Blog GilaChess

Grandmaster Sivuk Vitaly who last won the previous Johor Open in 2019 is sharing the lead going into the last round with Grandmaster Priasmoro Novendra. Both have 6 and a half points after 8 rounds.

In clear 3 place is GM Nguyen Duc Hoa who has 6 points. Following closely from 4th to 10 place respectively are IM Yeoh Li Tian, IM Harikrishnan A Ra, FM Banh Gia Huy, GM Barsov Alexei, GM Bui Vinh, FM Kurniawan Muhamad Agus and IM Sadikin Irwanto.

 My room mate is FM Yeap Eng Cheam and I jokingly asked him when I saw him whether he beat GM SIvuk Vitaly whom he was paired against in Round 2. I thought he was joking he replied "Yes". He wasn't joking. He didn't just beat any GM but this year's Penang Open top seed and playing the Black pieces too.