AN OUTSTANDING success, yesterday's 1st Brunei Internet Chess Blitz held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 62nd birthday celebrations attracted 418 players from around the world including 20 grandmasters.

According to the Internet Chess Club which linked up with the Brunei Chess Centre at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas and the Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) Chess Centre in Seria to host the 13-round 30 blitz competition, the event's participation was unbelievably high and was one of the biggest it had hosted.

Putting the sultanate firmly on the chess map, Brunei Chess Federation (BCF) president Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Mohd Ali attributed the tournament's large global turnout to the fact that it was held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 62nd birthday celebrations.

"BCF also made history today (Tuesday) because for the first time ever (in Brunei) a national sporting association has incorporated information and communication technology (ICT) in its tournament," he said.

One of the top names that competed in yesterday's event was American grandmaster (GM) Hikaru Nakamura, who is the fourth highest rated Under-21 player in the world and the youngest American master reaching the milestone at the age of 10 years and two and a half months.

Another world-class player was American GM Varuzhan Akobian, the 2008 Chicago Open champion and titleholder of Australia's premier chess competition, the Doeberl Cup.

"I am extremely surprised that so many high quality players participated and I think it might be because since the tournament is organised in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 62nd birthday celebrations, people consider it to be very prestigious," said Zainal.

With a total purse of US$6,500 (B$8,746), Category A (international players) was clinched by Russia's international master (IM) Arthur Gabrielyan with 11.5 points, receiving US$1,500.

Category B (restricted to Brunei Darussalam players) was won by Federation Internationale des Echecs master (FM) Yee Soon Wei with 8.5 points, competing from the BSRC Chess Centre.

The runner-up and second runner-up for both categories were not available as of Press time.

"I never expected to win Category B as my aim was just to play my best," said the 19-year-old Yee, who won a return air ticket to Singapore. Picking up the sport five years ago, Yee ranked 43rd out of the 418 competitors.The Brunei Times