This chess tournament was held in Kitchener, Ontario. A lot of high-rated players showed up there. Promising players like Razvan Preotu; Praveen; Christopher Wu…. came. Most players participating this tournament are rated over 2000 (Fide). Before I went to the tournament, I knew it would be very difficult.
We packed a lot of things, as we will be staying in Kitchener for 6 days long. The trip took 8 hours, and we, this time my parents and me, as always, survived because of the Onroute Stations. When I was stuck in the car, all what I could do was sleeping, and, sleeping. Sometimes I looked out of the window, hoping that I could see sheep or horses. It would be really awesome if that is really happening. We arrived Kitchener around 3 PM. But one thing after another, we were late for the first round even if it started at 5PM.
Our hotel room was awesome. There were 2 separate rooms with one giant desk in each room and 2 mini-TVs. There was a bathroom and a mini-kitchen where there was a fridge and a microwave.
Round 1: VS Tony Lin
I was 12 minutes late and had no ideas about the rules. That probably was part of the reasons that I lost the game. I tried to do the least thing that may be suspicious (arguably), until some moves after, I finally understood the rules. I was even not familiar with his opening, and he looked like someone who is really good at chess.
However, after I reviewed the game and gave it a second-thought, I realized that I could have changed the result. At best I could have won, at worst, I could have managed a draw. My mom told me I should always ask the arbiter about the rules (whenever I am not sure about anything related to the games). She is right, I probably just acted too passively. When it comes to the tournament, one must be serious about the details. Being lazy is not a perfect excuse, not even close.
Round 2: VS Eugene Hua (Win)
I got a revenge! Before the game, I thought a winning would be a mission impossible as he beat me in CYCC and his CFC rating is over 2100. But why not fight for it? I had nothing to lose!
Round 3: VS Jason Cai (Draw) 2046
His name reminds me of another strong player: Jason Cao, who is playing in this tournament too. At the time that the second round started, I did not know which Jason was stronger. In the middle game, he proposed a draw, which I declined. But after a few moves, I realized that he was right: it WAS a draw. I am very proud of myself that I drew against a player rated 2046.
Round 4: VS Samuel Fei He (Draw) 2083
That is what I was saying about the majority being over 2000. I knew this game would be difficult. However, this game finished off pretty quickly. I also have a feeling that I could have won in the end.
Round 5: VS Daniel Ming He 2174
Shocking! He and Samuel are twins. When he showed up and sat down in front of me, I was about to say: hey, bro, we have already played this morning! But then I saw his name and immediately knew he was the other twin. Rating-wise, his is higher than his brother. I lost the game, which made him the highest rated player that I played in this tournament. I still feel a little bit sad about this, even now.
Round 6: VS Ming WenYang (Draw) 1834
I heard about him somewhere and they said he was good. I did not check his rating and thought his must be over 2000. But I drew! I guess I cannot trust what other people say. Rumors are way too distracting. I really need to focus on the game itself. I have a feeling that this round might be the worst game that I had in the entire tournament. I could have nailed it. But for some reason, I did not. But after this round, I finally think I can handle it, I mean playing against all the high-rated players.
Round 7: VS Guo Thomas (Win) 1664
He played in CYCC as well and his performance turned out pretty good. I saw a super good tactic during the game, I seized it and tuned it into a win. I was really proud of myself!
Round 8: VS Nasir Zehn (Draw) over 2000
You will get the idea when you see the picture: he is a tall and physically fit guy (very strong I believe). He is good in chess as well. I did no really have many chances in the game. Then there was a position where it is a draw (99% sure) and I offered a draw, but he did not accept it. Probably he did not want to draw against me.
Round 9: VS Zotkin Daniel (Draw) 1947
I have always wanted, in this tournament, to play against him. I saw him taking a Tylenol during a game. His FQE rating is 2107. He used his MonRoi to record the game instead of the scoresheet. Monroi is better for that purpose, but those who don’t know what it is might think he is cheating.
Summary:
I did a total of 5 draws! My best record! (maybe not necessary to keep this record : )) In the end I scored 4.5/9, which is pretty good in a prestigious tournament like this one. The prize for first place is IM title and 1 GM norm. In case you don’t know:
-You need 3 GM norms to be officially a GM
For me, I am progressing on the path. Right now, I don’t even have a FIDE rating. But after this game, I am pretty confident that I will get a not too bad FIDE rating as a starter. See you Next Year, North America Youth U20 Championship! No matter where you are next year, I am coming for you!
Playing against Eugene:
VS Jason Cai:
I have no idea what I was doing there:
Twins:
Thomas Guo:
Now you get the idea he is a really fit guy:
With HONG Rui Zhu: a very promising player; my mom talks about basically everyday:
A different angle of a photographer:
Last Round: with the arbiter in the second photo:
On our way back home, there was heavy traffic. But good things came with it as well: rainbows! Single Rainbow; double rainbow; rainbows everywhere….. My mom asked me to make a wish before the double rainbows disappear; which I did. And hopefully my wish will become true, Deep down, I know for sure it will come true soon.
