MAS	2094	0	1982
69	Lim, Zhuo Ren		MAS	2091	4	1992
69	Lim, Jean Nie		MAS	2091	0
71	Tan, Wei Sin		MAS	2090	0
72	Jamil, Mohd Hussein		MAS	2088	0	1980
73	Chin, David		MAS	2082	0	1961
74	Lim, Han Ying		MAS	2081	0	1988
74	Pok, Wern Jian		MAS	2081	0	1987
74	Zullkafli, Zarul Shazwan		MAS	2081	0	1989
77	Abang, Mohd Reduan		MAS	2078	4	1976
78	Subramaniam, Sumant		MAS	2074	5	1993
79	Yap, Abel Jinwei		MAS	2073	8	1989
79	Soh, Han Loong Gerald		MAS	2073	0	1985
81	Nayan, Ahmad Fadzil		MAS	2072	15	1987
81	Wahiduddin, Mohd Khair		MAS	2072	7
83	Maheran, Azril		MAS	2071	0	1979
84	Wong, Su Yi Audrey	wm	MAS	2070	0	1969
85	Nik, Nik Ahmad Farouqi		MAS	2069	28	1982
85	Zainal, Faiezul		MAS	2069	0
87	Mat Daud, Mohd Azizul		MAS	2068	11
87	Hashim, Md. Sabar		MAS	2068	0
89	Zulkipli, Zaidan		MAS	2066	17	1984
90	Che Hassan, Abdullah		MAS	2065	4	1984
90	Pang, Siew Chong		MAS	2065	0
92	Shafruddin, Fariz		MAS	2064	0	1987
93	Jamil, Mohd Johan		MAS	2060	0
93	Lim, Tse Pin		MAS	2060	0	1975
95	Chan, Tze Wei		MAS	2058	0	1987
96	Wong, Ming Wai		MAS	2057	0
96	Zullkafli, Zarul Shafiq		MAS	2057	0	1987
98	Othman, Tun Seri Lanang		MAS	2052	2	1975
99	Lee, Heng Jun Samantha		MAS	2050	0
100	Foo, Chee Kin		MAS	2049	16	1985

To see more ratings of other countries, please visit www.fide.com or click here.

Insofar Combined Tournament

2012-01-02T21:27:00.001+08:00

2 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur - Here is a new upcoming combined chess tournament from Insofar Chess Academy slated for 29 Jan 2012. It will consist of Rapid Open, Junior Scholarship & Open Scholarship Combined in one day and in one tournament.

Mas Hafizulhelmi Wins DATCC Blitz 2012

2012-01-02T20:34:00.001+08:00

2 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur – At the DATCC, 24 players participated in the DATCC New Year Blitz 2012 held today over 15 rounds of chess fun. IM Mas Hafizulhelmi won all 15 rounds with 15 points and young Wong Jianwen finished second with 12 points. While Kelantan Chess Team mastermind, Nik Ahmad Farouqi finished third with 12 points and Lim Zhou Ren in fourth with 11 points. Fifth was Kamaluddin Yusof with 10 points.

To read more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

1st Sunday Chess UTM

2012-01-01T15:08:00.001+08:00

1 Jan 2012, Kuala Lumpur - Here are the results of the first Sunday Chess Tournament University Technology Malaysia (UTM).

1.Mohd anuas habib,
2.Ng sau chyun,
3.Ong wei bin,
4. Ng han loong,
5.Dr. Haizal,
6.ilyas ramdzan,
7. Ng hong yuan,
8.Pratama jujur wibawa,
9. ahmad justin,
10. T. Mandar.

(source : Mohd Zullghafari Saparmin)

New Year Blitz Chess

2011-12-30T09:08:00.001+08:00

30 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – An announcement from DATCC on an upcoming blitz chess event after New Year.

What better way to usher in the New Year than playing blitz! After all the partying and happening that you may experience on New Year midnight, and nursing the hangover, the tiring and "painful" experience of celebrating the coming of 2012, perhaps it is best to relax and enjoy some chess - on the 2nd day of the New Year.

It will be a good time to reflect with others - on chess related issues, on how we (or I) can improve our chess playing skills for 2012. For me, perhaps its about reflecting whether I should continue (or discontinue with chess) and seeing friends and chess players, may just nudge that desire into higher gear (or lower - looking at the flip side of the coin).

In any case, do drop by at DATCC on 2nd January for us to get some serious cracking on Blitz Chess - DATCC style!

A total prize fund of RM500 has been set aside with the winner set to take home RM200 for his (or her!) effort. It will be a 15 rounds of pure fun chess with entry fees set at RM20 each player - regardless of age (and title!!! Just in case Mok Tze Meng wants to play....)

