THE Penang 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) contingent strengthened its medal haul today after the state’s chess players delivered a brilliant double-gold performance at the tournament in Sabak Bernam, Selangor.
Leading the charge was Penang chess sensation Poh Yu Tian, 17, who clinched gold in the Men’s Individual Standard event with a composed and commanding display on the chessboard.
The second gold came from Penang’s women’s team comprising Kuan Rhe Anne, Nurul Akma, Goh Cai Xuan and Goh Xin Ying, who emerged champions in the Women’s Team Standard event.
The impressive haul was further boosted by Agnes Chong, who secured bronze in the Women’s Individual Standard event, while Lim Feng Wei, Ng Shu Heng, Lim Wei Yang and Ian Yong Je Pin contributed a silver medal in the Men’s Team Standard event.
The four-medal haul namely two golds, one silver and one bronze exceeded the expectations of the Penang contingent, much to the delight of Penang Sukma Deputy Chef de Mission II (DCDM II) See Swee Sie, who is also president of the Penang Chess Association.
“We are very happy as a Penang contingent. We are very, very happy, and it is a collective effort,” she said.
See attributed the success to the strong support from the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), as well as the dedication of the coaches, players and team officials.
“We have very good coaches, a very good team, very good players and very good team spirit.
“So, for today, I think we have exceeded our expectations by winning two golds, one silver and one bronze. We hope to do well tomorrow in the Rapid event, followed by the Blitz event on Aug 18,” she said.
She also expressed her appreciation to Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Penang Sukma Chef de Mission (CDM) Joseph Ng Soon Siang, who is also the Air Itam assemblyman, MSNPP director Harry Chai Heng Hua, the entire MSNPP team, team managers, coaches and athletes for their unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Penang chess contingent team manager Looi Xin Hao believes the best could yet be to come, with the team targeting at least another two gold medals from tomorrow’s Rapid event.
“Our overall target is six gold medals, so hopefully we can contribute another two or more golds tomorrow,” he said.
For Yu Tian, today’s victory was another important step towards his ambitious Sukma campaign.
“I’m very happy, but I know there is still a lot to do,” said the teenager, who has set his sights on winning five gold medals at this edition of Sukma.
“I still have four golds to get, in the Blitz and Rapid events, and then we have the Esports chess. So, I think this is just a good step,” he said.
Yu Tian, who won three gold medals at the previous Sukma in Sarawak, said his latest triumph had given him added confidence as he pursues an even bigger medal haul this time around.
Behind his success is a disciplined training routine built around balancing chess with his studies.
“I follow a fixed schedule, and my coach also prepares and analyses my games to see where my mistakes are,” he said.
He also credited the support of a psychologist in helping him strengthen his mental game, a crucial element in a sport where concentration and composure can determine the outcome of a match.
For Yu Tian, his love affair with chess began when he was just seven years old, and he has been honing his skills ever since.
Asked what it takes to become a good chess player, he offered a simple but telling answer: adaptability and composure.
“You have to be very flexible and adaptable to situations. You also have to be very calm during very intense moments,” he said.
And for young Malaysians considering taking up chess, Yu Tian has an encouraging message.
“It is not easy, but it gives you a lot of advantages. It helps you become very disciplined and hardworking.
“If they want to try it, they should, because it is not just about the sport. It brings a lot of advantages to your studies and life as well,” said Yu Tian.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis