RM400 chess JOURNEY to PENANG

UPDATE 4@ 10/12/2012 @ 2200hrs(after Players Briefing)

(4) Due to withdrawals, hAnA is now ranked #67 & CP is #75. Both will be playing black in the first round, HERE

(3) Players List are out, hAnA#70 & cHEss pIRATE#78 :- CHESS RESULTS

(2) After a room change...comfortably holed-up at venue hotel but not before a fruit fest of Durian, Mangosteen, Guava with Asam and Langsat at Telok Ayer Tawar

(1) The entourage is having breakfast at Tapah, Perak R&R


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Earlier in October, had contemplated entering the kids door this event - Read HERE

Having a "window opening" up due to a cancelled family trip and a rescheduled production coupled with some "gifts" and having secured decent family accommodation
...with some apprehension, today I'd just deposited 2x RM200 into the Penang Chess Association bank account at UOB Bank, Kota Damansara branch.

The amount deposited are the entry fees for hAnA and the cHEss pIRATE i.e. RM200each to participate in the Challenger Section of the 4th Penang Heritage City Chess tournament to be held from 10-15 December 2012 at the Red Rock Hotel.

The Penang Journey, will be the family's 2nd Road Trip for chess purposes (its supposed to be the 3rd, Read HERE) .......with the first trip being made to Kuala Terengganu in June of this year for the MSSM Chess Tournament where hAnA represented the FT of Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya in the Girls U-12 Team event. Read HERE, HERE2, HERE3, HERE4, HERE5 & HERE6.


This time around, the cHEss pIRATE will be in the 'thick of action' as well and am hoping that he'll be able to get many opponents to "walk the plank" so to speak!

ROYAL SELANGOR CLUB Juniors 2012

Results, HERE


UPDATE 8:

FINAL:
hAnA: 5 WINS & 2 losses(71%). Position: Joint 9th on Points. 16th after Tie-Breakers.
CP: 3 WINS, 1 Draw & 3 losses(50%).

Report:
Overall, it was a Good competition for hAnA(71%) who is seeded 20th as she'd sprung a surprise when defeating the 3rd seed i.e. Hazid(NR:1502) in the 5th Round. Her losses were to the Top Seed(NR:1660) in Round 6 and Unrated Muhd.Ilhan who finished Joint 9th with her on 5points but, placed 12th due to better tie-breaker scores.

Though it was a 50% tournament for the cHEss pIRATE, his was a slightly below average performance mainly due to a draw with the lower rated Haibatul Hanan(seeded 70th) in the 4th Round. Apart from the draw, the cHEss pIRATE who is seeded 43rd played true to form as his victories were against lower-rated players i.e. Unrated, 81st seed and 61st seed respectively whilst his losses were against higher-rated opponents i.e. seeded 14th, 16th and 33rd respectively.


hAnA, Joint 9th on 5points. Placed 16th due to a poorer Tie-Breaker scores.
CP, 16th on 3.5 points in the U-9 category.
Placed 42nd out of 85 with 4 other players in the U-11 category.

R7:
hAnA. v. Sofea Aliya Shahril (59). WON
CP. v. Shannon Calvin Phang (61). WON


R6:
hAnA. v. Loh Zu Hau (1). lost
CP. v. Robin Joshy (81). WON.

R5:
hAnA. v. Muhd. Hazid Ekquan (3). WON
CP. v. Lim Yern Fay (33). lost

R4:
hAnA. B15: v. Liow Tze Young (39). WON.
CP. B29: v. Haibatul Hanan (70). Draw.

R3:
hAnA. B17: B v. Leanne Oon Hui Yi (45). WON
CP. B14: v. Seengetavathy (16). lost


R2:
hAnA. B19: W v. Muhd. Ilhan (NR @77). lost
CP. B14: B v. Aqil (14). lost


R1:
hAnA @ 20th Seed: B20(B) v. Ashvin (63).WON
CP @43rd Seed: B46(W) v. Vigna(86). WON


UPDATE 1:

Amongst the very few "mass scale" event to publish the 1st round pairing a day in advance, HERE. GOOD JOB!