Registration starts at 10:00am with Round 1 schedule at 10:30am. Round 1 to 8 will be played before lunch (until 12:30pm) and Round 9 will restart at 2:00pm and Round 15 is expected to start at 3:30pm and conclude at 3:45 pm, just in time for the prize giving ceremony at 4:00pm.

Entry forms can be downloaded via www.chess-malaysia.com/Blitz2012.pdf and inquiries can be directed to Najib Wahab at +6016.338.2542 or via email najib.wahab@chess-malaysia.com

Tribute To World Champions

2011-12-30T08:52:00.001+08:00

30 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – The StarOnline written by SS Quah discusses about the performance of the two current World Champions of both gender. Interestingly enough both champions are from Asia, one from China (women) and the other from India.

To read more, please visit The StarOnline or click here.

ASEAN Men 2011

2011-12-27T21:06:00.001+08:00

27 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – The 2nd ASEAN Men is currently being held as part of the Singapore Chess Festival 2011 from 26 – 31st Dec 2011 in Singapore. IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (top right pix) and IM Lim Yee Weng, both of Malaysia are participating in this single round robin tournament with GM Bitoon Richard of Philippines, GM Cao Sang of Vietnam and GM Megaranto Susanto of Indonesia participating in this 10 man tournament.

So far IM Mas has gained two draws from two rounds while IM Lim Yee Weng has no points to show yet.

Meanwhile WCM Nur Nabila bt Azman Hisham (top left pix) has entered in the 2nd ASEAN Women tournament. She is the sole representative from Malaysia. So far no points yet on her scoresheet to show from three rounds.

Results for rounds 1-3:

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

8th Singapore Open 2011

2011-12-27T20:30:00.001+08:00

27 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – The 8th Singapore Open is now ongoing in Singapore from 26th – 31st Dec 2011. Two Malaysians are participating namely, Lim Zhuo Ren and Lim Kian Hwa from Sarawak.

After two rounds, both Lims are at 1 point. Lim Zhuo Ren (top left pix) got them through two draws and Lim Kian Hwa (top right pix) with a win against Ong Wah Peng John in the second round. Meanwhile FM Susilodinata Andrean of Indonesia is leading with 2 full points. Another 8 players are also with 2 points including GM Gasano Eldar (2458) of Ukraine. Meanwhile top seed GM Mchedlishvili Mikheil (2636) of Georgia forfeited his second round game against Foo Benjamin of Singapore, the Sarawak Open 2011 winner.

Rank after round 2:-

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

Mas Hafizul Declared SCC Grand Finale Champion!

2011-12-24T21:19:00.001+08:00

24 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Mas Hafizul clear winner at SCC Grand Finale with a perfect 7.0 points from 7 rounds of play. Mas beat Ali Akhbar in the last round on top board. Second was Kamaluddin Yusof with 5.5 points, Kamaluddin beat Khair Wahiduddin on second board, and third Zarul Shazwan Zullkafli, also with 5.5 points. Zarul beat Syazwan on third board of the last round.

Round 7 Results:

Mas Hafizulhelmi Leads In SCC Grand Finale 2011

2011-12-24T17:56:00.001+08:00

24 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – The one day rapid SCC Grand Finale 2011 took off today in Kuantan with IM Mas Hafizulhelmi in the driving seat after six rounds of play. IM Mas beat Asian Masters Champion, Ahmad Fadhil Nayan on top board giving IM Mas 6 points from six rounds.

Thirty four players are participating in the Grand Finale, with tournament director, Khairunnisa Wahiduddin playing as well. Chief arbiter is Najib Wahab.

Ranking after round 6 indicate IM Mas is the leader with Zarul Shazwan Zullkafli in second with 4.5 points and third, Ali Akhbar Kuning, also scoring 4.5 points. Fourth placed is Mohd Khair Wahiduddin (pix above) who beat Ruzenan Abu Bakar on third board of the sixth round.

Ranking after round 6:-

Round 7 pairings:-

In the 7th round, Mas Hafizulhelmi will face-off with third placed, Ali Akhbar Kuning on top board, while Kamaluddin Yusof meets Mohd Khair Wahiduddin on second board. Second place, Zarul Shazwan Zullkafli meets Muhd Syazwan Zulkifli, the UIAM Open Champion 2011.

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

China Continue To Win, WWCT 2011

2011-12-22T21:43:00.002+08:00

22 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – In Turkey, China continued their winning ways in the World Women’s Chess Team Championship 2011. The official website of the tournament reported that round 4 did not bring many surprises. China won against Vietnam 3-1, scoring on the two lower boards (Zhao Xue - Nguyen Thi Thanh An 1-0 and Hoang Thi Nhu - Tan Zhongyi Y 1-0) and remain in the lead with 100 percent match points.

