Of Reopening DATCC.... Blitz Event

The size of the crowd that came over to play was about the number expected. But, there were as many people, supporters and curious visitors who came over to view the new center including from as far as Seremban and Terengganu! It was nice to see Muhammad Arshad, Terengganu's recently appointed Secretary dropping by to say "Hi". A blast from the past was owned by Jamsyid (eerrr.... I forgot his last name), a chess player from the same era as Saprin, Jusyeri and Hirmiadi who came over with his kids to see the place. Of course, what is DATCC without Dato Tan? Albeit still recovering from his minor eye surgery, Dato also dropped by to see the new place and enjoyed a short game of chess with Hamid. 

A surprising visit came from Mr Rajesh, who is attached with the Indian Embassy, coming over with his son to view the new center (and inquiring about DATCC chess classes). Other familiar faces who took the time to visit were Rusdi Sidi, Alfred Ting and Lohanathan from Seremban.

For the blitz event, 36 players took part with Yeoh Li Tian leading the pack as the top seeded player followed by Ahmad Fadzil Nayan, Kamaluddin Yusof and Wong Jianwen. Other notable players were Tian's father, Yeoh Chin Seng, Kamalariffin Wahiduddin, Sumant Subramaniam, Muhd Syazwan Zukifli and Zaidan Zulkipli - who decided to play only yesterday evening.

15 rounds of play and by lunch break, it was already clear that Tian would be the runaway champion - already leading the pack by a full point at half way point. Although Zaidan was the only player who managed to stop Tian from scoring a perfect score (they drew in their 3rd round encounter), most players were at awe at how easy Tian was able to defeat player after player. 

When Zaidan drew with Tian on the 3rd round, it was also expected that former would be the next favorite player to follow Tian's steps. After his draw with Tian in the 3rd round, Zaidan ended up with another draw against "old timer" Kamaluddin Yusof. Following 2 drawn games, he was paired against Sumant and the youngster proved to be too much for Zaidan to hold. That was the only loss recorded by Zaidan and from then on, it was a perfect 10 points out of 10 games, enough for him to secure the second spot. 

4th seeded player, Wong Jianwen finished a step higher than his ranking by securing the 3rd place spot with 11.5 points. Sumant Subramaniam was next, also with the same 11.5 points but losing on tie break to Jianwen.

3rd seeded player Ahmad Fadzil Nayan came in 5th with 10.5 points followed by Nor Ilhamuddin who played well to finish 5 steps above his seeding of 11th to end up in 6th spots. Ilham said he played in the event for fun and was happy that he got to finish in the top 10.

Rounding up 7th and 8th spots were Kamaluddin Yusof and Syazwan Zulkifli

Sangetavathy won the Best Lady award and Amira Farhana was the Best U12 performer.

Full results can be viewed HERE

Crowd enjoying the light refreshment served

Practice sessions - just before the start of Round 1

Crowd mingling during lunch break

Abdullah Khairi KZ taking on Yeoh Li Tian (left)

Having knocked out most of the higher seeded player, Tian (right) faced Kaber Azzad (left) in the last round. Kaber was 6 points behind during this face off - a clearly lop sided match

Sangetavathy won the Best Lady prize

Azizul Azlan Zainuddin striking a pose!

Amir Ali Taghikhani, an Iranian FA/Chess player who currently resides in Malaysia, playing in his first local event

Of Going For Reopening Day - DATCC Kuala Lumpur

More and more players are registering for the event, and a lot of support are coming through for DAT Chess Connections Opening Day set for this Saturday, 23rd February 2013. A lot of work are being completed at the center, with a tight deadline for reopening in the next few days. Doors have been fixed and new A/C units are currently being fixed. The new entrance have been prepared (with a RED colored entrance to attract visitors!) and vibrant colors filling up the space. 

So far, some of the "heavy weights" who have voiced their interest to come and join the blitz event are father/son duo Yeoh Chin Seng and Li Tian (Mr Chin Seng has prepared a special King's Gambit line for me!), Ahmad Fadzil Nayan, Muhd Syazwan Zulkilfi, Zaidan (he called me to spar but I guess he is keeping his "ammunition" for D-day), Lim Kian Hwa, Ismail Ahmad (trying), Syazrin, Syawal Aqmar, Nor Ilhamuddin, Alfred Ting and myself! 

IM Mas and Nik Farouqi are tied up with other events as it would be great to have them along. Perhaps IM Jimmy Liew, FM Ronnie Lim, NM Roshan and NJM Fong Yit San can make it to the event, and of course the "famous chess families" i.e. Azhar's, Azman Hisham's, the Tan's and the Foong's.... 

In short.... the more the merrier

For those who would like to fill up the membership form and/or the blitz entry form, please click HERE(members) and HERE(blitz).

The new center is ready to RUMBLE!!! Are you?????

Of Waiting For Our Open Day

With one more week to go, DAT Chess Connections is really pressing for time to get the place ready in time for its official Opening Day this Saturday, 23rd February 2013. With most of the renovation work done and a bit more of electrical and a/c units repositioning to be done, the place looks ready to receive its visitors and guests by the week end. Most of the heavy work in moving the shelves, tables and chairs has been completed hence, a bit of touch up in the next few days will complete the task.

Some snap shots of the place after the clean up was done:

Of An Open Invitation....

Let's do something on 23rd February 2013
From the Board of Directors, Staff and Management
DAT CHESS CONNECTIONS SDN BHD

  

Of Wishing Everyone A Fantastic Year Ahead....

From the bottom of my heart...

Wishing all my CHINESE friends and families, 

chess players, fans and supporters,

and ALL MALAYSIANS in general...

A happy, wealthy, prosperous, safe and productive Year Of The Snake!

GONG XI FA CAI  

 

Of Preparing for DAT Chess Connections Open Day - 23rd February 2013

A refreshing new look indeed! 

Vibrant colors begins to take shape in DATCC as the painting work on the wall almost completed. For this week, the contractor will be relocating the A/C units, fixing in the doors and prepare the new entrance to the center. After Chinese New Year break, a bit of touching up here and there, and some cosmetic works and the new DATCC is ready to reopen its doors on 23rd February 2013.

COME AND JOIN US ON OUR OPEN DAY - Light refreshments will be served and a 15 round blitz is one event that you would not want to miss.

Click HERE to fill up our membership form

Click HERE to be a part of our BLITZ event. Free entries for those signing up as members. 

Bright blue wall in contrast with the light yellow - entrance to the playing hall from the pantry

The striking green in contrast with the bright blue - at the rear of the playing hall

Striking Apple Green now dons the playing hall area.

And Mango Yellow separating the wall between the playing hall and the office area