14th THAILAND Open (11-18 May 2018)

[Andrew Tjon A Ong]

14th Thailand Open 11-18 May 2018

We hereby invite you cordially for the 14th edition of Thailand Open.

Program
Also for 2018 we have tried to put together a very attractive program for you. You can see for yourself what you want to participate in. For example, you can only choose for the tournament, or only Dubai and the tournament in Thailand, or Dubai, Thailand Open and Bangkok.
The program for the events of Thailand Open 2018 is as follows:
4-9 May Dubai tour
11-18 May Thailand Open
19 May Thailand Open Rapid and Blitz championship
May 20-21 Bangkok

Participation
We expect a lot of native Thai draughtsplayers again next year. Checkers on the International board are now starting to get their feet firmly established in Thailand and that will only make the tournament more fun. In addition to the Thai participants, we also expect a lot of draughtsplayers from various Asian countries and of course also from the Netherlands.
The registration fee is € 55. The tournament will again be lost in the beautiful Splendid resort! Stay in this hotel, as in the 2017 edition, will be € 22.50 pp including breakfast buffet and based on a shared double room. For players who do not stay in the player hotel or do not book through the organization there is a surcharge of € 30 euro. The latter is necessary in order to be able to keep e.e.a. affordable. If, like this year, we do not have enough rooms in our player hotel, the hotel will no longer be able to sponsor our tournament, which would mean the end of Thailand Open. We have already had to deal with setbacks, because our main sponsor Tuliphouse has decided to divide its sponsor budget over two events, halving our share, and the other sponsor Ons Moeder has completely disappeared due to the sudden death of the owner. Nevertheless, we try to row with the belts we have, and look forward to an undoubtedly exciting, fun and fun edition of Thailand Open!

Registration is very simple. Sending an email to tjonaong@gmail.com is sufficient or a message to 06-33667244 Andrew Tjon A Ong. Everything can be arranged for you: from flight ticket and hotel reservation to transfers and or Dubai tour.

Tournament
The FMJD tournament calendar is very full. In order not to coincide with, for example, Salou Open and the Worldcuptoernooi in Hungary, which was originally planned for the 20th of May, this edition of Thailand Open has been slightly modified. Thailand Open 2018 will therefore be combined with every other international tournament!

The tournament counts eight rounds according to the Swiss system, with a playing speed of 80 minutes plus 1 minute per move. The tournament has been recognized by the FMJD and according to FMJD regulations will be played. Rating, standards and titles will also be achieved.
Also this year we will have a very full prize pool. It will depend further on the number of participants, but in recent years we had around € 2000 in cash and in addition each round three round prizes, so that it will be interesting for both the world topplayers and the beginners. Everyone is welcome!

The tournament is now finished earlier, but then we have two more tournaments on the program, the Rapid and Blitz Championships. That is specially programmed so that for the Thai draftsmen, who can not take many days off for the main tournament, but would like to measure their strength with other players from other countries, they can easily participate in these tournaments.

After this Rapid and Blitz tournament, the fans will spend the next day two more hours to the bustling Bangkok for the last shopping or excursions and this group will arrive at Schiphol again on Tuesday, May 22nd.

Schedule:
Friday, May 11
19:00 Opening Thailand Open at the Splendid Resort

Saturday, May 12
9:00 Round 1
14:15 Excursion, optional

Sunday, May 13
9:00 Round 2
14:30 Round 3

Monday, May 14
8:00 Round 4
13:30 Excursion, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Cultural Village (optional)

Tuesday, May 15
Day at leisure (rest day)
Day-Excursion, (optional)

Wednesday, May 16
10:00 Round 5
15:30 Round 6

Thursday, May 17
10:00 Round 7
19:00 Evening excursion (optional)

Friday, May 18th
10:00 Round 8
17:00 Closing

Saturday, May 19
10:00 Thailand Open Rapid Championship (optional)
19:00 Thailand Open Blitz Championship (optional)

[Andrew Tjon A Ong]

We have more events on our program of Thailand Open 2018. If you want to join the 14th Thailand Open, and you have some more time, then you can also join our Dubai Roundtrip! Everyone can join this beautiful stop-overtour!

6 Days Tour Dubai/Abu-Dhabi, 4 – 9 May, 2018



Day 01, Friday, May, 4 Arrival in DUBAI.
After arrival in Dubai, Our guide Siraj will welcome us, and he and his driver will bring us to our hotel. We will stay in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Dubaicity.


The most expensive hotel in the world, the Burj al Arab on the leftside in the background

Day 02, Saturday, May 5, DUBAI Dhow Cruise with Dinner
During the day you have free to acclimatize. You can already explore the city or go shopping in the souks or major Malls in Dubai.
At about 19:00hrs you will be picked up for a Dhow Cruise (buffet & incl.diner non alc. Beverages) This romantic excursion sail by moonlight on the Dubai Creek. During this cruise with a traditional Arabic wooden ship, has an enchanting view of the Dubai skyline while enjoying a delicious dinner. The character of the city is an entanglement of modern and traditional. You'll see luxury yachts. Beautiful examples of architecture like the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the spectacular building of the Chamber of Commerce can not pass your sight. But the old wooden dhows, the residence of Sheikh Saeed and the Heritage Village remind you of the past. Dinner and fragrant Arabic coffee are included in this excursion.





