Selangor Open 2006 First Round
Apologies for not moblogging live from the event. Just reached the venue in time to confirm my registration and chat to some chess friends but not enough time to blog. Oh before I forget, thanks to CAS for sponsoring my entry fees for this tournament!! The top players participating are FM Lim Yee Weng, FM Anas, WFM-soon-to-be-WIM Siti, Nur Shazwani, Chow Mon Ben etc (full list here).
It was a pleasant surprise to see the David Wong and his whole family (wife + 2 daughters) playing in this tournament. Chatted with David and then ran down across the street to have a quick teh tarik with another chess friend, Ricky.
Anyway with my low National Rating I was paired against a very strong Masrin Erowan. I remember how badly I got beaten by Masrin’s unorthodox 1.e4 2. Qe2 vs my French (1. … e6) so I switched to my old faithful Scandinavian/Portuguese. However, misplayed the opening and got my Queen and Bishop forked by Masrin’s pawn. So had to give up the Bishop for 2 pawns. Then picked up an extra pawn in the process. So materially it was even. Exchanged all the pieces down to the endgame.
All throughout the game I was expecting to lose but I was determined to play it out as long as possible. The last time we played, Masrin beat me quickly in 20 or so moves. So I was glad to stretch the game as long as possible and not lose so fast this time.
(Thanks to David for taking this memorable picture of Masrin vs me)
After 3 long hours, it was Masrin’s Bishop and Knight vs my lone Bishop + 3 pawns. I made another mistake in the endgame where I should have drawn (Fritz gives me a winning +2 at some point but I doubt I can find those accurate moves). The blunder should have costed me the game but Masrin missed it and failed take advantage of it. In the end it was Masrin’s turn to make a mistake and he had to give up his extra piece for a pawn. However Masrin ended up with an extra pawn but could not queen it. I got a draw after 65 long moves!!
Of course I have to say I was very lucky. Masrin did not play up to his full strength.
I saw many people in working clothes. I guess they are here right after work (half day leave?).
I also saw FM Lim Yee Weng come it about half hour late but he had no trouble winning even with a time deficit.
Tomorrow’s pairing is already out. There will be two more rounds of battle. Come and watch at Wilayah Complex (2nd floor) if you can or follow this blog for more news.
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