Students showcase intellectual prowess at Varsity Chess Championship 2024

The team representing UTAR

The Varsity Chess Championship (VChC) 2024, a distinguished event in the university chess circuit, was held from 12 to 15 June 2024 at Dewan Bankuasi, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Jointly organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and UMS, the championship brought together university chess teams from across Malaysia, offering a platform for students to demonstrate their strategic acumen and intellectual prowess.

UTAR was represented by a team of four talented athletes, namely Foundation in Arts student Yeoh Yuan Hui; Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours student Yugenn Dusanthran; Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Honours student Chew Zhi Qi; and Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours student Lee Zi Yi. The team was managed by Puan Norhidayah Hamsah, Assistant Manager of the Department of Student Affairs (Sports & Recreation Unit) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

Overall 1st Runner-up team: UTAR

From left: Dato’ Pekan, Yugenn, Yeoh, Chew, Lee, Ms Norhidayah, En Ahmadi

The UTAR team competed in two categories: Men IPT - Blitz and Men IPT - Rapid, delivering impressive performances in both. In the Men IPT - Blitz category, Yeoh achieved 1st Runner-up and was awarded a cash prize of RM300, a medal, and a certificate; Lee secured 4th place, earning a cash prize of RM100, a medal, and a certificate; and Chew finished in 7th place, receiving a cash prize of RM50, a medal, and a certificate.

In the Men IPT - Rapid category, Yeoh again earned 1st Runner-up, with a cash prize of RM400, a medal, and a certificate; Lee took 6th place, with a cash prize of RM50, a medal, and a certificate; and Chew secured 9th place, earning a cash prize of RM50, a medal, and a certificate.

Overall, the UTAR team secured the 1st Runner-up position, earning a cash prize of RM500 and a trophy. This remarkable accomplishment underscored the team’s dedication and strategic expertise.

The participation of the UTAR team in the Varsity Chess Championship 2024 was marked by outstanding performances and significant achievements. Each athlete exhibited exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship, contributing to the team’s overall success. The championship also provided a valuable opportunity for the athletes to gain competitive experience and build camaraderie with peers from various universities.

(Clockwise, from top left) 1st Runner-up Men IPT – Rapid: Yeoh Yuan Hui; 6th place Men IPT – Rapid: Lee Zi Yi; and 9th place Men IPT – Rapid: Chew Zhi Qi

The closing ceremony and prize-giving event were graced by the presence of Ybhg Dato’ Dr Pekan bin Ramli, Deputy Secretary of the Strategic Planning Section, Sports Ministry of Higher Education, and En Ahmadi bin Nurdin, Director of the Sports Centre. Their attendance highlighted the importance of such events in promoting intellectual sports and fostering a spirit of healthy competition among university students.

In summary, the Varsity Chess Championship 2024 was a resounding success for the UTAR team. The team’s commendable individual and collective performances in both the Blitz and Rapid categories culminated in an impressive 1st Runner-up position overall, showcasing their exceptional talent and commitment to the sport of chess.

Group photo of participants at the event