Malaysian Magic Poocha Buranakol March 3, 2000. What's so special about this date that Magic: The Gathering players from around the world are gearing up for it and deck-testing in such a frenzy? One word: "GP-K.L."-short for Grand Prix-Kuala Lumpur. This is the event that Malaysian Magic players have been anticipating with excitement, not just because it coincides with a Magic Invitational, but because it will be the first major tournament of its kind in Malaysia. Wizards of the Coast, Inc. organized the tournament in conjunction with Comics Corner, a Malaysian distributor of the Magic game. Comics Corner has shops all over Kuala Lumpur, and many Magic players frequent them. Malaysia, a country in Southeast Asia, boasts a vastly diverse culture, a blend of old and new. Because of its cultural mix, it has been compared to a local dish known as rojak. A favorite dish among Malaysians, rojak consists of many types of fruits and a blend of sauces. The dish could also represent the Magic environment here. A large number of players will attend the Grand Prix-Kuala Lumpur event, most of them from Malaysia. They are ready, after months of preparation, to battle it out in the Extended field. If you come, you can expect the country's household names, such as Kevin Khoo, Au-Yong Weng Kwong, Tang Mun Wye, and the Tham brothers, to make their appearances at the event. These players have proven their skill and been consistent participants in the Malaysian Magic tournament scene. The Grand Prix-Kuala Lumpur tournament will take place in Sunway Pyramid, a shopping mall located in the state of Selangor. Because of its strategic location, players can take time between matches to do a little shopping or eat at great restaurants in the area. Players will gather for competition in the complex's main concourse. By the end of Day 1, the Top 64 players will emerge, advancing to the second stage of the tournament. As mentioned earlier, the format is Extended; thus, everyone expects players to use favorite decks such as Necro, Counter-Oath, and the ever-so-popular Sligh. Day 2 of the Grand Prix will see those 64 preliminary finalists competing. The Top 16 winners will receive prize money adding up to a total of $10,000. The Top 8 will also receive invitations to the Pro Tour-New York tournament that occurs later this year. Who will emerge the winner? Will it be Malaysia's top player, Kevin Khoo, or someone from the rest of the world? There's only one way to find out. Grand Prix-Kuala Lumpur: do you dare? GP Kuala Lumpur Fact Sheet Accommodations Players seeking accommodations can check with the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, situated next to the Sunway Pyramid where the event will take place. The hotel is offering a special room rate for players participating in the Grand Prix event. Make sure to mention that you're attending the tournament when booking your reservation. The price is RM 285 (U.S. $75) per night. Those looking for cheaper lodging can stay in a hotel located in the main city itself, though traveling expenses might add up and eliminate the benefit of the cheaper hotel rates. Language English is the language most commonly spoken in Malaysia, although you may encounter other languages as well, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and more. Here's a tip on the national language, Malay. If you learn these few phrases, you definitely won't go wrong while visiting Malaysia! Apa khabar? means how are you? Terima kasih means thank you. Selamat tinggal means goodbye. Tourist Information If you're planning to make a vacation of your trip and do a little sight-seeing, there are many wonderful places to go. The city of Kuala Lumpur offers a lot of shopping, and the best place is the KLCC Tower. If you get the chance, visit the famed Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest building. This building was portrayed in Entrapment, a 1999 movie produced by and starring Sean Connery. If you're tired of seeing nothing but skyscrapers and would rather take a nice nature walk, a quick visit to the state of Penang will revitalize you. This island boasts friendly natives and ever-accessible beaches. For more information, check the following websites: www.jaring.my/airport/ tourism.gov.my/ To view currency exchange information, check: www.xe.net/ucc/ Tournament Location Sunway Pyramid Mall Main Concourse Area (near front entrance) 3, Jalan PJS 11/15 46150 Bandar Sunway Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: (60) 03-582-9998 Fax: (60) 03-582-6333 www.sunway.com.my Entry Fee RM 45 on or before February 18 RM 60 after February 18 Tournament Registration & Player Contact Preregister by February 18 with Comics Corner Tel: (60) 03-7158528 Email: comiccor@tm.net.my Main Tournament Payout (U.S. Dollars) 1 $2,100 2 $1,500 3 $1,000 4 $1,000 5-8 $500 9-16 $300 Head Judge Level V Judge Jeff Donais Player Accommodations Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: (60)3-582 8000 Toll-Free: (800) 828 888 (Malaysia only) Toll-Free: (800) 603 0001 (Singapore only) Fax: (60)3-582 8001 Website: www.sunway.com.my/hotel Email: sunway@po.jaring.my