Celebrating 58th Merdeka Day, The KLCA Presents the KL International Open 2015.

 ( KL International Open 2015, Open & Juniors U16 )

KL International Open 2015 PROSPECTUS

In conjunction with Malaysia's 58th Merdeka Day celebrations, the Kuala Lumpur Chess Association(KLCA) presents to the chess community locally and internationally:- 
" The KL International Open 2015 "
which will be held on the 30th and 31st of August 2015.

The main difference between this year's KL International Open and last year's event are namely Rapid (Classical in 2014), 2 Competitions i.e. Open & Juniors U16 (only Open event in 2014) and NOT FIDE-rated (FIDE-rated in 2014).

Special thanks goes to the cohesive KLCA EXCO under the new KLCA President  and parties friendly to KLCA for pushing through with the event despite actions to the contrary by vested parties thinking of only themselves rather than upholding the interests of the chess community including hardworking parents (like me!) who aspires better thing for their kids but that's a story for another day. (Note: Book Series)

a TIME to DUEL!

( The Calm before the Duel )

( EnGard' )

The Last Spar before Raya!

( Sparring with Coach Ghadzali )

( Getting used to New Competition Attire )

Despite the fasting month, there's no let-up in training for CP. If  last year he and Shreyes was in New Taipei City, Taiwan competing in the U16 event of the 8th Asian Dragons Invitational 2014, this Ramadhan he needs to prepare for an event on 25th July. Ne'chetula!

CP was also informed to have a back-up foil or 2 for future competitions as its not easy to get replacements for his style during competitions.

 ( CP, En Garde with the Coach.....Wishful Thinking! )

 ( Being forced back! )

 ( Nowhere to Run to CP! )

FENCING - a Time to Shift?

Some fencing dates for CP to participate in and for me to remember. Is he shifting? Only he can answer, I gave up last year when he started Badminton and was a shoo-in for Athletics sprint juniors.

JULY
25 (Sat). Proficiency Test.
25 - 26.

AUGUST
7 - 9 (Fri-Sun). History Field Trip
c 30 - 31. KL International Open

SEPTEMBER
5 (Sat). Cempaka Inter-School Foil Competition @Cempaka Cheras.
5
12
c18 - 28 Malaysian Chess Festival


OCTOBER
3 - 4.

NOVEMBER
7 (Sat). SKTTDI Fencing Championship @TTDI-KL.
Events
1. Foil - U10 & U12 + Novice.
2. Sabre - Open.
3. Epee - Open.

DECEMBER

Good Laugh during Sahur - CHECKMATE!

Just had a good laugh during Sahur.

Reason being, just before waking him up for Sahur CP was talking in his sleep.
After some gibberish stuff...suddenly he said out loud "CHECK MATE!!!".

When asked, he can't recall anything and laughed himself. Just pity whoever or whatever he played with in his dream or nightmare. WaQAQA! 

INTERESTING TIMES in MALAYSIAN CHESS Politics!

My Weltanschauung:

Despite Ramadhan or rather in spite of it, lobbying for positions in the upcoming MCF elections have moved up a notch. I've no idea when the elections will be held as there are no Announcements or Notice(s) by MCF to affiliates to that effect but presumably the 2015 MCF AGM and elections will be held after Raya and on/before 31/12/2015. There's even rumours that it will be held before Raya or even during Raya celebrations to take advantage of the Malay/Muslim vote since a short notice period is all that is required.

The field is starting to take shape and depending on who you talk to it will be a No-Contest, straight fight between Incumbent and Challenger, a 3-cornered fight or even a crowded field of four contenders. How I wish there is a "Joker in the Pack" ala UK's Monster Raving Loony Party which some of my university students voted for when I was in the UK which would add some laughter to the whole process. I guess despite being rated 5th in ASEAN ahead of Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Thailand and Timor Leste but behind Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and even Myanmar coupled with the fact that Malaysia do not not have a GM (only 2-3 "active" IMs) chess must be serious business for its stakeholders.

Having used to many "grassroots" elections since student days, I am dissappointed by the lack of a manifesto or proposed development commitment by any of the contenders to-date which indicates the level of disdain they have for stakeholders of the game. Therefore, its no surprises how the votes will be secured, most probably via alliances and "Mamak Deals"!

My Best Wishes to All and Any contending. Please compete on your positive chess credentials i.e. What your Goodsel(ves) and your team have done for chess in Malaysia rather than a negative "whisper or poison-pen" campaign. My only doa is that the contender who did the most for chess development in Malaysia should win.


As a character in P.Ramlee's Ali Baba said - "...Mari Kita Tengok Siapa Yang Kena!? "