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After a few "difficulties" I'd finally managed to register the 2 kids for the event.
RM60 cash, deposited on 15/11 at the MBB Cash Deposit machine at Damansara Utama - 9.08pm.

As both my wife and I will be attending a training programme in Kelana Jaya ( HERE ), this would be the 1st time that my eldest will be the Manager for hAnA and the cHEss pIRATE.

TV3 interview with The cHEss pIRATE @Summit

Had a bad flashback when "AMIR FAIZ bin AMIRUL" name was announced over the PA System...A FEW TIMES... at the Summit Shopping Complex in Subang. The incident occurred between Rounds 4 and 5 of the chess competition.

Was thinking - " What did he do this time??? " as He'd went "AWOL" at 1 Utama & 2 Hotels in previous years. After a frenzied search on the Ground Floor, I spotted him...with a TV Crew in attendance. Whew...what a relief!!!

The organiser and TV3 crew informed me that they are interviewing the CP by virtue of him being the YOUNGEST PARTICIPANT in the 1st SUMMIT JUNIORS Open competition.

(Stage Where the CHEss pIRATE was Interviewed by the TV3 Crew. Picture: FireyRook Blog)

Among the questions asked(in Malay) whilst the CP was standing on the Stage were:-
(1) What is Your Name?
(2) How Old Are You?
(3) Why Did You Play Chess - Interest, Somebody Taught You etc?
(4) Who Taught You to Play Chess?
(5) Have You Won Anything?

....all in the interview lasted 10-15minutes as I was also interviewed by the crew (sitting down on the stage) as well since CP was in a bad mood having lost a few games prior to the interview.

1st Summit Juniors Open 2012 competition report, HERE.

1st SUMMIT Juniors Open 2012

UPDATE:
R1: B28(B) v. Walkover Win.
R2: B06(W) v. Raja Bazilah Bot(1289). LOST
R3: B16(B) v. Valerie Wong(1073). WON, Checkmate after both Blundered Queen.
R4: B10(W) v. Allaida Siow(1227). lost, after Opponent's Pawn Promotion
R5: B17(B) v. Prashanth Ramasamy(1189). Lost, Checkmate via Queen & Rook
R6: B19(B) v. Lim Zheng Yu(NR). WON

Overall, as per last week's 18th Kepong Juniors Open - the cHEss pIRATE played true to form I.e. He won against lower rated players and lost to higher rated players. Thus, No Surprises! CP's official classification is 35th out of 71 players in the U-10 category with 3 Wins & 3 Losses...a 50% winning record.(Note: The highest placed 3-pointer, finished 27th).

Remarks: Between R4 & R5, a TV3 crew interviewed the CP by virtue of him being the Youngest Participant in the event.

Organiser's Perspective, HERE

Another Blog Post re this event, HERE

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This Sunday is the first time that both siblings are going to a chess tournament albeit a different one. cHEss pIRATE is taking part in the 1st Summit Juniors Open held at the Summit Shopping Complex in Subang Jaya whilst hAnA is going for 2 rounds of classical chess in the ongoing Nf6 Junior Chess Championship in TTDI-KL. The eldest i.e. Amira Fathina is adjudicating in the WODC2012 debate event in UiTM-Shah Alam,

It is also the first time cHEss pIRATE is participating in an event held in a shopping complex.

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Note: Not to enter CP for Tournaments in Shopping Complexes as it's difficult to control the CP.

Nf6 Junior Chess Championship 2012 (FIDE Rated)

Official Results, HERE

Results UPDATE:
R1 (W): 09/11(2020h) v. Gabriel Bick. LOST (C'mate in 50moves)
R2 (B): 10/11(1030h) v. Norshafaah Zamri. WON (C'mate in 41Moves)
R3 (W): 10/11(1530h) v. Amir Ghazi. LOST (C'mate in 57Moves)
R4 (B): 11/11(0930h) v. Muhammad Faqih. LOST (C'mate in 41moves)
R5 (W): 11/11(1530h) v. Lim Ming Kang. Lost, (C'mate in xx moves)
R6 (B): 12/11(0930h) v. Lim Ming Xian. Lost, (C'mate in xx moves)
R7 (W): 12/11(1530h) v. Siti Aishah. WON - Walkover Win
R8 (B): 13/11(0930h) v. Amir Muqri. DRAW. (Drawn Game after 80moves).
R9 (W): 13/11(1530h) v. Raja Bazil. LOST, (C'mate in xx moves).

