IndonesiaBase

Zonal 11 Chess Tournament was to select two representatives to the Interzonal. At the final stage Chinese players played ‘I let you win’. This unethical play damaged the tournament to the extent of beyond repairable. Prof Max Arie Wotulo, the President of FIDE Zonal 11, had no choice other than declaring that the final stage was void.

The event was held at the city of Batam, Kepulauan Riau province. We could call it a festival instead of a championship with total participants close to 600 players. It was strange to find out that U18G and U20G sections lacked of interests. The two had to merge into one with separate calculations for the winners.

What makes Cerdas Barus a unique chess player is not only he is a GM but he is deaf. Originally he hailed from Kabanjahe, Tanah Karo, a land known for a tradition of producing many excellent chess players such as Si Tumbuk, Narsar Karo-Karo, Merlep Ginting, Monang Sinulingga, to name a few.

Sandy Kurniawan, 2005 U20 National Champion, won the open section while Gerhana Ch Kartina dominated the girls. It was worth noting that many talented young players swarmed the event. Surya, Satibi, Gokok, Taufanadhie, Priambodo, Masruri, Gerhana, Yemi, and Chelsie all soon became national champions in their respective age group.

Utut Adianto Wahyuwidayat played Judit Polgár in six rapid games. After four rounds Judit seemed to cruise to easy win with one point lead and two blindfold games to spare. To everyone’s surprise Utut showed his rare talent in blindfold and beat Judit in the last game. The match ended with a tie, 3-3.

Sofia Polgár played three best Indonesian women chess players Maria Lucia Ratnasari Sulistya, Upi Darmayana Tamin, and Lisa Karlina Lumongdong. Despite rating gaps, Sofia failed to play up to her billing. She managed to beat Upi Tamin but failing to win the others. She even slumped to defeat to Lisa Lumongdong.

We have controversies surrounding the first Indonesia National Championship. Some say that the event was held at Semarang 1952. The others point out to a championship at Solo 1953. We are going to follow the latter since it is officially approved by Percasi (Indonesian Chess Federation).