KUALA LUMPUR: Two young Malaysians have been given praise and recognition after winning their tournaments during the recent Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.
Deputy youth and sports minister Ti Lian Ker paid tribute to Poh Yu Tian, 13, and Yeoh Li Tian, 23, for their achievements at the international olympiad, adding that the ministry was aware of the need to develop young talents in the sport.
“We are willing to provide appropriate assistance to help them develop their potential and achieve more success at the international stage, especially in competitions recognised by international sports bodies,” he said at a press conference.
He added that Yeoh and Poh were Malaysia’s future in the chess arena and hoped they would continue to make the nation proud.
Recounting how he defeated Slovakian grandmaster Lubomic Ftacnik, Poh said he was able to capitalise on a few early mistakes made by his opponent, thus allowing him to earn himself the respectable title of FIDE (International Chess Federation) master.
Poh started playing chess when he was just six years old.
Meanwhile, Yeoh successfully bested his opponent during the same meet in India, which was held from July 28 to Aug 9, and earned himself a second grandmaster norm title.
The 23-year-old requires just one more grandmaster norm title to attain the grandmaster title — a feat he aims to achieve within the next two or three years.
“I only have a few years to achieve this before I finish my studies and start working,” said Yeoh.
The 23-year-old explained that it would become more difficult to attain the title as chess players mature into working adults, leaving them less time to improve on their game.
Both Poh and Yeoh also competed in the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, with Yeoh earning himself a gold in the men’s division while Poh made his debut. - FMT
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