COLLEGE student Benjamin Law was declared champion of the Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) Open Chess Competition 2023 in the under-20 (U20) category.

The foundation in arts student clinched victory after seven intense rounds which saw him pitting his skills against a candidate master and a two-time Malaysian School Sports Council chess winner.

When interviewed, Law, 18, did not hesitate to describe himself as the “underdog”.

“I have played in four chess competitions this year and I have never gotten first place. I am happy that I was able to win the championship on my fifth try,” he said.

Ian Poh (left) and Ian Kit with their certificates, trophy and medals after taking the U12 category.

Law, who has been playing competitively since age 12, was quick to point out that his victory was not due to luck but additional training.

“I’ve been doing exercises to improve on my strengths for the past six months,” he said.

As to what strategy he would be employing to maintain his standing in upcoming competitions, Law said he was content to bask in the glory of his current achievement for now.

“This victory has indeed made my weekend,” he said.

In the under-12 (U12) category, Khoo Ian Kit, 12, and his younger brother Ian Poh, 9, took first and second places, respectively, much to their parents’ delight.

The Khoo brothers also helped their school SJKC Pin Hwa 1 grab first place as best U12 school chess team at the competition.

The prizes were presented by Olympic Council Malaysia assistant treasurer Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali, who is also Federal Territories Youth and Sports Council (KBS) council member.

Mohd Nasir (left) with Law and his U20 winner’s certificate at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Open Chess Competition 2023.

Organised by Segambut Zone 2 Residents Representative Committee (MPP Segambut Zone 2) and KBS, the competition attracted 160 chess players with the youngest aged six and the oldest, 19. A majority of the players, 100 of them, were under 12.

The TTDI Open Chess Competition was an international event that drew competitors from India, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, China and Japan.

MPP Sub Zon 2 Segambut chairman Farhan Abdul Rahman, 43 said the idea to organise the tournament came about after they received overwhelming response from residents during a health event in October when chess was included as one of the side activities.

“From the feedback of the players’ parents, the committee decided that the organisation of a chess competition on a bigger scale would be beneficial to the community.

“In an age of computer digital games, we saw that chess had its benefits in helping the younger generation with social interaction and network building,” said Farhan.

The estimated cost of the event was RM20,000. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who is also Segambut MP, sponsored 50 chess sets.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall sponsored space for the event at TTDI community centre in Jalan Athinahapan as well as tents, tables, chairs and public address system.

MPP Segambut Zone 2 came up with the total prize money of RM1,600 and allowances totalling RM2,000 for 11 arbiters to be at the event.

Chief arbiter of the event was teacher Inawarni Ismail, 43.