MCF Selection - The last stretch

For the Men section, the 4 IM were paired together with IM Mas facing IM Mok and IM Jimmy playing against IM Yee Weng. Based on the scores as of Round 8, it is certain that IM Mas Hafizul will qualify for the National squad and his last round draw with IM Mok cemented his position as the top player in the country. With 5.5 points each, both IM Jimmy and IM Yee Weng also settled for a quick draw to earned themselves the next 2 spots in the squad.

The last position in the Men squad rest on Sumant Subramaniam who has 5.5 points and a draw in the last round would sealed the last spot for the National squad. However, if he losses and former National Master Kamalariffin won against his last round opponent, then the two of them would fight it out to earn the 4th spot in the National squad.

For the Women section, its a nail bitting finish with top leaders WFM Nur Najiha and Camilia Johari, both with 6 points, going against contenders NWM Tan Li Ting and Puteri Rifqah Fahada, both with 5 points. A win for Li Ting and Rifqah will create a 4 way ties between the 4 aspiring juniors. To add more drama to the situation. WCM Nur Nabila is also having 5 points and Fong Mi Yen in the middle of it all with 5.5 points. With only 4 spots available, it may come as a surprise if 6 players tie for the top spots and a playoff shall ensue to pick the top 4 for the National squad.

Whilst Fong Mi Yen may have the easier route (she is playing against the young Puteri Munajjah) and Nabila (she is going against Sarika Subramaniam), nothing is certain as both their opponents have the capability to produce upsets. Foe the Women section, its going right down the wire....

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