Day 03, Sunday, May 6, DUBAI - Dubai City Tour, Palm Islands
This fascinating tour takes you to Dubai City and Palm Islands. Visit to the Goldsoukh, the Mall of Dubai, to see the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, Then we go to the Jumeirah open beach, where we include the most expensive hotel in the world Burj Al Arab view and then we visit the famous Palm Islands.



Day 04, Monday, May 7, DUBAI Day at leisure!
-Dubai has many attractions to see and experience. It is difficult to make everyone happy. One can stroll through the city's nicest, another wants to go shopping in the souks or the gigantic shopping malls visits, while another prefers to beautiful white beach is (Jumeira Open Beach). That is why this day is left open so that everyone can fill it to your own taste. There are a variety of ready-made excursions, which can be made. A must is the Desert Safari. A must for the Dubai Eye, but we did this excursion is not included in the regular program, because it is not suitable for heart patients and people with neck and back pain. It can get pretty wild to draw near! This excursion begins somewhat later in the afternoon and in the evening you will then, after dinner under the stars, back to the hotel.



Day 05, Tuesday, May 8, DUBAI - Full day excursion to Abu Dhabi
- In this tour you will get a good picture of Abu Dhabi, an emirate of Dubai seems that strong but yet so different. From Dubai Travel along the world's largest man-made harbor at Jebel Ali. During the two hour drive to Abu Dhabi you will pass through desert landscapes covered with acacia trees. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and has many striking examples of modern architecture. They show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes, set in contemporary materials. During the route along the Corniche with the clear blue Gulf waters and enticing islands along the coast, you will see glittering skyscrapers and other buildings. In the city of Abu Dhabi with its impressive contrasts, visit the Abu Dhabi outdoor museum, largest shopping mall in Abu Dhabi and the Seikh Zayed Mosque which is certainly worth a visit.



Day 06, Wednesday, May 9, DUBAI
-Today you can get your last minute shopping and see what things you want to see again or not yet seen. In the evening transfer to the airport.



6 day Dubai / Abu-Dhabi travel for only 325, - Euro!

Includes:
- Welcome at airport by tourleader and transfer from Airport to Hotel
- 5 nights in a comfortable Hotel
- Excursions incl.entrance fees (Dinercruise, Dubai citytour, Abu-Dhabi)
- Transfer from Hotel to Airport

Exclusive:
- Not mentioned meals
- Optional excursions
- Insurance
- Tourism dirham tax +/- 10 dirham (€ 2,5) per room per night

If you want to join this tour, or you need more information, please send an email to tjonaong@gmail.com



Optional excursions:
- Desert Safari with BBQ
- A magical evening in the desert. You depart from your hotel in the afternoon for an exciting journey through the vast red dunes of Murgham for unforgettable safari tour. Then you can enjoy the beautiful sunset in the endless desert. After the journey feather to the Bedouin camp. After a camel ride you will enjoy a delicious barbecue with Arabic specialties. The tour ends with traditional Arabic entertainment: a belly dancer dancing to the rhythm of Arabic music. Upon return Dubai remains for sufficient time to enjoy the nightlife of Dubai. This tour is not suitable for heart patients and people with neck and back pain.

-Burj Khalifa
-Dubai stands by as much as 828 meters height the tallest building in the world and was grand fireworks opened on 4 January 2010. You can pay to take the elevator to the observation deck on the 124th floor. Tip: go just before sunset and stay up until the first fountain show of the Dubai Fountain

-High Tea Burj Al Arab
- A High Tea in the impressive seven star hotel Burj Al Arab may actually not be missing in your trip to Dubai. The Burj Al Arab is the symbol of Dubai, known for its special shape. When you enter the hotel you will see a stunning atrium, the highest atrium in the world. The interior is inspiring and consists of many golden accents.

-Souk Madinat Jumeirah
-This souk, near the Burj al Arab, is a nice place to shop and eat. It is built in a beautiful style and you can buy many different things. Have a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the Burj al Arab.

[Andrew Tjon A Ong]

More events for Thailand Open 2018 (11-18 May)!