India scored 3,5 board points against Armenia. Only Lilit Mkrtchian was able to draw against Harika Dronavalli on the second board. India is on the second rank with 7 match points.

Here is the round 4 game between IM Maria Muzychuk of Ukraine and IM Yelena Dembo of Greece, which was won by Maria. The Sicilian Opening was played during the game. Ukraine beat Greece, 3.5-0.5.

[Event "FIDE WOMENS WORLD CHESS TEAM CHAMPIONSHI"]
[Site "MARDIN"]
[Date "2011.12.21"]
[Round "4.13"]
[White "IM M.MUZYCHUK (UKR - 2460)"]
[Black "IM Y.DEMBO (GRE - 2468)"]
[Result "1-0"]
[PlyCount "111"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nd4 4. Nf3 e6 5. O-O Ne7 6. Nxd4 cxd4 7. Ne2 Qb6 8.a4 Nc6 9. c3 dxc3 10. dxc3 a6 11. Bd3 Be7 12. Be3 Qc7 13. f4 b6 14. Qe1 Na5 15.Qg3 O-O 16. f5 Qxg3 17. Nxg3 Rb8 18. e5 f6 19. exf6 gxf6 20. Nh5 Nc6 21. Bh6 Rf7 22. Rf3 Kh8 23. Rg3 Bc5+ 24. Kh1 Bf8 25. Bxf8 Rxf8 26. Rg7 e5 27. Be4 b5 28. a5 Nd8 29. Bd5 Nb7 30. g4 Nd6 31. Re7 Re8 32. Rxe8+ Nxe8 33. g5 fxg5 34. f6 Nd6 35. Rd1 Bb7 36. Bxb7 Nxb7 37. Rxd7 Nc5 38. Re7 Ne4 39. Rxe5 Nd6 40. Rxg5 Re8 41. Rd5 Re6 42. Rc5 h6 43. Rc6 Re1+ 44. Kg2 Nf7 45. Nf4 Rb1 46. b4 Rb2+ 47. Kg3 Rc2 48. h4 Kg8 49. Rc8+ Kh7 50. Rc7 Kg8 51. Kg4 Rf2 52. Re7 Rc2 53. Ne2 Rb2 54. Kf5 Rb1 55. Re8+ Kh7 56. Ke6 1-0

To read more, please visit the official website or click here.

(Photos courtesy of official website)

Roshan Creates Upset In NJCC 2011

2011-12-22T06:35:00.001+08:00

22 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – In yesterday’s round 6 of the National Junior Chess Championship 2011, Roshan Ajeet Singh met Muhd Nabil Azman Hisham (pix left) on top board and Roshan created an upset by beating the top seed of the tournament, Nabil.

With that win, Roshan and Nabil both scored 5 points after round 6. Roshan now heads the leadership board overtaking Nabil. In third is now Mark Siew and fourth, Yat Guo Jie. CM Amier Hamzah is in eighth position.

A total of 54 players are participating in this year’s National Junior Chess Championship 2011 being held at the DATCC, Wilayah Complex, Kuala Lumpur from 19-23 December 2011.

Rank After Round 6:

Round 7 pairings (9 am, 22 Dec 2011):-

Tournament Details:-

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

China Wins Over Armenia, WWCT 2011

2011-12-21T07:01:00.001+08:00

21 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Here are the round 2 and 3 team results of the Women’s World Team Chess Championship 2011 in Turkey, Mardin. China overcomes Armenia 4-0 and is the current leader with 6 MP.

To read more, please visit official website.

2nd Cerdik Catur Semi Pro Chess Championship 2012

2011-12-20T22:15:00.001+08:00

20 December 2012, Kuala Lumpur – Stonemaster and Cerdik Catur are organising the 2nd Cerdik Catur Semi Pro Chess Championship 2012 on 15 January 2012, Sunday at DATCC, Kuala Lumpur.

To get more details, please contact CM Fadli Zakaria – 014-2312370.

Or visit http://stonemaster.info for details.

World Women Chess Team In Turkey 2011

2011-12-19T23:13:00.002+08:00

China defeats Turkey in women's world chess team championship
(Xinhua)
09:06, December 19, 2011

ANKARA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese team defeated the Turkish team in the first round of the 2011 World Women Chess Team Championship (WWTC), which started in Mardin province of southeastern Turkey on Sunday.

The top seeded Chinese team was a clear favorite against the young ambitious Turkish team with 2.5:1.5 in the WWTC first round.

