MALAYSIA brings back a SILVER Medal fm WYCC 2013 !

It's good to be back after the 2 weeks sojourn at the "Unta Bertendang" place in Al Ain, UAE.
It was good exposure for both of us.  CP and I actually clapped our hands when we landed at KLIA.......Malaysian Food, Familiar Weather, TV, Mummy etc etc.

More importantly though in a competition participated by more than 100 countries, the Malaysian contingent brought back a Silver Medal from the Girls U-10 Blitz event courtesy of Chua Jia-Tien from Penang who won 6 out of 7 games in the event.
WYCC 2013 Official Results.

Congratulations Chua Jia-Tien for doing the country proud despite "NO hype" given to the Malaysian contingent either when sending off or on arrival compared to other sports and/or events.
It is my fervent hope that you are well rewarded and given the proper recognition by the "powers that be" either in MCF and/or Malaysian Sports.
(PS: Coincidentally, her Mum who we call either Ms.Teh or "Mak Chua" was the Head of Delegation for the Malaysian contingent and from my point of view did a good job in organising the team and representing us in dealings with the organisers despite the limitations. TQVM "Mak Chua" for doing a good job. Do drop me a line when next in KL and we'll give you a Thank You treat.)

The cHEss pIRATE & His Opponents at WYCC 2013

 ( Amir Faiz Amirul aka The cHEss pIRATE in a Corporate Shirt sponsored by The OPA.

Picture taken at KLIA just before the 2PM MH162 Flight to Dubai,UNITED ARAB EMIRATES )

( Malaysian Contingent with Accompanying Supporters at WYCC 2013.
Picture taken at the Entrance to the Playing Venue )

Pictures of Amir Faiz against some of his opponents during WYCC 2013.
(Pictures courtesy of Cikgu Idris Jamal)

Round 1, 18 December 2013
v. Salamov Matin, AZERBAIJAN. Lost
 Note: The opening played in this game is Push Variation, Smith-Morra Gambit, Sicilian (ECO: B20), 
established by the moves 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 d3

Bad start to WYCC 2013. Read Blog POST
After the pushing and shoving coupled with him being unable to find his board,
he was not in the right frame of mind and lost tamely in 49moves.

Salamov Matin finished the tournament with 5.5points and was ranked 80th.

( Non-English Speaking. CP asking Salamov to write down his name for the Notation Sheet )


 ( Exchanging of Souvenirs )

 ( Opening )

( Middle Game )

Round 2, 19 December 2013
v. Mohit Srungarapu, KENYA. Won.
Note: The opening played in this game is Chigorin Variation, QP (ECO: D02),
established by the moves 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nc6.
Won in 39moves.

Mohit finished the tournament with 4 points and was ranked 141st.

Round 3, 20 December 2013

Black v. Poznyak Nazar, UKRAINE. Lost
Note: The opening played in this game is Alapin; Sveshnikov Var, Sicilian; (ECO: B22), 
established by the moves 1.e4 c5 2.c3.
Lost in 44 moves.

Poznyak finished the tournament with 7.5points and placed 18th.

( Round 3: Black v. Poznyak Nazar-UKRAINE. lost)

Round 4, 21 December 2013(AM)
White v. Ramazanov Aidar, KAZAKSTAN. Lost
Note:  The opening played in this game is Dutch Defense; (ECO: A80),
established by the moves 1.d4 f5.

Lost in 28 moves.

Though he lost this game, in my opinion this is his best game in WYCC 2013. 

His rook sacrifice during middle game resulted in him obtaining 3pieces (1 Bishop & 2 Pawns) and Positional Advantage. However, an end game miscalculation led to his defeat.

 

Ramazanov finished the tournament with 5.5points and was ranked 82nd.

 ( Round 4: White v. Ramazanov Aidar-KAZAKSTAN. lost)

Round 5, 21 December 2013 (4PM) 
v.  Lwanga Aguda, KENYA. Won
Note: The opening played in this game is Dragon Variation, Sicilian; (ECO: B70), 
established by the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6.
Won in 34 moves.

Lwanga finished the tournament with 3.5points and placed 156th.


