Unimas chess tourney attracts 148 players from five countries

by · Borneo Post Online
Len Talif (seated centre), with Al-Khalid on his right, joins the organising committee and participants in a photo call.

KUCHING (Nov 20): The 6th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) International Open Chess Championship 2024 concluded on Sunday, attracting 148 players from Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and Malaysia.

A press statement said the theme for this year’s competition, ‘Silent Battles beyond History, Leading Pawns to Victory’, featured a nine-round rapid chess tournament played under a time control of 25 minutes per game, with a 10-second increment.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh in his address noted the growing popularity of chess in Malaysia.

“This championship not only highlights the potential of chess as a sport but also serves as a platform for fostering friendships and cultural exchange among players from diverse backgrounds,” he said when officiating at the event.

Moreover, he commended the Unimas Chess Club for organising the event, highlighting the club’s role in promoting the sport and strengthening the university’s reputation on the international stage.

“Chess is more than a game; it is an art that sharpens intelligence, quick thinking and mental acuity.

“I hope this annual tournament will continue to nurture new talent and showcase Unimas as a hub of sports excellence,” he added.

The competition saw Russia’s International Master Shkapenko Pavel winning the Open Category, taking home RM3,000, a trophy and a certificate; with local Amir Ghaazi Mohd Saprin securing second spot, and International Chess Federation Master Chan Kim Yew in third.

In the Higher Learning Institutions Category, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ Chiew Zhi Chong and Chong Huan Yan secured first and second place respectively, with third spot going to Unimas’ Arthur Viral.

Muhd Fadhlullah Mohd Ameenudeen, Jeni Samsen Ezraa and Ivan Phua Ki Ern placed first, second and third respectively in the Under-18 Category.

The Under-12 Category was won by Jonas Lee Sze Hao, followed by Fam Yii Fui and Khairul Hayden Fahym Khairul Fahmy in second and third, respectively.

Special awards were also presented to Ahmad Morsin for Best Veteran, Chong Qi En (Best Female Player), Azrul Aziman Azmin (Best Unimas Player), Safri Yoman (Best Unrated Player), Suharman Muhd Adib Rusydan (Best OKU Player) and Arena Grand Master Muhammad Zulfaqar (Best PCNS Member).

Also present was Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs) Prof Dr Al-Khalid Othman.