Chinese coach Ye Jiangchuan confirmed that Chinese players Tan Zhongyi and Zhang Xiaowen defeated their Turkish rivals in the WWTC first round, adding that Turkish player Kubra Ozturk on the second board took an upper hand on Chinese player Zhao Xue and the first board game Turkish player Betul Cemre Yildiz vs. Chinese player Ju Wenjun ended in a draw.

Ye said: "the Turkish women chess team has been developing fast and has become an important rival for the Chinese team."

Russia defeated Vietnam, Georgia defeated South Africa, Armenia defeated Greece, Ukraine and India ended in a draw in the first round.

China has won the championships in both 2007 and 2009.

For the 2011 championship held in Mardin province between Dec. 18-28, China has dispatched five players of Hou Yifan, Ju Wenjun, Zhao Xue, Tan Zhongyi and Zhang Xiaowen.

Source: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn

Official website: http://wwct2011.tsf.org.tr
(Photo courtesy of official website)

Nakamura’s Game vs Adams, London Chess Classic

2011-12-18T22:14:00.001+08:00

18 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Eventhough Vladimir Kramnik won this year’s London Chess Classic 2011, the game of the day belonged to Hikaru Nakamura of the USA vs Michael Adams of the UK. In the last round of the recent London Chess Classic 2011, Nakamura chose the King’s Gambit Opening against Michael Adams.

[Event "3rd London Chess Classic"]
[Site "London ENG"]
[Date "2011.12.12"]
[Round "9"]
[White "Nakamura, Hi"]
[Black "Adams, Mi"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "C36"]
[WhiteElo "2758"]
[BlackElo "2734"]
[PlyCount "81"]
[EventDate "2011.12.03"]

1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 d5 4. exd5 Nf6 5. Bc4 Nxd5 6. O-O Be6 7. Bb3 c5 8.
Kh1 Nc6 9. d4 c4 10. Ba4 Bd6 11. b3 c3 12. Qd3 O-O 13. Bxc6 bxc6 14. Nxc3 Re8
15. Nxd5 Bxd5 16. c4 Be4 17. Qc3 a5 18. a3 f6 19. Bb2 Ra7 20. Rad1 Rae7 21. b4
axb4 22. axb4 Kh8 23. Qb3 Rb7 24. Bc3 Qb8 25. b5 cxb5 26. c5 b4 27. Bd2 Bf8 28.
Rde1 g5 29. Qc4 g4 30. Nh4 f3 31. d5 fxg2+ 32. Nxg2 Bf3 33. Kg1 Rc8 34. c6 Rb5
35. Nf4 Bc5+ 36. Be3 Bxe3+ 37. Rxe3 Qb6 38. Rfe1 b3 39. Qc3 Rf8 40. Ne6 b2 41.
c7 1-0

John Saunders at the London Chess Classic 2011 reported that the game of the day was Hikaru Nakamura versus Mickey Adams and was earmarked as such from the moment that Hikaru played the King’s Gambit. As with the previous outing in the tournament for this museum piece of an opening (when Nigel Short played it against Luke McShane), initial exuberance soon gave way to caution and tentativeness as Hikaru tucked his king away on h1 and allowed a c4 counter-thrust. A pleasantly piratical game ensued, with White launching a pawn assault on the queenside as Mickey Adams pointed his bishops at the white kingside.

Julian and Stuart enjoying their exchanges with the audience.

Watching in the VIP room was a fascinating experience as the super-GMs who had finished their games were joined by Garry Kasparov and other former greats of the game. GMs Julian Hodgson and Stuart Conquest were the commentators there but for once they were heavily outgunned by the audience. Black seemed to hold sway for much of the game but eventually the great pendulum swung in White’s direction. Garry Kasparov it was who first spotted the change in wind direction: “38 Rfe1 and now it looks better for White.” A blunder followed and White duly triumphed, taking Hikaru Nakamura to clear second in the table and condemning poor Mickey Adams to last place. Credit to both players, though, for providing the last round audience with a feast of chess entertainment.

Round 9

H.Nakamura - M.Adams

King’s Gambit

1 e4 e5 2 f4

A surprise, although Hikaru has been known to play it in rapid play and minor US domestic events. “I felt inspired by Nigel... and felt like taking a chance.” (Nakamura) At which point GM Chris Ward interjected: “Can we just clarify: you’re not so happy with one or two of the openings your other coaches having been giving you and you’re following Nigel’s openings from now on?” The rather arch emphasis which Chris placed on the words “other coaches” and “Nigel” indicated a wicked, joking reference to Hikaru being trained by Garry Kasparov. A knowledgeable audience spotted the reference and laughed, as did Hikaru, ruefully. “I followed Magnus yesterday and Nigel today!”

