Three IM norms at UKM Masters

The UKM KL Masters produced three IM norms, for a ten man round-robin, this is a highly successful event. Unfortunately, none of the three are Malaysians.

Indians Ankit R. Rajpara  and  Thakur Akash plus Singapore's Fernandez Daniel are the jubilant three. Fernandez Daniel  especially must be jumping for joy. He needed a draw in the last round against Nicholas but got into a lost position. Somehow Nicolas managed to lose the game where he had the bishop pair against two knights. Andrew has the position here.

With this loss, Nicholas ended in the cellar with Indonesian IM Tirto and untitled Indian, Nirav Y Rajasuba. Our other player, Abdul Haq acquited himself well with three points and avoiding the cellar. He should gain a hefty rating point increase.

For Nicholas currently rated 2398 and should have gained enough points from the recent KL Open to breach 2400 if not for this result.

The tournament was won by grandmaster Iuldachev Saidali with 7 1/2 points.