Poh Yu Tian, a 15-year-old chess prodigy, has become Malaysia’s youngest International Master (IM) after triumphing at the 8th East Asian Youth Chess Championship (EAYCC). He clinched the title by defeating John Dave Lavandero of the Philippines in the Under-18 Open category.
Yu Tian’s victory not only earned him a rating of 2,429 but also made him the 10th Malaysian to achieve the IM title and the third from Penang.
His impressive performance included winning the rapid event and participating in the Blitz event, culminating in the inaugural PMX Cup.
At the EAYCC closing ceremony, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Nuha Anwar, presented the trophy to Yu Tian.
Additionally, four other Malaysian players were recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Ainul Mardhiah Afif earned the Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) title after winning the under-14 female category. Kavin Mohan received the Chess Master (CM) title for his second-place finish in the Open under-14 category. Chow Yi Chen and Yap Ray Jin, who finished second and third respectively in the Open under-10 category, also earned CM titles.
“MCF congratulates all our bright young stars who have made the nation proud. We look forward to many more accolades that they and other potential Malaysian stars will achieve in the future. Malaysia Boleh!” the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) said.