Today, Thailand Open events are being expanded with the organization of the WorldCup of the International Drafts Committee of the Disabled (IDCD).
That is an organization that deals with organizing tournaments for disabled draftsmen. The basis for this is in Poland, with Leszek Petlicki as the main engine. They organize tournaments in various countries. Until now, this was limited to Eastern bloc countries, but they now want to spread their wings to other continents, starting with Thailand Open.
See the announcement and website of this organization on the link below.
https://www.idcd.online/2018

Russian Draughts 64
In addition, we are talking with the Russian Draughtsfederation 64.
The plan is to organize a WorldCup tournament for Rapid and Blitz in collaboration with them. In this way, international contacts are further strengthened and it is a nice promotion for draughts in general.
If all goes well, we will have no fewer than six draughts events in Thailand in a week's time !.
Of course we also have the Dubai tour prior to the tournaments (4-9 May) and, after the event, two days of shopping or excursions in Bangkok (20-21 May).
If you want more information or to register for one of these events, then an e-mail to me is sufficient.
tjonaong@gmail.com and tel.no.+31 6-33667244



Below some more pictures of previous tournaments:

[Andrew Tjon A Ong]

Besides the draughts100 Thailand Open, we have also a World Cup Draughts64 (Russian), in the Splendid resort. See all information about this tournament:

[Andrew Tjon A Ong]

Thailand Open 2018

The 2018 edition will start in about four weeks. This edition would originally be skipped, but at the request of many Thailand Open fans halfway through the season, it was still decided to let it take place. As it looks, it will be a modest edition. But as said, we still have a little four weeks to go and many things can change for the better. Everyone can still register, both for the tournament and for the tour to Dubai!
For more info or registration, an e-mail to tjonaong@gmail.com is sufficient!

The provisional list of participants now looks as follows:

1 Macodou Ndiaye Senegal
2 Harry Kolk The Netherlands
3 Jan Schippers The Netherlands
4 Nona Savina Russia
5 Pertap Malahe The Netherlands
6 Marut Banchuan Thailand
7 Panithi Seksonwirya Thailand
8 Roy Coster The Netherlands
9 Nandinchimeg Batdelger Mongolia
10 Nicholas Ramsundar Trinidad & Tobago
11 Nattawut Upiri Thailand
12 Jan van de Veen The Netherlands
13 Damrong Yuabang Sai Thailand
14 Michiel Luiten The Netherlands
15 Ton van der Ploeg The Netherlands
16 Harold Jagram The Netherlands
17 Bas Baksoellah The Netherlands
18 Henk Kamminga The Netherlands
19 Boike Mathoera The Netherlands
20 Robby Koendjbiharie The Netherlands
21 Lennart Bolks The Netherlands
22 Hiroshi Kawaguchi Japan
23 Jatupon Nuanngam Thailand
24 IJpe Feenstra Thailand
25 Nerin Bisseswar The Netherlands
26 Iqbal Ahmed Pakistan
27 Piya Seamtong Thailand
28 Moustapha Diop Senegal
29 Kennedy Krishnadath The Netherlands
30 Theo Winkelaar The Netherlands
31 Egor Nikolayev Russia
32 Hans Loots The Netherlands

[Andrew Tjon A Ong]

Just three days to go, before the 14th Thailand Open will begin!
Still everyday we have more registrations for this tournament.
You can still join this event!!
Don't miss it!!!

Underneath you can find the list of participants, until today:

1 GMI Macodou Ndiaye Senegal   2330
2 Sergey Belosheev Russia   2237
3 MIF Natalia Shestakova Russia   2164
4  Harry Kolk The Netherlands   2118
5   Jan Schippers  The Netherlands   2117
6 Pertap Malahe  The Netherlands   2067
7 Sayyyna Popova  Russia   2056
8 Marut Banchuen Thailand    2048
9 MIF Nurguyana Azarova Russia    2030
10 Panithi Seksonwirya Thailand   2025
11 Roy Coster The Netherlands    2020
12 Evgeniya Ivanova Russia    2011
13 Nandinchimeg Batdelger  Mongolia   2005
14 Nicholas Ramsundar  Trinidad & Tobago   1988
15 Nattawut Upiri  Thailand   1982  
16 Jan van de Veen The Netherlands   1980
17 Damrong Yuabang Sai Thailand   1964
18 Michiel Luiten The Netherlands   1953
19 Ton van der Ploeg The Netherlands   1953
20 Harold Jagram The Netherlands    1949
21  Bas Baksoellah The Netherlands    1943
22 Jatupon Nuanngam Thailand   1927
23 Boike Mathoera The Netherlands   1911
24 Lennart Bolks  The Netherlands 1900
25 Hiroshi Kawaguchi Japan   1883
26 Hans Loots The Netherlands   1881
27 Moen Lachman The Netherlands   1862
28 IJpe Feenstra Thailand   1834
29 Nerin Bisseswar The Netherlands    1826
30 Pattaranan Wongkonkitsin Thailand   
31 Thitiwan Wongkonkitsin Thailand   
32 Suraphat Boonman Thailand   
33 Sasawat Eksithichai Thailand    
34 Kennedy Krishnadath The Netherlands   
35 Theo Winkelaar The Netherlands   
36 Egor Nikolayev Russia  
37 Nandin Erdene Batdelger Mongolia
38 Supakrit Borihankijanan Thailand
39 Yossaphat Kitirojpun Thailand