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.

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