AdminThe Commonwealth Chess Championship 2023-24 concluded with a thrilling final, as Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha from India clinched the Gold in a tense face-off against International Master S Rohith Krishna. Held at Ayer Keroh, Melaka, at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) from 19th to 28th February 2024, the championship witnessed the Indian team’s dominance, boasting 14 Grandmasters and securing a remarkable total of 30 medals, including 10 Golds. Amidst this display of chess prowess, Malaysian chess enthusiasts also left an indelible mark, showcasing their resilience and skill on the prestigious tournament stage.
Guha’s hat-trick of victories in the final rounds, including a critical win against IM S Rohith Krishna, showcased exceptional tactical brilliance. Guha’s strategic moves, particularly 28.Ba5 and 34.Qe3, played pivotal roles in securing the Gold medal. Rohith Krishna, the sole leader heading into the last round, claimed the Silver with a score of 7/9. Grandmasters Deepan Chakkravarthy and Vignesh N R, both from India, scored 7/9 each, with Deepan winning the Bronze due to superior tie-breaks.
Intense showdown
In the Women’s category a fierce competition unfolded as WGM Qianyun Gong from Singapore, WCM G P Y Wijesuriya from Sri Lanka, and WGM Nandhidhaa P V from India all displayed exceptional skill, scoring 6/9 each. The tie-breaks determined their final standings, with WGM Qianyun Gong clinching the Gold medal, WCM G P Y Wijesuriya securing the Silver, and WGM Nandhidhaa P V earning the Bronze.
The Blitz Open event witnessed the triumph of GM Vignesh N R from India, who claimed the Gold with an impressive score of 9/11. His strategic play and half-point lead over competitors highlighted his prowess in rapid chess. Meanwhile, GM Jingyao Tin (SGP) and GM Swapnil S Dhopade (IND) both scored 8.5/11 each. In a closely contested competition, GM Jingyao Tin(SGP) secured the Silver, while GM Swapnil S Dhopade(IND) earned the Bronze medal.
Malaysia’s success in various age categories
Despite facing formidable competition from chess powerhouses like India, host Malaysia, with 51 players, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a haul of 2 Golds and 2 Bronze medals. Among them is Malaysian Uzair Shahar, who clinched the Gold in the Blitz Junior event with an outstanding score of 9.5/11.
Nirish Kumar Siva Kumar emerged triumphant in the Under 16 Open category at the Championship, securing the Gold with a score of 7/9. His exceptional performance included a crucial sixth-round battle against CM Velavaa Ragavesh from India, which ended in a draw; both players finished with identical scores. However, Nirish’s superior tie-breaks ultimately earned him the Gold, while Velavaa settled for the Silver. Adding to Malaysia’s success in the category, Ernest Yek Zu Yang clinched the Bronze.
In the Under 18 Girls category, Nur Basyira Wafa Mohsen from Malaysia secured a solid score of 6/9, earning her a Bronze medal and contributing to Malaysia’s medal tally. The championship served as a fertile ground for budding chess enthusiasts, providing a platform for young talents to shine, and allowing other juniors to make their mark in various age categories. This emphasized the importance of nurturing and recognizing emerging talents in the chess community.
Celebrating chess excellence
The event concluded with a vibrant prize distribution ceremony, marking a celebration of chess excellence. The ceremony honored outstanding performances, with the top prizes in various categories including RM 10,000, RM 6,000, and RM 4,000 for the Open category. In the Women’s, Seniors (Above 60), and Under-20 categories, the top three prizes were RM 2,500, RM 1,500, and RM 1,000, respectively.
The Commonwealth Chess Championship 2023-24 was not only a battleground for intense battles but also a platform for young talents to shine. Malaysian players displayed determination, strategic brilliance, and resilience, making their mark on the global chess stage.
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