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Online FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar Set 29-31 August 2025

The 197th Internet-based FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar is going to be organized from 29 to 31 August 2025 by the Asian Chess Federation, under the auspices of FIDE.

The Lecturer will be IA/IO Abudno, Casto (PHI), FIDE Lecturer, and the Assistant Lecturer will be IA Pahlevanzadeh, Mehrdad (IRI).

The language of the Seminar will be English.

The Seminar will give norms and titles of FIDE Arbiter, according to the Regulations for the titles of Arbiters.

Visit FIDE.com

Schedule:

(Dubai time GMT +4)

 09:00-15:00 Friday, 29 August 2025

09:00 Introduction

FIDE Structure

Guidelines for Organizers

10:00 Laws of Chess, Rapid and Blitz (p. 5 of FIDE Arbiters’ Manual)

 09:00-15:00 Saturday, 30 August 2025

09:00 Types of Tournaments (Chapter 4: p. 105)

10:00 General Regulations for Competitions (p 189)

Berger and Varma table (p. 198)

Tie Break Systems (p. 202)

11:00 Swiss system and pairing rules. (Chapter 5, p. 112)

Accelerated System (p. 146)

09:00-15:00 Sunday, 31 August 2025

09:00 FIDE Rating Regulations (Chapter 6, p. 148)

Rapid and Blitz Rating

10:00 International Title Regulations (Chapter 7, p. 159)

12:00 Regulations for the Titles of Arbiters (Chapter 10, p. 217)

Classification of Arbiters (p. 235)

15:00 Fair Play Guidelines for Arbiters (Anti Cheating) Chapter 3, p. 59)

 16:00-20:00 Sunday, 31 August 2025 Exam (sample questions p 283)

For inquiries email casto.abundo@gmail.com

Congratulations to Yeoh Li Tian – Making History as Malaysia’s First Grandmaster

by Ellie Emira

History is made today, 3 August 2025, at the inaugural Chess Hub – MCF GM-IM Invitational Chess Championship, where Yeoh Li Tian not only emerged Champion of the event, earning the RM10,000 first prize, but also completed his final GM norm — marking his place in history as Malaysia’s first-ever Grandmaster! The tournament was held at Corus Hotel KLCC from 28th July to 3rd August.

In photo above, Yeoh Li Tian (center) receives the champion’s prize from Malaysian Chess Federation president Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi (left) and Chess Hub Chairman Dato Md Ismail Hamdan (right).

In the final round, Yeoh Li Tian faced IM Nayaka Budhidharma of Indonesia on Board 2. Playing Black with his signature Caro-Kann, the game remained balanced through the early middlegame — until a key moment where White traded a bishop for Li Tian’s knight. From there, he showcased his brilliance with two beautifully coordinated “dancing” bishops, gradually outplaying his opponent with precision and patience. This masterful endgame sealed his victory, securing his final GM norm and earning him the tournament championship title.

Runner-up goes to India’s IM Harshavardhan G B, who takes home RM5,000, while 3rd place goes to Vietnam’s GM Nguyen Duc Hoa. Full standings and results can be viewed on Chess-Results.

Fellow Malaysians who shone at the event include 2025 Malaysian National Champion Kavin Mohan, who was awarded Best Malaysian and also earned his IM norm — a double achievement worth celebrating! FM Wong Yinn Long also delivered a strong performance, finishing 7th overall in a competitive international field.

The Malaysian Chess Federation extends our heartiest congratulations to Yeoh Li Tian for this historic achievement — you’ve made Malaysia proud! This is not just a win — it’s the start of a legacy. We also express our deepest gratitude to Chess Hub for their unwavering support in making this high-level event possible, paving the way for a brighter future for Malaysian chess. Click here to learn more about the tournament & Chess Hub – MCF Chess Ventures.

A special thank you to Corus Hotel KLCC for being the gracious host of this milestone event right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Your warm hospitality provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable chapter in Malaysian chess.

To all the players — thank you for your sportsmanship and fighting spirit. You truly lit up the tournament with the exciting battles you brought to the board. And to the fans and supporters — your energy and encouragement added a special spark that made this event truly memorable.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay in Malaysia, and we wish everyone a safe and pleasant journey home.

A heartfelt thank you to the team of officials and arbiters who helped make this event a success!

Right picture (left to right): Chief Arbiter IA Syawal, Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Stefani Dian Cheri (Indonesia), Tournament Director Najib Wahab, Deputy Arbiters Wong Qi Hao and FA Adam Hafiz — who also provided daily photo highlights and Instagram updates. While not officiating this time, IA Ellie contributed through media coverage, including blog writing and Facebook updates throughout the event.

Left picture (left 2 person): Special thanks to Liew Jun Juin for assisting as well, and to NA Syaiful Asyraf for his photo coverage during the prize-giving ceremony — along with his creative support in handling Instagram updates and designing key visuals such as the event backdrop and logos.