2...exf4 3 Nf3 d5 4 exd5 Nf6 5 Bc4

The speciality of GM Joe Gallagher (a true Brit, though now qualified for Switzerland).

5...Nxd5 6 0–0 Be6 7 Bb3 c5

“The best move and makes 7 Bb3 a bad try” (Nakamura)

8 Kh1

“8 Kh1 has to be wrong but I was trying to come up with complications. After 8 d4 cxd4 9 Qxd4 Nc6 10 Ba4 Rc8, I wasn’t sure what I was doing here.” (HN)

8...Nc6 9 d4 c4 10 Ba4

10 Bxc4 would involve an exchange for a pawn sacrifice after 10...Ne3 11 Bxe3 Bxc4 12 Bxf4 Bxf1 13 Qxf1 Bd6, etc.

10...Bd6 11 b3 c3

11...cxb3 12 axb3 is not so good as White can soon play c4 and undermine the f4 pawn’s main defender. Hanging onto the f4 pawn is a key factor in Black’s plan at this stage.

12 Qd3 0–0 13 Bxc6 bxc6 14 Nxc3 Re8 15 Nxd5 Bxd5 16 c4 Be4 17 Qc3 a5

Hikaru felt Black was a fair bit better here but that Mickey had been unable to maintain the pressure.

18 a3 f6 19 Bb2 Ra7 20 Rad1 Rae7

Hikaru didn’t like this though the computer disagrees. If 20...Rb7, the b-pawn is restrained but then 21 Rfe1 applies a little pressure to the e-file.

21 b4 axb4 22 axb4 Kh8 23 Qb3 Rb7

Hikaru overlooked that the rook can double back in this way.

24 Bc3 Qb8 25 b5 cxb5 26 c5 b4 27 Bd2 Bf8

Black now has an extra pawn but his structure is far from ideal and it is not so easy to exploit.

28 Rde1 g5 29 Qc4!

This move takes courage. White is worried that Black will organise a support for Black to play Bd5 “and it will be pretty much game over”. But the advance of the b-pawn looks equally scary.

29...g4

It is easy to say with hindsight but the more obvious 29...b3 looks more promising, when White has to stay active with 30 c6 Ra7 31 Bc3 b2 32 Nd2. The computer comes up the lively 32...Bxc6!? 33 Qxc6 Rc8 34 Qxf6+ Bg7 35 Qxg5 Rxc3 but that would take some calculating for a human. However, the problem with the text move is that it leaves Black’s kingside pawn structure very shaky.

30 Nh4

Hikaru thought perhaps he should have preferred 30 Ne5!? Bxg2+ 31 Kxg2 fxe5 32 dxe5 f3+ which may come down to a draw.

30...f3

30...b3 is still a strong candidate here. Rybka considers it to be winning after 31 c6 Ra7 32 Bc3 Qd6 33 Qxb3 Qxc6, etc.

31 d5

Hikaru characterised this as a ‘blunder’ but that may be overstating it.

Video link of the game:

http://youtu.be/KnVULOrMD98

31...fxg2+ 32 Nxg2 Bf3

This is what Hikaru had not seen and caused him to berate himself. “I should just be losing here now.”

33 Kg1 Rc8 34 c6 Rb5

34...Bd6 was a move looked at by the commentators, but 35 Bf4!? is a possible antidote.

35 Nf4

Hikaru felt that, after 35 Rxf3 gxf3 36 Nf4, Black can play 36...Bd6 and he is just losing.

35...Bc5+ 36 Be3 Bxe3+?

Black starts to go wrong. Both players thought 36...Qb6 would just win for Black here, e.g. 37 Bxc5 Rxc5 38 Qd4 and now 38...R5xc6! is the key move that Mickey failed to find, when he would have a fairly simple win.

37 Rxe3 Qb6 38 Rfe1

Suddenly White’s position has become more solid and he can think about offensive action. He is probably better now.

38...b3??

A blunder which falls victim to a four-move combination. 38...Rc5?? is equally terrible after 39 Re8+ Rxe8 40 Rxe8+ Kg7 41 Ne6+ Kf7 42 Nxc5 Kxe8 and now 43 d6! and White has some crushing threats. The best the computer can find is 38...Ra5 but Black is not on the defensive.

39 Qc3!

Suddenly Black has a problem defending the f6 pawn.

39...Rf8 40 Ne6! b2 41 c7! 1–0

If 41...b1Q 42 Qxf6+! Rxf6 43 c8Q+ and mate in a couple.

