THE 15th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2023, scheduled from Dec 18 to 22 at SMK St Xavier in Farquhar Street, is expected to draw a larger turnout.
Organised by the Penang Chess Association, the event aims to provide an opportunity for both local and international chess players to enhance their skills and gain invaluable experience.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara yesterday (Dec 11), See Swee Sie, the president of the Penang Chess Association and deputy president of the Malaysia Chess Federation, emphasised the significance of the annual Penang Chess Festival. This year marks its second occurrence at SMK St Xavier.
“We have so far attracted several participants from local as well as abroad. It is expected to receive them from countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Russia, India, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Brunei, England, Sweden, and the United States.
“We anticipate approximately 700 participants, surpassing last year’s total of 581. This shows that the 15th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2023 is a well-known annual event among chess players.
“In fact, top international players from abroad are set to join in the competition. We eagerly anticipate our young local players grabbing this valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and gain exposure during the competition,” she said.
Penang Chess Association, established in 1972 and the oldest chess association in the country, aims to continue promoting the game in the future.
See also shared her excitement about chess being introduced in the 21st Sukma in Sarawak next year.
“We have a few individuals who are medal prospects at the Games. One of them is emerging talent Poh Yu Tian, a 14-year-old who has shown his potential during the SEA Games in Hanoi. He took up the game six years ago.
“We hope that Penang can continue to lead in chess, especially with its inclusion in Sukma next year,” she said.
On the 15th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2023, See expressed her wish to witness more remarkable feats from the young players.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) for their unwavering support and also call for additional corporate sponsors to contribute to the development of the game,” she added.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi and Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai are expected to officiate the event next Monday.
For additional details, interested parties can visit www.penangchess.com
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis