BY AARON EMPENIT TAWIE TINGGA
On November 18 and 19, 2023, the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Chess Club hosted the highly anticipated 5th UNIMAS International Open Chess Championship 2023 (FIDE-RATED RAPID), the first since COVID-19, attracting chess lovers and participants from around Southeast Asia in a compelling exhibition of strategic skill.
“This annual event was held every year, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been postponed for three years. We were looking forward to organising it on a larger scale this year, and our goal was to invite more participants for this 2023 edition,” said Lakesh Kumar, the Head of Discipline Protocol, when asked about the tournament’s conduct.
The Pavilion Hall of UNIMAS resonated with the rhythmic dance of chess pieces, whispers from participants, and the constant clicking noise of the chess clock as the university welcomed players and spectators alike to the prestigious event. Players can be seen deep in their thoughts as they stare at the board, thinking about their next move and anticipating their opponents’ movements. Occasionally, the sound of the gentle tap against the board, the sighs of resignation, or the gasp of realisation filled the arena.
The event, which was carefully organised, acted as a beacon of intellect and sportsmanship. “For us at the UNIMAS Chess Club, the main priority is to promote the sport because chess is not as popular as other sports such as football. As one of the major clubs, what we want to do is develop more chess players in Malaysia,” said Alexson Ngaoh Amet, the tournament’s programme director.
“While it is true that chess is not as popular as football, badminton and other sports, hopefully the tournament will promote and generate new interest through the skills and prowess of renowned players, the camaraderie of the chess community, and a generous and attractive prize to be won in the tournament.
With a multinational lineup of participants, the competition transcends borders, ages, and cultures. Chess masters and rising stars gathered at UNIMAS, each eager to make a name for themselves in the arena. The competition took place over a series of difficult rounds, with competitors engaging in mental battles, which is the core of chess.
Asked about the challenges of organising an international lineup of competitors, Lakesh said, “I don’t think it was too difficult communicating with the foreign players, as chess is a universal language. So, we made all the preparations and gave simple briefings. Before the competition began, we sent them an email with the list of players and the tournament schedule. As for the rules and laws of chess, it is a multilanguage sport with no borders or cultural barriers, so we don’t really need to explain anything.”
The beauty of the opening play, the stress of middle-game manoeuvres, and the unfathomable complexity of endgame strategies were all on display for spectators. The chessboards, decorated with accuracy and complexity, reflected the intellectual quality for which UNIMAS is known.
Local talent from Malaysia showcased their skills, proving this region is a chess player’s breeding ground as well as a centre of culture. The local contingent brought a different flair to the competition, which highlighted Malaysia’s extensive history in chess.
Aside from the intense competition, the tournament also provided a different atmosphere as a centre of cultural exchange and fellowship. Post-game evaluations were conducted, with participants exchanging insights and building ties well beyond the chessboard. UNIMAS became a place of gathering for intellectual exchange and mutual respect, establishing a collaborative and friendly environment.
“We can speak in chess. The tournament is more than just a battleground; it’s a chess hamlet where the world’s chess community comes together,” said Muhammad Kamalsyah, the 5th UNIMAS International Open Chess Championship 2023 champion, who is also ranked 9963 in the world.
“Post-game comments reverberate in the analysis room with varying accents and techniques. Players share insights, debate variants, and form cross-border friendships, emulating the actual spirit of international competitiveness.”
The UNIMAS Chess Club has succeeded in organising a truly extraordinary chess spectacle as the final moves were completed and champions crowned. The 5th UNIMAS International Open Chess Championship 2023 emphasised the competitors’ strategic brilliance and UNIMAS as a magnet for intellectual engagement and global collaboration. The club now looks forward to future tournaments that will hopefully continue to define the landscape of chess, be it on campus or beyond, as they plan their next strategic engagement.
**This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
