National Closed - wide open now

The 2013 National Chess Closed is being held in University Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu.The nine round Swiss is is held from 28th May to 2nd June with two rounds, one in the morning at 9:00 AM and the other in the afternoon at 3:00 PM.

The tournament is now wide open after Wong Jianwen defeated the leader, Fong Yit San in round six. From the black side of a Sicilian Pelikan, the former started to outplay the leader in the middle-game. The following position was reached after move white's 35th move.

Fong Yit San - Wong Jianwen , round six

Fritz showed a very attractive win with 35... Bf2 36. Rxh7 (36. Qd5+ Qf7 37. Bxh7+ Kg7 38. Qg5+ Kf8 39. Qh6+ Ke7 40. Qg5+ Kd7 41.
Bf5+ Kc7 42. Rc3+ Bc5 and there are no more checks) 36... Rb1+ 37. Bxb1 Re1+ 38. Kg2 Rg1+ 39. Kh3 Qe3 mate

Black played 35...Qe7 which wins anyway.

There are now four players tied for the lead, Jianwen, Yit San, Aron Teh and Zulkifli Muhd Syazwan. The latter has been steadily improving his game. Syazwan upset Yeoh Li Tian in the six round in a equal position. Li Tian seemed determined to either win or lose the game even though objectively it was a draw at best. He succeeded in losing instead.

The pairings for the top two boards are Jianwen - Syazwan and Aron - Yit San. I think Jianwen has the best chance to take the championship. It is quite difficult to beat him. I expect a last round encounter between him and Li Tian unless the latter self-destructs again.

This morning's pairing -

Men round seven pairing

Over at the women's section, the favourites are leading. Both Nabila and Najiha has a full point lead with five points. The interest centres around who will take the third spot.

Women round seven pairing