Round 6, 22 December 2013 
v.  Nunez V. Jorge, ECUADOR. Draw
Note: The opening played in this game is Old Sicilian (ECO: B30), 
established by the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6.
His longest game thus far.

 Longest Round ever played by Faiz in World Youth Chess Championships 2013 at 1hr 37mins(Game Ended 5.37PM), resulted in a Draw with ECUADOR's Nunez V.Jorge, 20mins remaining. (CP had 1:27 time left). Hence, 2 1/2points after 6 rounds of Classical Play.

Nunez finished the tournament with the same points as Faiz i.e. 4points and placed 144th.

Round 7, 23 December 2013

Andrew finished the tournament with 5.5points and was ranked 87th.

 ( Round 7: v. Andrew Tang-USA. lost)

Round 8, 24 December 2013
 v. Ohn Jeewon, SOUTH KOREA. Lost
Note:  The opening played in this game is Franco-Indian Defense (ECO: A40), 
established by the moves 1.d4 e6.
Lost in 31 moves after a Rook Blunder.

Ohn finished the tournament with 3.5points and placed 152nd.

 ( Round 8: v. Ohn Jeewon, SOUTH KOREA )

25/12 - REST DAY (Christmas)

Round 9, 26 December 2013
Black v. FM Modi Yashil, SOUTH AFRICA. Lost
Note:  The opening played in this game is Marshall Defense; Knight Defense, QGD (ECO: D06), 
established by the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nf6.
Lost in 35 moves.
Played his longest game ever at 2hours 15 minutes and had the FM in time trouble mode.
After 35moves - Time remaining at the end of the game, CP(1hr 4mins) v. FM's (16mins 13secs).
Despite being offered a draw he tried to go for a win against a titled player.
However, the defensive strategy adopted proved to be his undoing.
Good Game & Good Learning Curve experienced. Hope he learned a lot from this encounter.

FM Modi Yashil finished the tournament with 4.5points and placed 124th.

 ( Game against FM Modi Yashil. Picture is feature in Chess DB website )


Round 10,  27 December 2013
Black v. Kim Joon(7yrs), SOUTH KOREA. Win


Note: The opening played in this game is Push Variation, Smith-Morra Gambit, Sicilian (ECO: B20),
 established by the moves 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 d3. 

 After 3 straight losses, Amir Faiz managed to win in a "line" game & avenged his defeat(also whilst playing Black) to the same player during Round 6 of the 9th Asian Schools Chess Championship in Sri Lanka earlier this year in Sept.2013.
Opponent tried to play the same winning line but CP remembered & countered with another variation to opponent's e4 opening resulting in a win after 31moves.
Time remaining, Kim(1hr 1min) v. CP(1hr 13mins).

Kim finished the tournament with 4points and placed 148th.


 (27/12, Round 10:  Black v. Kim Joon(7yrs), SOUTH KOREA.)


Round 11, 28 December 2013
White v. Toksombaev Sandzhar, KYRGYZSTAN. Draw
Note: The opening played in this game is Chigorin Variation, QP (ECO: D02), 
established by the moves 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nc6.
 

Amir Faiz's most moves ever in any FIDE-rated tournament he'd played(10 events so far, 6 in 2013)
 such that an additional notation sheet had to be requested from the bewildered arbiter from Syria.
More than 80moves in around 2hrs 30minutes, resulting in a "Fighting" Draw.

T.Sandzhar finished the tournament with 4points and placed 151st.

 

MALAYSIAN Contingent at WYCC 2013, Al Ain-UAE. 26 December 2013

( Taken at the Entrance to the Championship Complex/Venue.Malaysian Contingent at WYCC 2013)

Finally, after the late night arrival at the UAE University  from Dubai airport on 17/12 and an even more chaotic start to WYCC 2013 (Read POST), the Malaysian contingent took the team pictures today on 26/12 prior to the start of  Round 9. There are 18 players in total 37 in the entourage altogether including officials and parents.

Malays, Chinese and Indians.......a truly Malaysian team. I wonder - How many other games can claim such a multi-ethnic representation!

The cHEss pIRATE is the only one without the Malaysian Jersey....reason being....emmmm....depends on which version you want me to tell, Ahaks!

4PM START TIME - Good Call by WYCC 2013 Organisers.