(source: London Chess Classic 2011, photo by John Saunders)

Kelantan wins DATCC Chess League 2011

2011-12-17T20:43:00.001+08:00

17 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – At the DATCC today, two rounds of team chess league matches were played at 9 am and at 2.30 pm. After the completion of 9 rounds of play, Kelantan Chess Team won the league with 25.5 points edging out rivals Najib’s Rojak Team and Too Less Ordinary to second and third places respectively with a similar 25 points.

Nusa Mahkota Chess Club overcomed Renegade with a marginal win 2.5-1.5 win. Jianwen of Renegade managed to steal one full point from Nusa Mahkota’s top board. Nusa Mahkota finished fourth, 17Chess Club in fifth, DATCC Senior on sixth, Seahorse Petronas on seventh and Renegade Chess Team a respectable eighth position.

Round 9 Team Results (2.30 pm, 17 Dec 2011):

Round 8 Team Results (9 am, 17 Dec 2011):-

Earlier in the morning during round 8, Kelantan and Petronas Swordfish drew on top board, and DATCC Seniors Team drew with Najib’s Rojak Team on third board. Meanwhile Renegade crushed PJMIM 4-0 and Nusa Mahkota whipped Bernama 4-0 too.

To read more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

Eng Andre Jerome Leads In Sarawak Open

2011-12-15T22:14:00.001+08:00

15 December 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Here is the latest ranking after round 8 for the Sarawak Open Chess Championship 2011. Eng Andre Jerome of Singapore has scored 7 points after 8 rounds of play and is the sole leader.

Followed closely behind are Foo Benjamin of Singapore with 6.5 points and Wong Jianwen (pix left), also with 6.5 points.

Next is the group with 6.0 points that comprises of Kamaluddin Yusof of Malaysia, Efren Bagamasbad of Philippines, Rhobel Legaspi of Philippines, Ahmad Fadhil Nayan and Bueder Thomas of Germany.

Ninety four players are participating in this year’s Sarawak Open 2011.

Results of Round 8 held earlier this afternoon, 15 December 2011.

Wong Jianwen looks impressive with his third ranking after round 8 and he won his 8th round game against IM Atanu Lahiri of India. Jianwen will be playing on top board in the final 9th round against the current leader Eng Andre Jerome of Singapore tomorrow at 9.00 am.

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

Abdullah’s Game vs Khairunnissa’, Round 7 Game

2011-12-14T21:46:00.001+08:00

14 December 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Here is the round 7 game between Abdullah Che Hassan of the Kelantan Chess Team and Khairunnisa’ Wahiduddin of Renegade Team played on board 2 of the table 2 at the DATCC, Wilayah Complex, Kuala Lumpur last night.

Abdullah played white in a Catalan Opening. Khairunnisa’ sacrificed a black Knight for white’s three pawns by move 11.

Pix 1. Abdullah, Kelantan. Pix 2. Khairunnisa’ Wahiduddin, Renegade.(Photos by Shamsuddin Sabri)

[Event "DATCC League 2011"]
[Site "DATCC, Kuala Lumpur"]
[Date "2011.12.13"]
[Round "7.2"]
[White "Abdullah Che Hassan"]
[Black "Khairunnisa"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "E01"]
[PlyCount "61"]
[EventDate "2011.11.22"]
[SourceDate "2011.12.13"]

1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. g3 d5 4. d4 c6 5. Bg2 dxc4 6. a4 Bb4 7. Nf3 Bxc3+ 8.
bxc3 Nd5 9. e4 Nxc3 10. Qc2 Nxa4 11. Qxa4 b5 12. Qc2 O-O 13. O-O a5 14. Ba3 Re8 15. e5 Ra6 16. Bd6 Nd7 17. Nh4 Qb6 18. Be4 f5 19. exf6 Nxf6 20. Bc5 Qc7 21. Bg2 e5 22. Rfe1 Nd7 23. Nf3 Nxc5 24. dxc5 Qa7 25. Nxe5 Qxc5 26. Ng6 Rxe1+ 27. Rxe1 hxg6 28. Re8+ Kh7 29. Rxc8 Qd6 30. Be4 Qe6 31. Bxg6+ 1-0

By move 31, black was looking at losing its queen. White played 31.Bxg6+, then follows black takes bishop with 31…Qxg6, then a force check by white with the rook, 32.Rh8+ and the King is forced to take the rook at h8, 32…Kxh8, 33.Qxg6! leaving the white queen to take the defenceless black queen at g6. Brilliant play by Abdullah!

Black was not able to press its advantage of having 5 pawns against white’s three early enough. White used speed to wind down black’s position by mobilising its pieces effectively.

