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KUALA LUMPUR – Over the weekend, the Malaysian Chess Federation got busy with two major events, bagging eventful successes on both accounts.
Starting Saturday, the MCF held their first-ever National Hybrid Online Ladies Open Chess Championship.
Exceeding the federation’s expectations, a total of 53 players in 11 centres participated in this pioneering event, even attracting more players past the closing date.
Despite the minor hiccups with the internet connections at a few of the centres, 15-year-old Nurul Akma Quzaina Khairolhisal from Kuala Kangsar brought home the championship.
This is only the beginning for the MCF as they venture out to partner with more centres to set up their Hybrid Centres, especially in Pahang and Negeri Sembilan; and another two more in the Klang Valley area.
Furthermore, the MCF’s success goes global when two players, Anderson Ang in the U10 section and Poh Yu Tian in the U12 section made it all the way to the quarterfinals in the FIDE Online World Cadets & Youth Rapid Chess Championships.
Unfortunately, their efforts to reach to the top ceased in the hands of their international opponents.
Anderson drew his first game against FIDE master, Vaclav Finek from Czech, but was unfortunately defeated in their second game when handling the white pieces.
Yu Tian on the other hand won his first game but lost in the tie-breaking game playing the black, after losing his second game to another FIDE master, Jakub Seemann of Poland.
Regardless, MCF general secretary Najib Wahab is extremely proud of these players for being among the top eight players of their age group in the world.
With an unpredictable future, MCF aims to further develop the hybrid chess scene in 2021 but are also hoping to be able to play over-the-board again. – The Vibes, December 21, 2020
