A unique chess event

A unique chess event

Written by Margrete Sveinsdatter Rydjord

Photos by Alex Janu

Friday 6^th of October, NBAS hosted, together with Simonsen Vogt Wiig law firm, a special chess event at the Norwegian Ambassador Anita Nergaards´ residence. Simonsen Vogt Wiig law firm brought the World Champion Magnus Carlsen to Singapore.

Carlsen played against 16 other players simultaneously, both local Singaporeans and Norwegians. We talked with Tom Hellebø, CEO of Edge Group Singapore, who was going to play against Carlsen.

• —I just bought a book, and I am going to put it next to my chess board. The title of the book is “How to be lucky in chess”. I think maybe Magnus needs it, says Hellebø jokingly.

The author and chess historian Olimpiu G. Urcan also attended the event as a player.

• —I would say it's a fantastic event, unique in Singapore. Having the reigning world champion here is always something extremely special, says Urcan.

The game begins

Carlsen begins his first round, and the atmosphere changes. The silence is a complete contrast to the heavy rain dominating outdoors. After one hour and fifteen minutes, the last opponent resigns and leaves Carlsen undefeated this evening.

NBAS talked to Carlsen after the match:

• —There were many interesting games. I love the fact that so many chess-playing Singaporeans and Norwegians came here today, says Carlsen.

He mentions Goh Wei Ming Kevin as one of the best players. Goh is an International Master, with two grandmaster norms, and 6-time national champion of Singapore in Classical Chess.

• —I`ve been to a lot of chess events. This is a really nice setup, very classy and just awesome, says Goh enthusiastic.

Business recommendations?

On top of being a World Champion, Carlsen also runs his own company. He advises Norwegians to do well in their respective fields, as he is doing in chess. Carlsen mentions that his company has stakes within several areas - not only in the application Play Magnus. But for now, the focus is in chess.

Want to read more about the event?

Chess legacy is a Magnus opus

Magnus Carlsen's Singapore Simultaneous Exhibition - an astounding show of speed and precision!

Too fast, too strong: Carlsen's Singapore simul

Carlsen gjorde reint bord i Singapore