Of InSoFar Weekend Event

One of the better weekend event that I enjoy doing - but also the most confusing, is the Insofar weekend events. Confusing because there are too many prize categories to take care of and the explanation that needs to be relayed to the participants. Nonetheless, the number of players coming in for Insofar weekend event has improved a lot for the the 2012 series. If most chess followers remember, last year weekend event can barely rake more than 32 players but for this year, the numbers that sign up for the event can easily double that of last year. The first 2 installations attracted more than 90 players and although the 3rd edition held yesterday had the numbers dwindled down slightly, it was still considered successful with 73 hopefuls vying for the numerous prizes offered. Amongst those in that came flocking to Wilayah Complex were IM Jimmy Liew, father and son team of Chin Seng and Li Tian, Zaidan, Ian Udani, Jax Tham, and several outstation players coming from Seremban, Melaka and Kuching - Lim Kian Hwa.

The 7 round event started a bit late in the morning but by lunch, it was back on time. The top seed for the event, Ian Udani started well with 2 points from the first two round win but a defeat at the hands of Yeoh Chin Seng in Round 3 and later, against compatriot Efren Bagamasbad, it was clear that Ian was not at his best. It was apparent that he was not feeling well at the start of the tournament but continued playing hoping that the fever would go off but it did not. With the withdrawal of Ian, National Juniors Sumant and Li Tian led the pack with a perfect 4 points each and the showdown for Round 5 was set. At the end of the duel. Li Tian came on top with a full 5 points and Zaidan coming up a close second with 4 1/2 points - and another duel is set between the aspiring youngster Li Tian and the medical professional Zaidan.

But this time around, Zaidan managed to stop Li Tian and with the win, he had 1/2 point lead over Li Tian and in his final round against Efren, Zaidan sealed the victory, ergo securing him the weekend Champion title.

Despite his loss to Zaidan in Round 5, Li Tian continued his fine run and secured the 2nd placing with 6 points and 5 players came in at 5 1/2 points starting with Mohd Syazwan Zulkifli who had leap frog everyone to secure the 3rd placing based on tie break followed by Efren Bagamasbad, IM Jimmy Liew, Sumant Subramaniam and Nik Ahmad Farouqi.

Prizes were given away by IM Jimmy Liew, IM Mok Tze Meng and former National Champion Yeoh Chin Seng.

The next Insofar weekend installation will be on 17th June 2012 held at the same venue.

Some photos from the event:

Some of the crowd at the Insofar Weekend event