SHOUTBOX

After weighing the pros and the cons, for the second time, I close my shoutbox. I hate it when irresponsible people put advertisements in it. However, those who likes to comment on my post still can use the comment button below each post. I think this is better, for I will know which comment is for which post, unlike the comments in the shoutbox.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

LATEST RANKING

This is the latest ranking after Nik Farouqi and Abdul Haq draw. However, I was informed that Nasrul has beaten Marzuki late this afternoon, and Nasrul, being the winner, promptly uploaded the game on the 'official website'.

The result has been updated on the results (Grand Finale) page.

This event is so special as it is very flexible with games being played in various venues which includes the DATCC, KL, the Insta Forex, Kubang Kerian, the PPAS, Shah Alam and also at one of the players home.

DATCC

Insta Forex

PPAS

Marzuki's home

QUEEN ENDING

White to move

I like endings. But endings like this will burst our heart, especially if played in time trouble. Queen controls so many squares, but which squares are more important? And then the exchange to pawn endings. Is it advantageous? All this questions must be answered before you make your move.

DRAW

.. against Marzuki Yaacob (picture) has taken away my 100% record. Not to take the credits away from him; he is actually a good player; but I should have managed my time more efficiently so as not to land in time trouble when it matters the most. I tried to transpose his English into a Nimzo-Indian, but he refused by not playing 3.d4. The middle game was slightly in White's favour, until his Kh2 forced him to take 2 steps back. From there, I took the initiative by placing my pieces towards his King. An exchange of Knights put his other Knight at h4, and I decided to chase it at the expense of opening up my castle. He complicated the game with a d5 push and the game was drawn during the time trouble.

The d5 push

Final position

The were also several other games played, and, at the time of writing, Baharuddin would be playing his third game for today. On the other hand, Nik Nazri managed to get his first point against Norazlin. So far, Yours Truly still tops the standing with 4.5 points, followed by Marzuki and Syed Azizi with 3 points each, Baharuddin with 2 points, Nik Nazri with a point and finally Norazlin with 0.5 point.

The results can be read at the results page, and my game today will be published later in the tournament website.


Update:

Baharuddin held FIDE rated Marzuki for a draw.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR THE GRAND FINAL

I just made my proposed schedule for the Grand Final this November. I supposed that all the postponed games involving Baharuddin and Nik Farouqi will have been finished by then.

ROUND 3 AND 4 (KELANTAN BASED)

Yours Truly won 2 more games to amass 4 points overall and head the standing in Kelantan. This time, he won against Syed Azizi and Nik Nazri. He is followed by Marzuki with 2.5 points, Syed Azizi with 2 points, Baharuddin with 1 point, Azlin with 0.5 point while Nik Nazri is still searching for points. Unfortunately, all games against Baharuddin were postponed. Results can be achieve at the results page.

Some pictures from the event:





Current standing (taken from PCNK website):