During the afternoon round of the first 2 rounds day in the WYCC 2013 event, it was announced that tomorrow onwards - the START TIME will begin at 4PM instead of 3PM.

In my opinion, it's a good call by the organisers. Hence, no more rushing from the lunch Q, to rest/prayers/pre-game prep. and waiting for shuttle busses.

Kudos to the organisers. Apart from that, the running of the event seemed to be running smoothly now....meal Qs are shortened, top boards games are displayed , FOC drinks(water & fruit juices) and light refreshments seemed to be free-flowing in the event venue

WYCC 2013 Memorabilias

( WYCC 2013 Logo )

( Certificate of Participation )

( Chess King - Middle Eastern version )

( WYCC 2013 Notation Sheet )

( Player & Official Pass )

( Gifts Exchanged - KENYA, KAZAKSTAN, SOUTH AFRICA, SLOVENIA )

CHAOTIC START to 1st ROUND of WYCC 2013, Al Ain - UAE

UPDATE 1:

Just found out the actual reason why the start was delayed.

A FIDE official whom I shall not name informed me that the organisers took on more than they could have handled (2 other Open Chess events were also being held concurrently with the WYCC 2013, one of which involves more than 25 GMs Taking part) resulting in there being a shortage or MIA of around 200 tables.

>>>>>>>

The 1st Round of the WYCC 2013 started in chaos and disarray when the start of play was delayed - FIRST from 3pm to 5pm, then FINALLY the first round began at 6PM with the ceremonial move by the FIDE President who was either not aware or oblivious to the pushing and shoving at the entrance. 

During the technical meeting, country officials was informed that the start was delayed to accommodate late arrivals and yet to arrive participants. We were also informed that the Participants' Start List will be published around 2pm and that Pairings was supposed to be published at 4PM but it never happened. In my opinion, the start was delayed more to cover for the organisers' inefficiencies rather than the official reason given.

More worrying is the fact that players...as young as 6yrs old had to push through the crowd to get into the playing venue. In the pushing and shoving at the entrance, some lost the Player Pass in the chaos and the "hopeless" organisers and arbiters just turn a blind eye. My blood started to boil when the bouncers at the entrance shouted - "Players Only" when there are literally hundreds of non-players in the competition venue. WYCC 2013 organisers, DON'T be asinine ...make announcements, get Q lines to form - Don't U all know such basic stuff...even school kids or kindergarten students know what to do. I shudder to think what will happen when the Football World Cup comes to Dubai.

Though the infrastructure or hardware part of WYCC 2013 seemed impressive i.e. whatever money can buy e.g. Digital Boards for most games, superb internet access, decent accommodation which is better than some 2 or 3 star hotels that I can think off - it is the "soft" part of organising the event that leaves much to be desired. From the long Qs at the Dining Hall yesterday during breakfast and lunch, shortage of shuttle busses and the pushing and shoving...much more can be done. Also having a TV in the hostels will be good.. 

WORLD YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (WYCC 2013), AL-AIN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

UPDATE 3, 19/12:

 ( Ceremonial First Move )

Chaotic start to 1st Round of WYCC 2013

First the start of play was delayed from 3pm to 5pm, then 6PM.

More worrying is the fact that players...as young as 6yrs old had to push through the crowd to get into the playing venue.Some young players lost the Player Pass in the pushing and shoving chaos at the entrance and the hopeless organisers and arbiters just turn a blind eye. My blood starts to boil when the bouncers at the entrance said players only can enter but there are literally hundred of non-players in the venue.."

( 1st Round. v. Salamov Matin, AZERBAIJAN )

CP lost in the 1st Round to a Player from Azerbaijan. Hopefully, he fares better in the second round against a Kenyan player.

 UPDATE 2, 18/12 (After Technical Meeting@

WORLD YOUTH CHESS C'SHIP 2013, Al-Ain UPDATE):

ONLY Today, start time delayed to 5PM to accommodate Newly-arrived & Yet to arrive participants. Other Rules set by WYCC Technical Committee:-
(1) 30mins FORFEIT TIME.
(2) MAX.6-hours Per Game i.e. 3hours per player.
(3) NO Devices with Player even if switched-off. GAME FORFEITED if Caught.
(4) APPEAL Time - 30minutes after the Game in Dispute Ended NOT after the Round is completed. Written or Verbal Complaint to be Submitted together with 200EUROS.
(5) Player to Place "Sticker" after each round & Game will be uploaded.
Note: Long Qs at Dining Hall, Organisers promise to sort it out.
PS: MCF pre-occupied with Myanmar SEA Games. NO Malaysian Jersey provided by MCF.

