Meet The Coaches

Head Coach
WIM Penny (Bich-Ngoc) Pham
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Woman International Master since 2010
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Fide Rating: 2238, CFC rating: 2260
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Silver Medal Asian Continental Woman Championship
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Winner of several national championships in Vietnam
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Currently rank first in BC and 2nd in Canada for women chess players

Invited Coach
Dr. Quang Long Le
International Master
New Westminster resident, is currently working as a research scientist in a Vancouver start-up. He earned the International Master title in 2009 and PhD in Chemistry in 2018. He enjoys the arts of a beautiful chess game, both tactically and strategically, regardless of the result. He aims to get the GM title before retirement. He is our frequent special guest for topic sessions and internal tournaments.

Coach
Alan
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USCF National Master with rating of 2284
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Semi-finalist in Phillipine Chess Championship for World Chess Plympiad
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3X Gold Medalist of NCAA Chess Tournament in Philippines
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Numerous awards as Chess Coach of the Year
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Notable students include GM Darwin Laylo of the Philippines and former child prodigy Solomon Bautista - who at 9 years old defeated highly respected and famous Russian Chess Coach/Trainer GM Eduard Guffeld

Coach
Arpak
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Candidate Master with highest FIDE rating of 2298
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4 times Iraq Youth Champions
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Representing Iraq National Team for many tournaments
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Canadian Senior Championship 2nd place in 2018
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BC Senior Champion of 2018, 2019 and 2022
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Representing BC team against Washington in 2019 & 2022
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Actively participating in tournaments with very strong performances
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Over 20-year coaching experiences with many students winning different levels including National Champions.

Coach
Sherwin
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Since learning chess at 7 years old, his love for the game never left him.
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Has been working diligently to improve openings, middlegames and endgames skills
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Rated at 1750 on chess.com and 2000 on lichess.com
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Ever won BC Open Chess Champion U1000
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Experiences of organizing Chess Clubs

Coach
Juan
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Has been passionate about chess since he was a child
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Spent most of his professional career working with youth of different backgrounds abilities
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Prides himself in being good at explaining difficult concepts and breaking them down so everyone in the class can understand
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Very energetic and patient to inspire children to achieve their full potential

Coach
Harman
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An aspiring 1800 rated chess player, hoping to one day reach an IM title.
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Strong believer of chess as a great tool to train the mind for the discipline
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Have a sincere love of teaching the game of chess to all ages
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Apply appropriate and suitable teaching styles based on students
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Currently obtaining his Master in Counselling but will continue with his chess dream after his masters is completed.
Apply Today
We are always eager to meet experieced coach and high level chess player. If you would like to join our team, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at pennychessclub@gmail.com. We look foward to collaborating with you!