Malaysian Masters Update

Sumant Subramaniam is the new Malaysia Masters Champion. He scored a massive seven wins and two draws losing only to me. IM Mas had a solid result with no losses to take second. I was third as I had lost to Mas in our individual encounter. Ng Tze Han was a clear fourth placing.

The first four will represent Malaysia in the Men's Olympiad in September in Baku. The fifth member of the team is not known yet as it is up to the MCF President to decide.

In the Women's event, eight rounds have been played.

Tan Li Ting and Alia are already sure of their placing in the top four. Najiha and Puteri Rifqah are a half point behind. But more importantly both Rosamund and Nithyalakshmi have a possibility to catch up even though they are currently one point behind.

The key pairing for the final round is Puteri Rifqah vs Rosamund. If the latter wins, she takes the fourth placing by tie-break.

If Nithyalakshmi beats Alia Bakri  than she will have the same points as the above two players (assuming Rosamund wins). However, Nithya has already lost to Rosamund so it will be immaterial. Either Rosamund or Puteri will be fourth.

The other key pairing is Najiha against Li Ting. I think this is likely to end in a draw as both will qualify to top four.

The final round will start at 9:00 AM tomorrow at DAT Chess Center in Setapak.