BCF launches 1st ‘Internet Chess Blitz’
By Amie PDH Ishak & Jon Tampoi
The Brunei Chess Federation (BCF) yesterday held the first Brunei Internet Chess Blitz in conjunction with His Majesty’s 62nd Birthday Celebration at the Brunei Chess Centre in Berakas.
Present as the guest of honour to launch the tournament was BCF President, Awg Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Mohd Ali.
In his speech, the guest of honour said, “Today’s chess blitz serves to highlight Brunei’s role as a host to prestigious chess events and also to promote the Sultanate as a potential tourist hotspot.
“However, this tournament represents a major achievement for BCF as it is in line with the federation’s aspiration to accelerate the development of the sport domestically. BCF also made history in incorporating information and communications in the international tournament.
“The inaugural Brunei Internet Chess Blitz will commence at the strike of two at Brunei local time, all over the world. Using the Internet as a forum to conduct the tournament allows Brunei talents of all ages to connect and compete with their international counterparts regardless of time and distance,” he added.
“With technology to aid players in gaining experience in the sport, I believe it will draw more local players to participate and hence, further enhance the game of chess in the Sultanate.
“In addition, with our club motto of ‘More Kids, More Chess, More Fun’, BCF hopes that the local youth will seize this opportunity and make full use of what the sport has to offer.
“I am a firm believer that chess players gain more than just an aptitude for strategy and critical thinking. One learns the importance of teamwork, discipline and developing good character, among other positive values,” he added.
Here is the full article.
Where is Brunei?
I remember that the Sultan of Brunei was the richest man in the world above Bill Gates a few years ago! (due to oil)
wow such a large prize fund – a fund this large , is irresponsible spending
hope it doesnt put a squeeze on the economy over there –
I wonder what the Sultan of Brunei’s view of chess is? It must be positive otherwise he could just dissallow it. Maybe the prize funds could go through the roof with his interest. How does the system work there- I saw a recent article that the Sultan brought in a new law to say that he is infallible : http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2006/03/09/brunei/
“His Majesty the Sultan … can do no wrong in either his personal or any official capacity,” reads the document.
“No person shall publish or reproduce in Brunei or elsewhere any part of proceedings … that may have the effect of lowering or adversely affecting directly or indirectly the position, dignity, standing, honour, eminence or sovereignty of His Majesty the Sultan.”
He is clearly above the law there.
Having been the richest man in the world he must take a lot out of the economy there for himself.
I just want to know whar happened-where are the results?!