BEFORE MAVERICK...

Several things to observe during next week’s Maverick.

Number of contestant.
Previous tournament (Renegade), it was a huge success, a sold out (Concert terms), a box office (film terms), a knock out (boxing term) or what stock market punter called it as ‘fully oversubscribed’. It is interesting to see whether Maverick could repeat the same success...

I personally feel there is no problem for Maverick to pull in at least 60 players due to IM Mas factor and as a warm up tournament before National Closed.

IM Mas Hafizul
It is interesting to see Mas back in action in local weekend tournament and to see whether he will have mercy against his opponent ala Ian Udani who occasionally draw his last round game when assured of 1st placing or is Mas going to be ‘Ziaur Rahman’ and will aim for perfect score, nothing less?

Also his choice of openings, will it be his usual stuff... Ruy Lopez Exchange, Standard Najdorf or Grand Prix attack or will he play something totally different as suggested by Hairulov (author of How to beat IM Mas for dummies ;) ), English Opening perhaps?

I bet, a wounded and hungry Mas will have no mercy against his opponent and will left other contestant wondering...who’s next to feed to merciless Mas. His choice of opening...well, i think he will stick to his usual arsenal.

Junior vs Senior
Someone told me, in last edition it was dominated by junior....well, result wise it was also dominated by junior with a 4-2 victory (based on top 6 main category prize winner)

Somehow i feel,this time around result wise it will be a 4-2 success for senior.

Question
January...Renegade
February...Maverick
Wonder what is next?

I think it will be Flamboyant...or will it be Swashbuckler?...hmm, maybe a Daredevil...

Whatever it is...good work Najib for adding colour to local chess scene!