More pictures will be posted on MCF’s Facebook page. Click here to replay the games from the tournament. Click here to watch the livestream coverage.

Note: Yeoh Li Tian’s Grandmaster (GM) title is currently pending official submission & confirmation to FIDE — however, all requirements have been fulfilled.

See Yeoh Li Tian becomes the first-ever Grandmaster of Malaysia – ChessBase India

IM Michael Concio Wins 16th Kamatyas FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament

International Master Michael Concio Jr. of Dasmarinas City (third from left) won the Kamatyas FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 16th Edition held 2 August 2025 at the Vista Mall in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines.
In photo are
Champion – IM Michael Concio Jr.
2nd Place – FM Mark Jay Bacojo
3rd Place – IM Chito Garma
Concio was playing under the guidance of Mayor Jenny Barzaga and Coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas.
Concio received the P30,000 top prize from Kamatyas Chess Club founders International Master Roderick Nava (left foreground) and National Master David Almirol.
Concio finished the seven-round Swiss system competition with perfect 7.0 points, winning over Francis Ching, Jeremy Marticio, Gerald Ferriol, National Master Bob Jones Liwagon, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, National Master Giovanni Mejia and International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia.
Meanwhile, FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo finished the tournament with 6.5 points while International Master Chito Garma, Grandmaster Daniel Quizon, International Master Barlo Nadera, Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. had 6.0 points each.
They were awarded P10,000, P7,000, P5,000 and P2,000 in cash, respectively.
Rounding out the Top 10 finishers were Gerald Ferriol (seventh), International Master Paulo Bersamina (eighth), International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia (ninth) and International Master Ricardo de Guzman (tenth).
 They all received P2,000.
Top 3 for Kiddies
Champion – Kale Darren Condes
2nd Place – Marcus Louise Jacutina
3rd Place – Alexander Steven Manzano
-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo credit to Kamatyas Chess Club

Asian Amateur Chess Championship 2025 Kicks Off at TWGH’s TungPo Kitty Woo Stadium in Hong Kong

Zhu Chen, FIDE Treasurer (left), and Tony Yue, BBS, JP, Vice-President of SFOC (right), make the ceremonial opening moves in the Asian Amateur Women’s section..

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation is proud to host the Asian Amateur Chess Championships 2025 at TWGHs TungPo Kitty Woo Stadium from August 1st to 9th.

The championship promises to be an extraordinary event as it is the 15th edition and the first time Hong Kong serves as the host. With a prize pool more than HK$200,000, the championship has drawn nearly 400 outstanding amateur players from about 30 Asian regions, including China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, India, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. This participation surpasses previous years’ records and underscores Hong Kong’s potential as the “hub for mind sports in Asia.”

Cheng Ka-ho MH, JP, Member of the Sha Tin District Council (left), and Hisham Al-Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation (right), make the ceremonial moves in the Asian Amateur Open Division.

Blitz and Rapid Chess Champion Crowned

The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including:
• Ms. Zhu Chen, Treasurer of the FIDE Management Board and Former Women’s World Chess Champion
• Mr. Hisham Al-Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation
• Mr. Tony Yue, BBS, JP, Vice-President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China
• Mr. Cheng Ka-ho, MH, JP, Member of the Sha Tin District Council, thrice champion of World Wushu Championships (Nanquan and Nangun) and Former Chairman of the Sir David Trench Fund For Recreation

During the nine-day tournament, in addition to the thrilling main event, the chess federation has also arranged blitz and rapid chess competitions prior to the opening ceremony to help players warm up their minds and get into competitive form. In Open Blitz, the championship was claimed by Filipino FM Alekhine Nouri.

Hong Kong, China players also delivered strong performances, with FM Samuel Lam Chun Yung and CM Jamison Kao respectively securing sixth and eighth place.

The Women’s Blitz champion was won by Russian FM Ekaterina Borisova.

In Open Rapid, Mongolian FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig emerged as the champion, while the Women Rapid’s champion was taken by Indian WFM Mukherjee Bristy.

The “Triple Crown” Winner Representing Hong Kong at the National Games has Joined

The Asian Amateur Chess Championships also serves as a prelude to the upcoming 15th National Games. Three members of Hong Kong, China’s chess delegation for the National Games are participating, including:
• CM Boris Chan Wang Ip, Hong Kong’s rare “Triple Crown” winner (simultaneous champion in standard in 2025, rapid in 2023, and blitz in 2023 )
• FM Henry Ho In Hei
• Tong Ho Man, amateur player

It also reflects the credibility of the championship that the top three winners of the U2300 category, as well as the champions of the U2000 category, will directly receive the title of Candidate Master (CM) or Woman Candidate Master (WCM) recognized by FIDE.

