Only the best players make the cut

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) starts the year off on a strong note with their very first training session in Putrajaya. 

Led by Yeoh Li Tian, Malaysia’s number one was joined by five other players vying for a seat at the 2021 Hanoi SEA Games. 

Despite a gruelling process to shortlist the national team down to 10 players, considerations were eventually made to recruit only seven members, inclusive of Li Tian, during this session.

Even though the MCF only had a niche pool of quality athletes, they had no qualms about dropping players that didn’t qualify.  

According to head coach, Sumant Subramaniam, although MCF can send a total of 12 players to represent Malaysia at the SEA Games, the selection process is tough and only players deemed ready will have a chance. 

MCF is aware that the Hanoi SEA Games is an excellent platform to showcase its players and, like any professional sports association, it’s selection process for the 2023 SEA Games is aimed at bringing home the gold. 

Although only seven players – including Li Tian – have been selected for this training session, MCF will have other opportunities to recruit more members for the national team. 

When The Vibes asked how the players were selected, Sumant said that it was based on their application process, current in-person and online performance and recommendations by the MCF.

All and all, this session truly displays MCF’s continued commitment to train and recruit players to take on the challenge of flying the Malaysian flag in glorious victory at the SEA Games. 

Among the players present at the session were Akma Quzaina, Amir Ghaazi, Tan Li Ting, Rohan Navaratnam and Chua Jia Tien. – The Vibes, January 4, 202