(Game courtesy of Khairunnisa’ Wahiduddin)

Kelantan Chess Team Takes Lead At DATCC League

2011-12-14T17:20:00.001+08:00

14 December 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Here are the latest news and announcements from the organisers of the DATCC Team Chess League 2011. Another furious race to the finish line!

Folks.... Round 8 on Saturday, 17 December 2011, to start at 9:00am and Round 9 at 2:30pm.

As for Round 7, the traffic in KL was unbelievable and with scattered flooding in certain areas in KL, and the SMART tunnel was closed to divert rising waters, many players found themselves stuck in traffic jams and a few games were forfeited due to non-arrivals. Saprin and family was 10 minutes away from giving away 4 points to their opponent PETRONAS Seahorse and on Table 1, whilst young Yeoh Li Tian had to forfeit his game, Najib on board managed to arrive at the tournament hall with only 1 minute to spare - and the opponent not arriving on time (Max came in about 8:45pm and was disappointed that he had to give away the point). Yeoh Li Tian also arrived just before Max but opponent Nor Ilhamuddin already left the crime scene.

Suffering worse were PJMIM who had to forfeit 2 boards and BERNAMA Team forfeiting 3 boards.

With the conclusion of Round 7, and the remaining 2 rounds to be played this Saturday, the race for the lead is very tight between 3 teams - Kelantan, Too Less Ordinary and Najib's Rojak Team. Kelantan and Too Less Ordinary both scored perfect 4 points to stay ahead in the lead at first and second respectively, followed closely by Najib's Rojak Team at third place - with only 1.5 points separating the 3 teams.

Following behind with 2.5 points behind Najib's Rojak Team is 17 Chess Club and another 1 point behind the DATCC Senior'S Team.

Round 8 will be the telling points as the top team will vie to continue their good run and maintain their lead but, with the bottom teams having the ability to steal 1 or 2 valuable points, the event is not over until the fat lady sings! The pairing for the last round will be very crucial and teams that can score a perfect 4-0 in the last 2 rounds will definitely jump up the table.

Results for Round 7:

Teams position after Round 7

And the most awaited table of all - Pairing for Round 8, an interesting one indeed.

Picture Gallery Round 7, DATCC league

2011-12-13T20:25:00.001+08:00

13 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur - Here are some pictures of round 7 DATCC TEAM CHESS LEAGUE. As a background to tonight's event a lot of players arrived late as the KL traffic was heavily congested due to some flooding around the city.

Rojak Team Meets 17Chess Club

2011-12-12T22:15:00.001+08:00

13 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur - The DATCC TEAM CHESS LEAGUE is still ongoing and here is a little reminder from the organizers.

After 2 weeks break to make way for the ASIAN Amateur and the Penang Heritage Open, the 4th installation of the DATCC KL Team Open Chess continues with Round 7 on Tuesday, 13th December 2011 at 7:00pm.

Kramnik Grabs Lead At London Chess Classic 2011

2011-12-12T19:54:00.001+08:00

12 December 2011, Kuala Lumpur – Vladimir Kramnik grabs the lead at the London Chess Classic with a Ruy Lopez Berlin Defence against Luke McShane. Kramnik has 15 points after round 8.

Chess.com reported that the dramatic showdown between Luke McShane and Vladimir Kramnik was the key game of round eight at the London Chess Classic.

Hoping to secure the outright lead, McShane took the game to Kramnik with an exchange sacrifice to create a powerful bishop with threats to Kramnik's king.

However, any advantage that McShane had achieved evaporated during time-trouble and Kramnik took the initiative, but despite being a full rook ahead the result was still far from clear.

However, eventually the tactical tricks ran out and Kramnik earned a crucial win to take the sole lead with just one round remaining.

Nigel Short managed to completely block the position against Hikaru Nakamura, and remarkably there were no captures at all until move 30! Yet "thanks" in part to the anti-draw rules, the players continued shuffling their pieces around until move 90 before a draw was mercifully agreed!

Magnus Carlsen drew his game with black against Vishy Anand, and David Howell ended his event on a positive note by holding Lev Aronian to a draw.

Pix 1. Game of the round between McShane and Kramnik. (Photo courtesy of Ray Morris-Hill at the official website)

ICC also did an analysis of the McShane-Kramnik game of the 8th Round, London Chess Classic 2011. Analysis was done by GM Suat Atalik.

The "Sofia" anti-draw rules are in operation, and the 3-1-0 scoring system adopted for London Chess Classic 2011.

