38TH NATIONAL AGE GROUP @ 1TAMPINES HUB

This year's competition had some changes

a. 7 rounds instead of 8

b. Boys and Girls combined into 1 section for each age group

With the number of rounds reduced and combining the 2 sections, the number of participants can and in some sections exceed the limit of 128 participants where tiebreaks may become an issue in separating the winners. Playoffs will eventually be introduced. Some interesting observations:

Jayden Kok finished 4.5/7 in 25th placing out of 140 players.

Jayden joined me this year having visited Tanglin Chess Club quite a few times. A cheerful and easy-going boy, Jayden was a joy to work with and listens to advice and instruction. Though he allowed his old habit of moving too fast slip into causing 2 painful losses , he managed to pick himself up and got the 2 final wins to end in a very respectable 25th position . This bodes well for his future once he understands the need to slow down and look at the opponent's move first before moving.

U10

It is heartening to see regular Tanglin Chess Club players Quilliam Ohng and Kaymer Ng finish 3rd and 4th respectively in the U10. The constant practice weekly have done them good I'm sure.

U12

Kyan came in within the group of top finishers with 6 points and awaiting playoff to decide the placing. He has done well for the year , garnering 32 ELO rating pts with the Selangor Open and another 45 pts at the Eastern Asia Youth in August. The NAG has him gaining 42 pts, a bumper harvest till now. Hopefully he maintains his form till the final Hong Kong Open.

Ethan did not have a good run this time owing to a bye and picked up the last 3 games to finish with 4/7. Insufficient work on prep and practice does show.

Ray Ee did not participate so we'll wait for the coming Hong Kong Open to see how he fares, as he managed to get in 8 rating points at the last Cairnhill Open. Some work needs to be done to address gaps in the repertoire, then the final event for the year in Hong Kong.

Comments

HOW TO PARK AND GET TO TAMPINES HUB

To get to Tampines Hub the best way from the Central and West, take the PIE and exit at 3B and drive towards Tampines Ave 2. You can go via Tampines Ave 7 and join Tampines Ave 4, then turn right at the junction of Ave 5. There is less traffic on this route than if you are to come from the Simei Exit and up Tampines Ave 5. The EW(2) line station is also quite close. DT32 is not ready yet. As for parking, there is an open car park just after the Hub. Drive past the Hub, turn round the corner and you'll see the entrance on the Ave 5 curve. This is a coupon parking carpark and open-air (60cts 1/2 hr) and has about 200+ lots. The other place to park is across from the Tampines Hub at Block 858-864 which is open to public 7am to 7pm coupon parking. You can enter this carpark from St 83 Block 864 and navigate towards Block 859. If you go round till you see a green sign on your left, the road leads to the Drop Off and North Plaza Carpark entrance. Proceed straight in to park at B2 onw

STUDENTS AT THE 74th NATIONAL SCHOOLS INDIVIDUALS

Once again, another year and another NSI takes place over the board this time at Overseas Family School. 1364 players signed in for the event making it a record turnout. It is massive and my congratulations and thanks go to the organising team of arbiters and helpers who worked hard to ensure minimal delays to get each round going. The playing conditions were good with the only regret that the zonal prizes could not be given out at the prize-giving. A few of my private students took part and I share their results : In the Secondary section, Ray Ee (my oldest student) managed 6/9 pts and came in 23rd (just outside the top 20) in the U16 while Daniel (who just started a week ago) did well at 18th on 6/9. Wen Chen was placed 43rd on 5.5/9. Ryan played right after returning from a school camp and fatigue set in the first day, but fortunately he picked himself up to finish 5.5 pts in 45th position. Damien went on vacation and did not take part. Renee was placed 17th overall in the U12 Girl

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

December draws to a close, ending 2023 and some of my students' journey with me as coach. I had the pleasure to be involved in training Daniel Chan, Er Wen Chen, Timothy Lam, Asher Neo, Wang Yuhan, Toby Herman, Magnus Lim, Eden Harris Yong, Leonard Loh, Emma Lo, Kevin Ng, Damian Tay and lastly Ho Ray Ee, my longest student to stay with me for 6 years. Yes, this may be the largest group of students that left in my years of teaching. Some decided to move on to other trainers (a good sign, as they are seeking other paths to chess improvement) while most I had to end the relationship as coach due to low interest in the game after some months. As for Ray Ee who joined me in 2017, I am of course saddened that he is graduating from my fold but yet proud of what he has achieved. His results were consistent, often finishing well (NAG 7th in 2022, 9th in 2019, 4th in NSI 2018). He has also played in the Selangor Open this year , gaining 77 rating points while getting another 31 pts from t

THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

Search This Blog