Raw passion

Finally, I’m back home after a really memorable 10 days of playing chess in the 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships, and I think I’m already suffering withdrawal symptoms from the event! There’s that dull, hollow feeling that comes when the adrenaline drains away. I haven’t felt quite like this in decades. Being away from the family, it almost felt like going to camp: getting immersed in chess, surrounded by like-minded folks and just enjoying the company of friends. And when it’s all over, the mind aches a little. 

Impromptu meeting of the Arbiters and assistants before the Blitz event

I’d been staying at the Berjaya Penang Hotel, which also doubled as the competition venue. So thankfully, I was spared the daily commute from Bukit Mertajam. Even so, I was worn out at the end of each day, not least because of the long games and keeping people like Hamid, Miki, Berik and a few others entertained. Some days, we even ventured out for lunch or dinner despite meals being provided by the hotel.

I didn’t play in the Rapid event as I had an eye check-up scheduled at the Penang General Hospital. Something I absolutely couldn’t miss. Appointments like these are precious. This one had been booked since last year! The sheer volume of out-patients means follow-ups now stretch into annual events. But it was worth it. The medical officer said my eye pressure was excellent. The only catch is that my next appointment is in nine months' time!

After the check-up, I rushed back to the hotel and found that the Rapid event had paused for lunch after the three morning rounds. Play would resume at 2pm. Great, at least I’d be able to catch the remaining four rounds.

Halfway through the afternoon, the Tournament Director, Jonathan, came up and asked whether I could confirm helping with the Blitz event as an Arbiter. Of course, I was delighted to assist. So there I was, yesterday morning (Thursday), showing up as the Arbiter for the Seniors 65+ section. Were they surprised. Only two days earlier, I was playing chess amongst them. Only nine players in the field, which meant a straightforward round-robin format. The top four players agreed to draw quickly among themselves and focused on collecting points from the rest.

A disabled but brave Too Pi He playing in the Under-12 rapid tournament

I was slightly relieved that there were no disputes in my section except for one moment when Rico made an illegal knight move. He immediately admitted the mistake, so I just added one minute to his opponent’s clock. Nothing too technical to deal with.

But elsewhere in the hall, where the kids were battling it out, it was total chaos, both on and off the boards. The blitz format, with just a few minutes on the clock, always brings out a different kind of energy. The younger players were all pumped up, hands flying, pieces rattling, clocks being slapped. You’d think we were in a market. Illegal moves, dropped flags, hands being raised to call the arbiters over, background noises from players whose games have finished and awaiting the next round. The arbiters certainly had their hands full. 

Still, beneath all the noise and flurry, I could see the raw passion. These kids took their games seriously. Some jumped up after a win, others sat frozen in disbelief after a loss. There might have been a few tears shed too. I could almost feel the energy radiating from the tables. It was messy, loud and at times overwhelming. But it was also exactly what the ASEAN+ age-group chess championships needed to close off a full 10 days of competition: fast, furious games and full of heart. Just very glad my section didn’t need babysitting.

All in all, I'm tired after all the excitement, but it's the good kind of tiredness.