Chess: S’wak miss the bronze by a whisker

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak’s male chess players were unfortunate, finishing fourth after a tough battle in the ninth round of the rapid chess event at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

Lim Lee Siang Fergus fell just one point short behind Johor’s Chong Jin Cheng, who clinched the bronze medal.

Penang’s Poh Yu Tian secured the gold medal, while Selangor’s Shahar Uzair took the silver.

Sarawak’s Mohd Ameenudeen Muhd Fadhlullah put in his best effort, scoring four points but ultimately finishing in 16th place.

In the women’s rapid chess event, Ngu Yi Di finished 19th out of 24 participants, while Ung Hui Pin placed 22nd.

According to head coach Muhd Zulfaqar Abu Bakar, Lim’s performance was commendable but still requires improvement in certain areas.

“He also came close to winning a medal. For the female players, there is much to work on,” he said when interviewed after the match at Dewan Jubli, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kota Samarahan yesterday (Aug 21).

For the upcoming event, Zulfaqar said their strategy will be more solid, ensuring that the players do not take excessive risks.

The Sarawak chess team are still competing in the standard team event, while the blitz event will take place on Saturday (Aug 24).

Sarawak have six male players, namely Chong Huan Yan, Eric Wong Tee Kiing, Brilliant Chiew Zhi Cheng, Hii Shieng Shun, Mohd Ameenudeen Muhd Fadhlullah and Fergus Lim See Siang.

Meanwhile, the female players are Teh Yi-Lynn, Pei Kiee Ho, Kueh Rui Han, Tammy Tee Siew Wong, Ung Hui Pin and Ngu Yi Di.