A Knight’s Gambit in Kuala Lumpur
August 8–11, 2019 | Astro Merdeka Rapid Open Team Championship
This wasn’t your typical travel story. It was an unexpected opening, a mid-game twist, and a chaotic but unforgettable endgame — all set against the urban charm of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The adventure began with a message from my twin brother, who was in Oriental Mindoro at the time. He asked me to book a ticket to Malaysia ASAP — we were supposed to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Astro Merdeka Rapid Open Team Championship 2019. Being the die-hard chess enthusiast that I am, I didn’t hesitate. No questions, no blink — just pure instinct and a swipe of my BDO credit card
.
Flight booked. Bags packed. Chess spirit? Lit.
Checkmate Before the First Move?
When I finally arrived at the tournament venue, I was hit with a hard reality — our team didn’t exist. My twin had a falling-out with a local chess official, which left us stranded — no teammates, no registration, no backup plan.
But in true Asi fashion, we didn’t fold.
Instead, we roamed. Met legendary Filipino players — GMs, WGMs, IMs, FMs, and other national masters. Their encouragement and energy made the setback a little lighter. We explored nearby attractions in Kuala Lumpur, soaking up culture between nervous sighs and hopeful glances at the tournament board.
Then Came the Twist…
Just minutes before the start of Round 1, a Malaysian lady — a tournament lifesaver — approached us. She asked for our names. She said, “You can join our team — just cover a bit of the cost.”
We agreed. Instantly. Like two chess pieces finally moving after being stuck for too long.
PAMA 2 was our team name. It sounded like power... but what followed was a comedy of missed chances.
The Battle (and the Blunder)
We fought. Oh, how we fought.
Unfortunately, our teammates from other countries didn’t score a single win across all eight rounds. Yes, you read that right — zero. Zilch. A statistical nightmare.
But every dark board has its highlight — and that was my twin brother, who clinched a bronze medal on Board 2 by scoring 6.5 out of 8. A clutch performance amid chaos. Props to you, bro!
Three Moves Ahead: Lessons Learned
Form your team ahead of time. Don’t play roulette with your roster.
Bring extra funds. Hidden costs always lurk behind the clock.
Study the venue online. Know where you’re going before you land — chess isn’t the only game you’ll be playing.
Final Thought:
We came for victory. We left with stories, memories, and battle scars only real tournaments can give. That’s chess — and that’s life. Not always the position you expected, but always a game worth playing.
Until the next move.
—
Arena International Master
Joselito Bandelaria Asi
Lessons learned:
1) Form a team ahead of time.
2) Bring additional funds for other expenses.
3) Scan the venue through the internet for some vital information.
Sharing with you some light moments with the Philippines chess experts
Asi brothers with Jollibee
UE Players: Erwin Tabor, E. Asi, GM Nelson Mariano II, and J. Asi
GM-elect Haridas Pascua with Asi twins
Asean Chess Academy tarp with E. Asi
Asi brothers with WGM Janelle Mae Frayna
IM John Marvin Miciano, et. al.
Roberto Suelo, Jr., et. al.
GM Darwin Laylo, GM-elect Ronald Dableo, et. al.
Emmanuel Emperado, et. al.
Philippines - GM Joey Antonio, et. al.
Philippines - 2nd Place led by Haridas Pascua and Emmanuel Senador
Board 2 Bronze Medalist - Emmanuel Asi
UE Players (L-R): Robert Gene Mariano, Ronald Castro,
Malik Faizal, Emmanuel Asi, and Joselito Asi
P.S.
A word of gratitude to GM Nelson Mariano (who is now a resident of Singapore) for extending us help, to all the UE players who were there, and to all the Filipino players for making our lives easy and fine.