To read more, please visit chess.com or click here. Or visit the official website – www.londonchessclassic.com

London Chess Classic – Nakamura In The Lead

2011-12-10T12:09:00.001+08:00

10 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – At the 3rd London Chess Classic 2011, Nakamura made waves in round 5 by overcoming David Howell of the U.K. where Nakamura will win a piece in the end game. Another sensational round in the 2011 London Chess Classic saw Hikaru Nakamura seize the lead with a score of 10 points by beating David Howell.

Chess.com reported that Hikaru Nakamura celebrated his 24th birthday today, but he was unable to mark the occasion with a win. In a critical battle with Luke McShane a draw was the final result.

As fate would have it, all of the other games also ended inconclusively so Hikaru Nakamura still leads with three rounds remaining. Nakamura has 11 points so far, two points ahead of Carlsen who has played one game less than Nakamura.

It is Hikaru Nakamura's turn next to take his bye, so the other players will be hoping to make ground as the tournament heads towards its finale.

Luke McShane shaking hands with Hikaru Nakamura at the start of round 6 (Photo courtesy of Ray-Morris Hill at the official website.)

Here is the round 6 game between McShane and Nakamura which ended in a draw.

To read more please visit chess.com or the official website – www.londonchessclassic.com.

(News from Chess.com and www.londonchessclassic.com)

Dimakiling Ahead In Penang Open 2011

2011-12-09T19:43:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. IM Dimakiling Oliver, Philippines (Photo by Penang Chess Association )

9 December 2011, Kuala Lumpur – At the 3rd Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2011, Dimakiling (pix 1) is way ahead with a score of 7.5 points, a full point ahead of his nearest rivals, IM Nguyen (pix 2) and fellow countryman, Olay Edgar Reggie, both with 6.5 points after the 8th round of play.

Pix 2. IM Nguyen Van Huy, Vietnam, the top seed. (Photo by Penang Chess Association)

It looks almost certain that IM Dimakiling Oliver of the Philippines would return as the defending Champion of this year’s Penang Open 2011. Nobody can stop him now.

Pix 3. IM Mas Hafizulhelmi, Malaysia lost to Dimakiling in round 7. (Photo by Penang Chess Association)

Earlier in the morning, 7th round, IM Dimakiling, the defending champion, defeated Malaysia’s IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (pix 3) on top board.

Round 8 Penang Open 2011 Results:

Round 7 Penang Open 2011 Results:

Round 9 Penang Open 2011 pairings:-

In round 9, IM Dimakiling meets with NM Tan Khai Boon (pix 4) of Malaysia, who happens to be the highest scoring Malaysian chess player after round 8 with 6 points. IM Mas Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia plays the top seed, IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam on second board.

Pix 4. NM Tan Khai Boon, Malaysia. (Photo by Penang Chess Association)

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

Dimakiling Takes Over Lead In Penang Open 2011

2011-12-08T19:43:00.002+08:00

Pix 1. IM Mas Hafizulhelmi, Malaysia

8 December 2011, Kuala Lumpur – At the 3rd Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2011 in Penang, IM Dimakiling Oliver of Philippines takes over leadership by winning his round 6 encounter with IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam on top board. Dimakiling now has scored 5.5 points and is sole leader.

IM Mas Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia, has now climbed into the top 10 of the Penang Open with a win against Looi Xin Hao on the fifth board with a score of 4.5 points from six rounds of play.

Tomorrow, 9 December 2011, IM Mas will meet defending champion, IM Dimakiling Oliver of PHI on top board during the 7th round of play. Best of luck to IM Mas in his endeavours!

Results of Round 6 pairings:

Pairings of Round 7:

Teh De Juan, Soh Isaak Leads Penang Challengers

2011-12-08T19:26:00.001+08:00

Pix 1. Mohd Faizal b Roslan, Malaysia.

8 Dec 2011, Kuala Lumpur – At the 3rd Penang Heritage City International Chess Challenger 2011, Teh De Juan and Soh Isaak Ethan Hong Han, jointly leads with 5 points after 5 rounds of play. Challengers Section is the running twin tournament of the Penang Heritage City International Open 2011.

Teh De Juan beat Kelly Lim Pei Ying on top board of the fifth round and Soah Isaak Ethan Hong Han overcomed Teoh Ern Sheng on board two.

Meanwhile on board three, Mohd Faizal Roslan (Pix 1) won against Tin Ruiqi scoring 4.5 points after five rounds. Gilocatur’s daughter Anis Fariha bt Saleh lost to Geeneish Sivalingam on fourth board. Anis Fariha has 3.5 points after five rounds and Geeneish scored 4.5 points.

To see more results, please visit chess-results.com or click here.

Rank after round 5: