Farid succeeds from modest beginnings
Farid succeeds from modest beginnings
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Although Farid Firmansyah did not emerge the overall champion in the Enerpac War Among the Junior Masters championships that ended on Wednesday, he has reason to be proud.
Farid, 11, was one of four juniors to earn a National Master title, and he also overcame older rival Nurul Huda in a sudden death rapid chess match.
"I'm pleased to have the title but I would have been happier to be the champion," Farid said.
His story was also special -- warranting a feature on Antara news service and a glowing media release from the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) -- because of his modest background.
His parents Abrori and Amaroh run a sidewalk cigarette kiosk adjacent to Grand Master Utut Adianto's chess academy in Bekasi, where the tournament was held.
A fan of soccer player Alessandro del Piero, Farid would play with Utut's proteges Susanto Megaranto and Taufik Halay on an empty field next to the chess school. GM Susanto, himself still a teenager, and Taufik invited Farid to play chess with them about six years ago.
His serious approach to the game and talent were noticed by Percasi, which enrolled him in the chess school in 1999.
The association's secretary-general, Sebastian Simanjuntak, was impressed by Farid's recent performance, especially in overcoming opponents several years older than him.
"It would be difficult to face much older opponents if he didn't have a innate talent, so even though he finished fifth with a score of 6.5, Farid did extraordinarily well."
Sebastian added that Farid would be included on the national junior team for the Asian junior championships in Singapore beginning on Dec. 11.
"I'll be happy if I really do get to go overseas," the junior high school student said with a smile.
Sebastian praised Farid as an example of how talent and hard work can overcome the deficiencies of the cash-strapped national sports system.
"This shows that whoever we are, we can achieve our dreams if we are serious and dedicated, so don't put too much hope and emphasis on facilities."