UPDATE 1

Alhamdullilah, Arrived Safely with all our bags at Al-Ain, UAE for WYCC 2013. A few had their bags going MIA. On Bus A117 which the Malaysian contingent were on there were also other participants or officials from Azerbaijan, Australia and the Fiji Islands. 

Just missed the Opening Ceremony. Quite chilly at night....Tired and Hungry. Unfortunately, dining hall is closed. Have to wait till 7AM breakfast then.

( Bus: Dubai Airport - UAE University, Al Ain )

 

( Bus Registration No. A117 )

Total Traveling Time: Around 14hours.

KL - KLIA - Dubai(Flight MH162) - Dubai Airport(around 90mins) - Al Ain(using bus Reg.No: A117, around 2hours),

PS: Airport Exchange Rate, 1k Dirham = RM997. Better change in KL.

( WYCC 2013 Meet & Greet Counter at Dubai Airport, UAE )

<<<<<<<

Preparing for WYCC 2013 - Comments/Suggestions, Much Appreciated

Been looking at various local Malaysian chess blogs on how to prepare a 6/7-year old kid for a major chess event. Unfortunately, my search ended with NO article/postings.

However, I did stumble upon some interesting articles as follows:-

(1) USA - http://www.utdallas.edu/chess/education-camp/pdfs/macenulty.pdf

(2) USA -  http://www.chess.com/blog/KaydenTroff/how-do-you-prepare-for-a-world-championship

(3) USA -http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2010/06/29/portrait-of-a-bronx-chess-champion-age-12/

Warm-Up COMPETITIONS
-----------------------------------
Based on info gleaned from the WYCC 2013 website, there'll be NO Rapid event.
Just Classical & Blitz.

Hence, in terms of competitions - PRIORITY will be given to Faiz's participation in Classical & Blitz events.

Competitions Under consideration:-
OCT
Kepong, Catur Gerak Khas, Penang Age Group

NOV.
Classical
2-3 (SAT-SUN): Polgar 1800, FIDE-rated
National Rapid & Blitz

Blitz
2 (SAT): Blitz Chess Fever PeBT

Rapid
9 (SAT): Catur FRIM

DEC
Classical

1 - 5 (SUN-THURS): 6th NJCC @ JB Square, J.Wong Ah Fook - JB
9-13: 5th Penang Heritage City @ Red Rock Hotel - Penang

17 - 29: WYCC @ AL AIN, UAE

TRAINING
--------------

APPEAL for SPONSORS - OFFICIAL OFFER LETTER from MCF for WYCC 2013, Received!

UPDATE 9: 10 Dec.2013
Possible sponsor called asking for update on arrangements to WYCC 2013.  Will revert if approval is obtained.

UPDATE 8: 6 Dec.2013
Persatuan GM informed that cheque might be ready on Tuesday, 10/12.

UPDATE 7: Nov. 2013
Training sponsorship fm PCA.

UPDATE 6: Nov. 2013
Went to Persatuan to submit some documents/paperwork and to get CP's shirt measured.

UPDATE 5: 15 Nov. 2013
Personal cheque received from a VVVIP. TQ Sir.

UPDATE 4: Nov. 2013
En. UM from a Persatuan called to inform of the possibility of adopting CP.

UPDATE 3: Nov. 2013
En. S from a Yayasan called to make enquiries re the event. Asked that certain docs/certificates be submitted.

UPDATE 2: 15 Oct.2013
1st Sponsor On Board. TQVM to FISSAD SDN. BHD. ( http://www.fissad.com/ )

UPDATE 1: 9 Oct. 2013 ( Around 3PM)
1st Pledge of Sponsorship received from a former classmate. TQ Sir.

>>>>>>>>

Event INFO.

