Mohd Khairul Afiq wins Bumiputera individual category of Chinese chess competition

Hii (second right) presenting the Bumiputera Individual category championship trophy and a mock cheque to Mohd Khairul while others look on.

KUCHING, Dec 9: Mohd Khairul Afiq was crowned the Bumiputera Individual category champion in the Xiang Qi Sarawak Cup 2021.

Mohd Khairul beat nine other competitors, topping the table with a total of 5 points after five rounds, winning prize money amounting to RM1,500 for his efforts.

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, who is representing the minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the ministry will continue to fully support the Xiang Qi competition.

“I am very happy that this event has won the participation of non-Chinese compatriots.

“Congratulations to all the winning players; I also hope that the losing players will not be discouraged,” he said during the closing ceremony for the championship held at a hotel here today.

Hii also hopes that the competition will help promote Chinese culture so that more people can have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through chess.

In the Bumiputera individual category, Howard was the 1st runner-up with 3 points, followed by Muhd Faris Hamizan as the 2nd runner-up also with 3 points.

In the Team Open category, Team Kuching A emerged as the champion with a total score of 4.5 points, followed by Team Lanang as the 1st runner-up scoring 4.0 points, and Team Poh Kwong Park as the 2nd runner-up with 4.5 points. — DayakDaily