As CM Dr Lyndon Bouah continues to reflect, he shared about how struck he was by the unique experiences that made his journey so memorable in the recent chess event. From the strict security measures to the relaxed dress code, every aspect of the event was a surprise according to him.
He expressed “Upon arrival, I was required to leave my watch and pen in the room, including my trusty lucky pen. However, this did not deter me from enjoying the event. In fact, I was fascinated by the diverse dress code, which ranged from formal attire to casual wear, including one player who wore socks and flip-flops with a potato in his sock!
The event was a melting pot of cultures, with teams from around the world participating. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with players from different countries, including five brothers from the USA who were a delight to chat with. We exchanged gifts, such as wire animals, and shared stories about our experiences.”
One of the highlights of the event was meeting legendary chess players like GM Shabalov and Paul Littlewood, whose tactics book he mentioned to use till date.
In the tournament with each round, the excitement builds as they won against England four;
Dr Lyndon expressed about how he was inspired by players like WGM Katya Toma who scored 9.5/11 as he navigated the tournament, she was said to have overcome setbacks and improved her game. She reportedly had the highest score ever by a woman at the SA Open. She has subsequently moved to England and now represents England at international events. She just lost on tiebreak last month at the England national Championship and will represent England in Budapest, Hungary.
WGM Katya Toma played for Steinitz a few years ago, she beat Grandmaster Keith Arkell in a lovely sacrificial game. Her advice resonated with me: “Improvement is still possible…it’s always a good idea to do something kind for yourself!”
In conclusion, he said “Overall, my experience at the chess event was unforgettable. With each round, the excitement built, and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Our team’s win against England four was a highlight, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented players”.
Read the full reflections and experience by Dr Lyndon Bouah in the document attached and stay tuned for more updates from this captivating chess journey.
