Blog GilaChess

The buzz is over for the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang. Over 400 players, lots of action. But among all the noise and excitement, two young brothers have been quietly making a big impression. That's because for most of the event, you'd have to "bump" into them because their seats were right at the entrance of the playing hall. Fixed table numbers.

The two brothers, Too Pi He, who’s 11, and his 13-year-old brother Pi Cheng, are both in wheelchairs,  and this is their story.

Mickey looks on as Pi He waits for his opponent to move

A Life That Took a Turn

Okay, so—both boys were born healthy. Nothing out of the ordinary at first. But then, somewhere around one and a half years old, their muscles started weakening. Mobility went downhill fast. Their spines are now severely curved too. No official diagnosis yet—doctors think it's genetic.

It’s not just them, either. Two of their older sisters have the same condition. Only the eldest sibling seems unaffected. And honestly, what’s amazing is how their aunt, Mickey Too, stepped in. She's been their main caregiver for almost ten years now. That’s a full-time life commitment right there. Major respect.

How Chess Entered the Picture

Obviously, regular sports were out. Mickey thought, Hey, maybe they’ll like chess?. Both boys got into it pretty fast. Mickey started bringing them to tournaments just last year, driving all the way from Kulai, Johor. That’s... not a short drive.

Pi He—he’s in Standard Five at SJKC Lok Yu 2 in Benut, Pontian—already came in second in an Under-12 tourney for physically challenged players. He also got fourth place at a district-level event with more than 200 players. That’s impressive even for a fully able-bodied kid. Pi Cheng’s homeschooled, by the way.

Then Came Coach Jax

In September last year, they were at a tournament in Pekan, Pahang, and that’s where they met Coach Jax Tham. He’s been coaching for 26 years, mostly able-bodied students. This was his first time working with disabled players, and get this—he did it pro bono. Just… offered to help. 

Tham saw they had potential, said they already had the basics. His philosophy? If the kid has passion, just guide them right. Simple. And over the past nine months, he's been helping them improve a lot. Like, they’ve got FIDE ratings now. That’s not easy to get, especially not in less than a year.

Mickey still drives them up to KL about twice a month for coaching. That’s... again, a lot. She doesn’t complain. And just keeps doing it.

More Than Just Chess

What’s really cool is how the boys have changed outside of chess too. Mickey says they used to be super shy—barely talked to people. Now they’re facing off against teens and adults at tournaments like it’s no big deal. Huge confidence boost. 

Coach Jax is in awe of Mickey. "Caring for one physically challenged child is already hard. She’s doing it for two. For years." He’s not wrong. Support like that, makes all the difference.

Looking Ahead

Tham wants to coach them for the next 2–3 years. Long-term plan. He’s hoping they’ll get into Para Sukma, maybe even the Paralympics someday. It’ll depend on their effort, of course. He’s coached players who’ve gone to the Olympics and World Chess Championships, so… he knows what it takes.

And the momentum is there. In March 2025, both brothers did well at the WP Kuala Lumpur Open Circuit 2025 Circuit 3 (FIDE-rated) held at KL Chess Academy. Pi Cheng even won the "Best Para-Athlete" award. That’s a huge deal. Recognition like that means they’re on the radar now.

When asked what advice he’d give to other disabled individuals, Tham said something simple but solid: “If you love something—music, chess, whatever—go all in. Learn it. Be the best you can.”

Final Thought

For me. personally, this story kind of sticks with you. Two boys, facing something most of us can’t even imagine, finding their passion, and chasing it with everything they’ve got. It’s not just about chess. It’s about resilience. And the people behind them—Mickey, Coach Jax—they’re proof that having the right support can move mountains.

Also, amazing is that the brothers played both the standard and rapid event. A gruelling long chess game and the final one was quick chess which is extra challenging. They only skipped the blitz event which is understandable.

Watch these names. Too Pi He. Pi Cheng. You’ll be seeing them again.

Most of the background info was taken from another excellent article about them here:
https://www.buletinmutiara.com/siblings-in-wheelchairs-capture-hearts-at-asean-chess-tournament/