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 ...
Kasparov has lowered himself through the 2 contracts with Leong. No matter how both sides dress it up, the fact of the case is apparently money being used for votes buying.
ReplyDeleteNow that Kasparov has informed that his funds are political donation, will Leong be guilty of receiving political funds with regards to Singapore's laws?
Will the 10+1 regional chess federations supporting Team Kasparov review this support as the realization that Leong and his for profit company has already garnered USD 500,000 with more to come?
By association with Leong whom many regard as scheming, shameless, lying promise broker (Leong admits readily to making illegal move by writing about it), Kasparov has blundered thinking votes matter more than the baggage he carried by having Leong in his team.
When one fights the devil, if in the process he turns into a monster, then which one is more evil?
Astute Observer