Today, Amir Faiz bin Amirul aka The cHEss pIRATE received the Official Offer Letter from the MCF for his participation in the World Youth Chess Championship 2013 which is to be held in Al-Ain, UAE later this year from 17 to 29 December 2013. (Refer Previous Post on WYCC2013, HERE )

Initially, I'd estimated that the costs for 2 persons i.e.Player & Chaperon will be around the RM10,000 mark if not more. Now, for certain the costs IS above RM10k.

I would like to appeal for sponsor(s) to finance his trip or, those who can give me leads to potential sponsor(s) to either:-
(1) EMAIL me at amfa177@gmail.com OR,
(2) CALL me at 012 - 2708 177.


For the record, 6-Year Old Amir Faiz's results in 2013:-

( Note: IF he does go, Amir Faiz will be:
6 Years, 9 Months & 14 Days on the 1st Day of WYCC 2013 Competition )

ASIA
-------
9th ASIAN SCHOOLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2013.
Colombo - SRI LANKA. 30th August - 6th September.

8th - 4.5pts/7. (4.5pointers placed 8th to 10th). BLITZ
17th - 4.0pts/7. (4pointers placed from 12th to 18th). RAPID
31st - 3.5pts/9. (3.5pointers placed from 29th to 36th). CLASSICAL


NATIONAL
------------
NATIONAL AGE GROUP CHES CHAMPIONSHIP  (NAG 2013).
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Tronoh - PERAK. February.
4th, U-8 Open.

Note: As per MCF Circular, Top 4 - Qualifies for Malaysian Team.

OTHERS
---------

CLASSICAL:
99th, Open Category. 8th AMBANK CHESS CHALLENGE. KL, FIDE-rated.(August)
15th, Open Category. DCC GOLDEN SPECIAL. KL, FIDE-rated. (January)


RAPID:
CHAMPION, U-8 Open. 2nd THE SUMMIT JUNIORS Open. (June)
CHAMPION, U-12 Open. 1st SStwo MALL Open. (July)
BEST U-8, RSC JUNIORS Open. (January)
4th, U-12 Open. Piala Tun Zahiruddin (UM Open).(April)
8th, U-12 Open. 3rd MBPJ Open. (June)
4th, U-8 Open. 2nd SMART KIDS. (May)

17th,U-8 Open. 4th SWENSEN's RAPID AGE GROUP. (August)
66th,Open Category. 1st KEDAH Open, FIDE-rated. (April)


BLITZ:
51st, Open Category. 1st KEDAH Open, FIDE-rated. (April)

----------------------------------
CP's Top 10 Results Thus Far @2012-2013

(1) 2012. 18th. NATIONAL AGE GROUP (NAG)
Note 1: 5 Years & 8 Days.
Note 2: Tournament Debut

(2) 2013. 4th. NATIONAL AGE GROUP (NAG)
Note 1: Top 4, Qualified for Malaysian Team
Note 2: 5 Years, 10 Months & 9 Days

(3) 2012. PCA MAY DAY CHESS CHALLENGE.
Note: By Default, CHAMPION U-7 Category

(4) 2012. CHAMPION. PCA MERDEKA DAY CHESS CHALLENGE
Note: 1st OFFICIAL Title Won

(5) 2013. CHAMPION. 2nd THE SUMMIT JUNIORS Open
Note 1: Perfect Score, 6 Wins from 6 Games @100% Record.
Note 2: 2nd OFFICIAL Title Won.

(6) 2012. 4th U-12 Open, INSOFAR DECEMBER EDITION.
Note: Top Board in Final Round

(7) 2013. 4th, U-12 Open. PIALA TUN ZAHIRRUDIN
Note: Top Board in Final Round

(8) 2013. RSC JUNIORS Open
Note: Best U-8

(9) 2013. 8th, U-12 Open. 3rd MBPJ Open

(10)2012. 7th, U-8 Open. 18th KEPONG JUNIORS Open

(11)2013. CHAMPION, U-12 Open. 1st SStwo MALL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Note 1: 3rd OFFICIAL Title Won.
Note 2: Perfect Score, 6 Wins from 6 Games @100% Record.

------------------
Notables:

4th, U-8 Open. 2nd SMART KIDS