1. Overview:
The 16th Inari Penang Chess Festival took place from December 23-27, 2024, at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College in George Town, Penang. The festival was a significant chess event, drawing participants from across the globe. It featured Open and Challenger categories, as well as a team event and a blitz tournament. This year saw notable improvements, including a new title sponsor, Inari Amertron, and a superior venue.
2. Key Themes and Important Ideas:
Growth and International Recognition: The festival has grown over its 16-year history and is now recognized as a prominent international chess tournament, attracting participants from 18 different federations in the Open section alone. The total number of participants reached approximately 210 across all categories.
Local Talent and Success: The event showcased the rising chess talent in Penang, particularly 15-year-old International Master Poh Yu Tian, who won the Open category. His win is significant as he is the first Penangite and only the second Malaysian to win this event, and the only Malaysian to win the Malaysian Open this year.
Role of the Penang Chess Association (PCA): The PCA, under the leadership of president See Swee Sie, has been instrumental in the growth and success of chess in Penang, especially in getting chess included in the Sukma games. See has a "strategic vision for her association", and is a highly dedicated leader. The PCA not only organizes the festival but is also committed to developing young players and promoting chess in schools. The PCA also works collaboratively with the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), with MCF president Akhramsyah praising the PCA for keeping the festival alive and for elevating it's prominence.
Inclusivity and Support for Special Needs: The PCA has shown a commitment to inclusivity, supporting disabled chess players including blind players and players on the autism spectrum. See noted that autistic children "become calmer when they have a chessboard in front of them and engage in the game."
Emphasis on Strategic Thinking and AI: The festival highlighted the importance of chess in developing strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. MCF President Akhramsyah emphasized, “Chess teaches the importance of timeliness and discipline,” and also cited Demis Hassabis, noting the growing synergy between chess and artificial intelligence.
Financial Support and Community Engagement:
The PCA has actively sought financial support from various sponsors, including main sponsor Inari Amertron and FIDE through the FIDE Open Aid Project. They have also launched the Penang Chess Brilliancy Fund to support young players and called upon established corporations to contribute. PCA president See Swee Sie expressed gratitude to the state government, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and other key supporters for their contributions to the sport’s growth. Inari Amertron stated their belief in "the power of innovation and strategic thinking, values that are also at the core of chess."
Improved Venue and Organization: This year's festival was held at a significantly improved venue at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, praised for its spaciousness, better facilities, and central location in Georgetown.
Media and Streaming: Live broadcast of top boards during the event and the involvement of a chess streamer has boosted media exposure and increased interest in the event. One player, Yunusmetov Hakeem, was given a fixed spot to broadcast his games and ended up finishing with a performance rating of 2020.
3. Key Facts and Figures:
Participants: Approximately 210 participants across Open, Challenger, and Team events.
Open Category:91 players from 18 federations
17 titled players (9 IM, 1 WIM, 3 FM, 2 WFM, 2 CM)
Winner: IM Poh Yu Tian (Malaysia) with 7.5 points.
Second Place: IM Shkapenko Pavel (FIDE)
Third Place: FM Chernyavsky Alexander (Russia)
Fourth Place: IM Polschikov Alexey (Russia)
Challenger Category:110 participants from 14 different countries.
Winner: AFM Wei Hom Isaac Tan (Malaysia) with 7.5 points
Second Place: Yoggenraj Ramakrishnan (Malaysia)
Third Place: Xin Ran Claire Wang (Malaysia)
Blitz Tournament: 113 participants. IM Poh Yu Tian won with 9.5 points from 13 rounds.
Team event: 88 teams participated.
Rating Average: The average rating for the open section was 1830 with an average age of 24.
FIDE Rating Boost: IM Poh Yu Tian's victory boosted his FIDE rating by 7.3 points with a Performance rating of 2455.
Prize Money: The Open champion, Yu Tian, received RM10,000.
Time Control: 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move.
Arbiter Team: Chief Arbiter IA Lim, Poay Sim, Deputy Chief Arbiter FA Ahmad, Muhd Saiful Asyraf and Arbiter IA Quah, Seng Sun, along with IA I Wayan Ekanata Da among the arbiters.
Chief Arbiter for World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore: Hamid Majid served as Chief Arbiter and also the Chief Arbiter for the Penang Open 2024.
4. Key Quotes:
Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidullah Sanusi (MCF President): “Chess teaches the importance of timeliness and discipline,” and further added “Proponents of AI say we will be lost if we don’t start immersing ourselves in AI from today because it will be the dominant force in many things in three years."
See Swee Sie (PCA President): "Such successes augur well for Penang chess but PCA must not rest on its laurels. It is imperative that PCA and its ever-supportive partners come together and take chess to the next level!" and "Penang’s success is the result of support from the state and association, the players’ burning desire to excel, the dedication of Penang’s coaches and the unwavering encouragement of parents."
Zainul Hanifa (Inari Amertron): “We believe in the power of innovation and strategic thinking, values that are also at the core of chess. Its focus on planning, problem-solving, and decision-making closely mirrors many of the skills we apply in our daily operations.”
5. Notable Players:
Poh Yu Tian: 15 year-old Malaysian IM, Open Category winner.
Wei Hom Isaac Tan: Malaysian AFM, Challenger Category winner.
Shkapenko Pavel (FIDE): 2nd place in the Open category
Chernyavsky Alexander (Russia): 3rd place in the Open category.
Polschikov Alexey (Russia): 4th place in the Open category.
Gabe Butarbutar Georgio: 10-year-old chess prodigy from Indonesia who finished 4th in the Challenger section.
Hamid Majid: Chief Arbiter of the Penang Chess Festival and former Chief Arbiter for World Chess Championship 2024.
