The ‘game of kings’ finally has an heir apparent right here at Quest International University!
Chess, historically the province of global nobility, is a mind sport without parallel. Behind the gentle clicking of wooden pieces on a black-and-white chequered board are brilliant minds locked in a supreme battle of wits and strategy, where the winner takes all and no prisoners.
One such prodigious talent is our Bachelor of Arts TESL freshman, Vinod A/L Selva Raja, who recently topped the podium in the IPT (higher education) category at the recently concluded UTAR Chess Open Competition 2024.
He persevered through seven gruelling rounds – where the slightest dip in concentration could have cost the tournament – to prevail over opponents from hosts UTAR, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, TAR University of Management and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, among others.
But winning first place was no easy feat in a tough field of seasoned contenders and razor-sharp debutants. In Vinod’s own words, “round after round, I found myself pushed to the limit, scrapping through tight endgames and barely surviving aggressive attacks. It was mentally tiring, but the satisfaction of making the correct move at the right time kept me going.”
Vinod is no stranger to making waves in the local chess scene. Drawn to the game on the cusp of his teens, he soon began competing in national tournaments for under-18s, racking up wins that placed him in the vanguard of future Malaysian chess professionals. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and put the brakes on his momentum, one he hopes to regain after re-entering the competition circuit this year.
Time away from the heat of battle has only firmed his resolve to excel at chess and make his mark on the game he loves, not just for himself but for the local chess community that has nurtured him since he was 13:
“In five years, I envision myself as one of Malaysia’s best chess players, competing at the highest level and always pushing my limits in national and international events.”
“My mission is to achieve on a personal level and contribute to the chess community as a coach. I hope to encourage and coach the next generation of players by sharing my knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm for the game.”
Well done, Vinod! We are proud to celebrate yet another champion in our midst. Continue to persevere on the hard road to glory and all your efforts will unquestionably bear fruit.
