The Penang Open Chess Tournament, a prestigious event in the Malaysian chess calendar, has seen several venue changes over the years, each bringing its own set of challenges and opportunities. Initially, the tournament was held at the Red Rock Hotel, a venue known for its spacious halls and comfortable amenities. The vast halls of the Red Rock Hotel provided ample space for both the Open and Challengers sections, allowing players to compete in a comfortable and conducive environment. The hotel’s facilities, including better desks and chairs, contributed to a positive experience for participants and spectators alike.
The other advantage was of course the hall and the hotel rooms were in the same building which was super convenient.
However, in recent years, the Penang Open moved to St. Xavier’s Institution, a historic school in Penang. The main reason was because of cost as after Covid, Red Hotel raised the hall rental to 3 times more than what it costed before Covid. While the school boasts a large hall, the overall area is smaller compared to the Red Rock Hotel. This necessitated the splitting of the Open and Challengers sections into separate areas, which some participants found less than ideal. The division of the tournament into different sections created logistical challenges and affected the overall atmosphere of the event. Needless to say the quality of players did suffer. In the past we saw future Indian superstars like Arjun Erigaisi gracing the Penang Open as well as several juniors just before they became GMs.
One of the primary concerns raised by participants was the limited space in the Open section. The smaller area made it difficult for players to move around comfortably, and the proximity of the tables sometimes led to distractions. Additionally, the use of school furniture, including desks and chairs, was seen as suboptimal by many players. The school desks and chairs, designed for students, were not as comfortable or suitable for long hours of intense chess matches. This led to complaints about the quality of the playing conditions, with some players expressing dissatisfaction with the overall setup with one commenting it felt like playing in a school level MSSM event.
Despite these challenges, the move to St. Xavier’s Institution also brought some positive aspects. The school’s central location in Penang made it easily accessible for local participants and visitors. The historic ambiance of the school added a unique charm to the tournament, creating a memorable experience for those who attended. Moreover, the school hall’s acoustics and lighting were generally well-received, contributing to a pleasant playing environment.
The organizers of the Penang Open have been responsive to feedback from participants and have made efforts to address the concerns raised. They have explored options to improve the playing conditions, such as upgrading the furniture and optimizing the layout of the playing areas. Additionally, they have considered alternative venues that could offer a better balance between space, comfort, and accessibility.
In conclusion, the Penang Open Chess Tournament’s move from the Red Rock Hotel to St. Xavier’s Institution has been a mixed experience for participants. While the new venue has its advantages, including a central location and historic charm, the smaller space and suboptimal furniture have posed challenges. The organizers’ commitment to addressing these issues and enhancing the tournament experience is commendable.
This year’s change of venue to UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College is most welcomed by me and other players I am sure.
