Caption: Eko Handoko (C), Zaty Sofri (L), the event coordinator of Times Square, and Zainal Abidin Hj Ali, the president of the Brunei Chess Federation (BCF), in a group photo during the prize presentation. Picture: Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
EKO Handoko of Indonesia was crowned the champion of the open category of the 33rd National Day Chess Rapid Championship held at the Times Square Shopping Complex yesterday.
Eko brought home a cash prize of $140 while second-placed Genesis Taccaban of the Philippines and his compatriot Edwin, who finished third, received $130 and $120 respectively.
In the junior under-20 category, Mohd Afiq Aiman emerged the winner after beating Naadzimur Rahman in the final, while, Muhammad Ridhwan settled for third place.
Zahirul Hj Zazali won the under-16 category after defeating Kamarul Ariffin in the final. Md Syafiq Md Saidi took the bronze in the category.
Over in the veteran category, Japar Timbang beat Hj Kipli in the title decider to win the competition, while Richard Larg won third place.
Present to award the prizes to the winners were Zaty Sofri the event coordinator of Times Square and Zainal Abidin Hj Ali, the president of the Brunei Chess Federation (BCF).
The competition was co-organised by BCF and Department of Co-curriculum, Ministry of Education.
The tournament was part of a qualifying stage for local players to qualify for the Brunei National Chess Championship 2017 which will be held in December.
It shall determine the overall best player of the year and the winner will be crowned the National Master's title.
The competition is also used as a foundation for the selection of players for the 43rd World Chess Olympiad 2018 which will be held in Batumi, Georgia.
