Taufik earns Norm National Master title

Taufik earns Norm National Master title

JAKARTA (JP): Young Taufik Hilai gained the Norm National
Master chess title by collecting five victory (VP) points in the
eighth round of the Enerpac Fair Play championship at Bekasi on
Wednesday.

Taufik, who holds the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi)
Master title, earned the distinction by defeating Fide Master
Kasmiran in the 68th move, using the King Hindu defense.

Based on Percasi's regulations, any player holding the Percasi
Master title and collecting five victory points is automatically
promoted to a Norm National Master. This title is one below the
norm title.

Should he earn more victory points, Taufik would take the
National Master title.

The Enerpac Fair Play event continued on Thursday and ends on
Friday. Results from Thursday's matches were not available at
press time.

The tournament, being played at Utut Adianto's chess school,
is divided into Group A, comprising players above the national
elo rating of 2,200, and Group B, of players with an elo rating
below 2,200.

Utut is the country's Super Grand Master. There is a total
cash prize of Rp 9 million to the winners of groups A and B.
About 182 players are competing in the tournament.

Until the eighth round, International Master Danny Kuswanto
was still leading with 6.5 VP. Danny beat NM Firman Simbolon in
the 45th move of the Sicilian defense.

NM Suyud Hartoyo is in second place while IM Cerdas Barus is
in third. Suyud, Cerdas, NM Arthur Paat and IM Salor Sitanggang,
all scored 6 VP.

Suyud and Cerdas drew in Wednesday's match. Cerdas again drew
with Arthur in the 42nd move of the Queen Hindu defense.

Salor collected victories against Grand Master Ardiansyah and
NM Cecep Kosasih.

Taufik, who is in Group B, plays NM Haryadi Sucipto in the
ninth round on Thursday. Danny, in Group A, meets Salor.

NM Agus Subroto leads Group B, followed by Rosita Latif, Andy
S., Sidi Kuswanto and Arnadi. (lnt)