Coach Yip Yong

What do you do currently?
I am currently a college student.

When did you start to play chess?
I started playing chess at 8 years old.

How did you get to know about the chess game?
My mother introduced chess to me when I was a kid, back then I would challenge my brother and neighbour.

Where did you get chess training?
I had my chess training from group chess lessons, chess clubs, and from online chess.

Did you take any chess coaching?
Yes, I’m grateful for the chess coaches that provide guidance for my chess career. 

Why do you continue to play chess?
Chess is like a hobby for me, and winning is addictive.

Is chess more of a passion or has it become a winning symbol to you?
Passion.

Who encourages you to play chess?
Myself.

How many tournaments have you taken part in?
Too many and I have lost count. I would say around 200.

Where did you go to attend chess tournaments?
The majority of the tournaments I participated in were held in Penang, but sometimes I would also travel with my coaches and friends to other states to compete.

Did you attend tournaments with your parents?
When I was small, yes.

What was your biggest win so far?
Here are my achievements:

• MSSM team champion and individual first runner-up.
• MSSPP team champion.
• 4th in 11th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2019 (Challenger Category)

Did you go to International tournaments as well?
Yes, when I was 10 years old, I got 4th in the under-10 boys national age group tournament. I earned my chance to represent Malaysia to take part in an international tournament in Chiang Mai, Bangkok.

What have you gained from the chess game?
Time management skills, self-discipline, and the ability to get up after failures.

What have you gained from joining chess tournaments?
Friends, experiences, and memories.