Final Event Report by the same Blogger, HERE hAnA plays the spoiler!
A Blog Report on Nf6 event, HERE

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13/11 UPDATE: Finally, on the last day - After 2 "bonus" points earlier in the Nf6 Junior tournament, a decent half point from hAnA in a drawn game against Amir Muqri in Round 8.

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Despite being ill, stubborn hAnA took part in the Nf6 event held in Taman Tun Dr.Ismail, Kuala Lumpur on a wet evening.

(Day 1, Round 1. hAnA v. Gabriel Bick, USA. Picture: Courtesy of NW facebook) )

Unfortunately, she lost in the 1st Round to G.Bick(USA) whilst playing White.

Tomorrow, she'll be playing Black against Norshafaah. Due to the late kick-off tonight as a result of rain and logistical delays, the Second and Third Round tomorrow will start at 10.30am & 3.30pm respectively.

(Day 2, Round. hAnA v. Nor Shafaah, MAS. Picture: Courtesy of NW facebook)

Further Background on the Event, HERE

WOMEN's Open Debating Championship 2012 (WODC2012) @UiTM, Shah Alam

Amira Fathina is taking part in the WODC 2012 at UiTM, Shah Alam starting from today till Sunday, 11 November 2012. What is different from the normal debate competition she participates in is that as the event name suggests - it is a WOMEN's ONlY competition.

After participating in the 1st ASEAN Educational Debate Challenge in Chiangmai-Thailand, last August...this event should be a walk in the park for her.

All the Best Amira Fathina and do Carry On the Family's debating traditions.

1st SUMMIT Open 2012

UPDATE: 11/11 Story, HERE

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Event Details/Update HERE.

Initially, hAnA and the cHEss pIRATE was supposed to play in this event and I'd even paid for it over the Maybank Counter in TTDI on 22nd October. However, on Saturday 3/11 - CS informed me that there'll be a FIDE-rated event in TTDI, Read HERE.

The event is called the Nf6 Junior Chess. Details, HERE.

Hence,taking cognisance of the fact that hAnA is NOT FIDE-rated yet coupled with the fact that the event is so near to home I'd withdrawn her from the 1st Summit Open and her place will be replaced by her cousin Ariff(NR: 1175).

Am hoping, that the cHEss pIRATE will put up a credible showing in the U-10 category...and what I meant by credible is at least a 50% winning record IF not better.

SWASHBUCKLE(Play) HARD cHEss pIRATE, I am sure that if you play well - many opponents will "WALK the PLANK".

Nf6 JUNIOR Chess Championship 2012, FIDE-Rated Event in TTDI-KL

UPDATE 9/11:
hAnA's participation in this event is questionable after having to bring her to the clinic around 1-2am today due to breathing difficulties. The attending doctor I.e. Dr.S says that she's in no condition to take part in any activity whatsoever. However, I have my own opinion and hopes that she recovers fast after bring given certain medications.

If she were to miss this event, am hoping that the organisers will accept Her brother i.e. The cHEss pIRATe as a last minute replacement.

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Pairings for Nf6 JUNIOR 2012, HERE
Blog Update, HERE

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Rcvd a SMS on Saturday,3/11 from CS informing of a FIDE-rated invitational tournament to be held in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail(TTDI) - Kuala Lumpur. The organisers had extended an invitation to KL players via CS to participate in the event scheduled from 9 till 13 December 2012 and that there are 4 more slots available.

A check through Malaysia's chess blogs revealed the following additional info for the event in TTDI I.e.
The Chess Connections
Syazrin.Com

Apparently, the Nf6 Junior chess event is part of the Nf6 Masters event.


Even though I'd registered and paid for Hana's participation in the 1st Summit Open on Sunday, 11/11, how can I not register hAnA taking cognizance of the fact that the event is so close to home. Moreover, we were also planning to take part in another FIDE - rated event i..e the 4th Penang Heritage City scheduled to be held in Mid-December 2012. Read HERE.

Participating Players(as per SMS rcvd on 4/11@11:02pm) are:-
(1) 1539 - M.Faqih
(2) 1549 - Amir Ghaazi
(3) Lim Ming Xian
(4) Lim Ming Kang
(5) Siti Aishah Abd. Aziz
(6) Shafaah Zamri
(7) 1573 - Gabriel Bick
(8) 1376 - Raja Bazil
(9) 1383 - Amir Muqhri
.......and the 10th person invited is AMIRA FARHANA bt.AMIRUL (1264).
Note: Ratings listed are Malaysian National Ratings and NOT FIDE Ratings.

Another info that i'd received is that in order to be FIDE-rated, hAnA will have to earn AT LEAST 1 point from all her 9 Round-Robin games.

18th KEPONG JUNIORS Open 2012

cHEss pIRATE Official Results, HERE
hAna's Official Results, HERE

FINAL UPDATE:
cHEss pIRATE placed 7th out of 50 in the U-8 category & is also the YOUNGEST Player.
hAnA finished 10th out of 65 in the U-10 category.

BOTH received a Medal, a Hamper, 1+1 Certificates. This is in addition to other freebies like Hand Towel, Clip File etc.

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UPDATE 7:-

R7:
BOTH WON the final round. CP won on Board 7, Against Tan Hou Ping(1046)
Hence, both finished with identical records I.e. 5 WINS & 2 LOSSES

R6:
cHEss pIRATE - WON on Board 8 against Jon Bon / hAnA - LOST.
Both, 4 Wins & 2 Losses

R5:
hAnA WON v. Joel Pang, 4W & 1L / cHEss pIRATE lost v. Aiman(1292) on Board3, 3W & 2L

R4:
cHEss pIRATE WON v. Wong Qi Hao(1025),3W & 1L / hAnA lost v. Nurul Farhana, 3W & 1L

R3:
hAna WON by Checkmate / Faiz lost by Checkmate to Dinesh Kumar(1310) on Board 3.

R2:
BOTH WON by Checkmate.

R1:
hAnA WON. cHEss pIRATE WON due to opponent's NO-SHOW.


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Am presenting a paper in Shah Alam for an event called " Suai-Kenal HIKMAH ". Hence, as per Malaysia Day Chess Challenge in September(Read HERE) when I was away in Kuantan as a Trainer & Facilitator for a Cross-Cultural Communications training programme the Mum is stepping-up (Read HERE).

ALL THE BEST KIDS.

Entrepreneurship Challenge at HSC-KL

UPDATE:
hAnA's YUMMYLICIOUS business racked up sales of RM685 and all the cakes were sold.
Her costs were RM461.70+107.20. Nett Profits were RM100++.

She rcvd a hamper+certificate, Diary and a RM10 TIMES Book Voucher.
After the event, she got a treat at TGIF@HSC-KL.

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In a departure from her normal extra-curricular activities like Chess, Choral Speaking, Art and Tae Kwan Do...hAnA will be taking part in an Entrepreneurship Challenge at the Hartamas Shopping Centre(HSC), tomorrow.

hAnA's biz partner will be her MoneyTree Academy classmate i.e. Sabrina and they'll be selling cakes under the brand name "YUMMYLICIOUS".

"ALL the BEST GIRLS"

Venue Recce - 18th Kepong Juniors 2012

I've to present a Paper discussing Shariah Money & the Constitution at an event called HIKMAH in Shah Alam's Yayasan Restu this Sunday. Hence, I am unable to accompany the kids to the 18th Kepong Juniors Open 2012.

The "Minister of Home Affairs" will have to step up and "stepped-up" she did when she went to recce the event venue as we rarely go to Kepong except when using the MRR2. She found the venue i.e. SJKC Kepong 2.......thanks to directions from our neighbour, S.

Am hoping that the kids will do well coz Based on previous events when I wasn't around i.e. Malaysia Day Chess Challenge and 2nd SK.Seri Hartamas Age Group, track record dictates a good showing.