By V. Sivaji
Penang Governor Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli Ngah Talib was the guest-of- honour at the 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships “Social Evening” gathering held at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society last night.
The competition was held at the Berjaya Penang Hotel here. Some 350 young chess talents from across the ASEAN region for the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship took part in the tournament.
This marks the first time Penang will host this prestigious regional tournament. Participants came not only from the ASEAN nations, but also from India, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States and more.
The tournament also featured the senior categories, expanding the age range from Under-6 children to players aged 65 and above. In addition, FIDE (International Chess Federation)direct titles were awarded to top-performing players.
Many participants were also accompanied by parents and caregivers, making it a community affair. The ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship was previously been held in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, Laos, and the Philippines.
Present at the dinner gathering was Ms See Swee Sie, President of the Penang Chess Association, Harry Chai, Director of the Penang State Sports Council, Amran Taib, General Manager of Berjaya Penang Hotel, renowned street artist Ernest Zacharevic who is credited for putting Penang on the world map along with other key stakeholders.
As the dinner proceeded, guests were entertained by a variety of song and dance performances.