A Trio of Competition, Charity, and Culture

The championship also features a variety of engaging activities to energize the community. In collaboration with Po Leung Kuk and Hong Kong Association for AD/HD, chess workshops are being held.

With guidance from professional instructors and fun interactive lessons, participating students will learn about chess in a relaxed environment, fostering a new vitality in chess culture. Theophilus Wait, Director of Operations of the online chess platform Lichess is invited to conduct an exchange session, where he will share the platform’s corporate story to chess enthusiasts.

-End-

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation (HKCCFL) is an NSA dedicated to promoting chess in Hong Kong. Established in 1960, HKCCFL has been instrumental in fostering the growth of chess within the region, connecting players across all skill levels, and enhancing Hong Kong’s international recognition as a prominent chess-playing community.

As a member of FIDE, HKCCFL is committed to cultivating talent and nurturing a vibrant chess culture through regular events and tournaments. Over the years, its efforts have supported the development of skilled players who proudly represent Hong Kong, China in prestigious international competitions, such as the Asian Games and Chess Olympiads. Many of these players have earned esteemed FIDE titles, reflecting the Federation’s dedication to excellence in chess. By encouraging participation and supporting schools and chess clubs, HKCCFL ensures chess’ continued growth and sustainability for future generations.

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation continues to inspire, educate, and empower individuals through chess, fostering a lifelong passion and building bridges across communities.

Media Inquiry
Eva Tang
Contact: 2155 2346 / 6332 5700
Email: eva@jointpr.hk

20th Malaysian Chess Festival Set 12-21 September in Kuala Lumpur

The 20th Malaysian Chess Festival is scheduled 12-21 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. The Dato Arthur Tan Chess Center with endorsement from the Malaysian Chess Federation will be organizing the 20th Malaysian Chess Festival 2025 comprising the events below. All the events will be hld in KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Congratulations to New Asian IA, AO and FA Title Holders

Congratulations to new Asian title holders as announced by FIDE Council. Download:

Master titles July 2025

Arbiter titles July 2025

Organizer titles July 2025

Congratulations to new Philippine title holders

New International Arbiter Dr. Alfredo Paez

Dr. Alfredo Paez, a successful dentist based in Cabuyao City, Laguna, has been officially conferred the title of International Arbiter (IA) by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). His IA title was approved during the 2025 2nd FIDE Council Meeting held last month.

Dr. Paez earned his IA norms through key international events, including the Asian Junior Chess Championships 2024, 12th Asian Senior Chess Championships, AQ Prime ASEAN Chess Championship 2023, and the Asian Junior Chess Championships 2022. He also served as an International Technical Official during the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia.

In August 2024, he successfully passed the FIDE Certification Examination for International Arbiters.

An Arena Grand Master (AGM), Dr. Paez is the Regional Director (Region IV) of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and currently serves as President of the Philippine Executive Chess Association.

Beyond chess and dentistry, Dr. Paez is active in community service. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Nuvali and remains involved with various professional organizations, including the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), Philippine Prosthodontic Society, and PDA-Laguna Chapter. He also founded the Cabuyao Dental Club.

Dr. Paez and his wife, Dr. Sheila Pedriña, who is also a dentist, are proud parents to three chess-playing children: Sydney, Sweden, and Schaan.

New FIDE Associate Organizer Engr. Alvin Alcala

FIDE has awarded the Associate Organizer title to Engr Alvin Alcala, adding to his existing FIDE titles as FIDE Arbiter and FIDE Instructor.

An active player, Alcala is an Arena Grand Master and is a prolific organizer, having organized eight “Search for the next Chess Master” in his home city of Dumaguete, Philippines.

In his professional career, he is a Registered Mechanical Engineer, Lead Auditor ISO 9001 Quality Management System and Project Management Professional.

His experience extends beyond mere organization; it encompasses fostering grassroots development, elevating local talent to national and international recognition, and significantly boosting FIDE ratings for hundreds of players in the region.

Search for Next Chess Master series organized by Alvin Alcala

New Philippine FIDE Arbiters

Franz Robert Grafil

Carlito Manis

Tessie Relleve

Jayson Resurreccion

Mongolian, Indian Top Asian Amateur Rapid Chess Championship in Hong Kong

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher (fourth from left) and Hong Kong Chess Federation president K.K. Chan (center) at the opening ceremonies of the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong.

FM Khishsigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia and WFM Bristy, Mukherjee of India won the Rapid Open and Women’s sections, respectively.

A record total of 1,102 players from 26 countries are competing in the Asian Amateur Chess Championships organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation from 1 to 9 August 2025 in Hong Kong.

Ulziikhishig finished alone with 8.5 points followed by FM Roel Abelgas and FM Alekhine Nouri of the Philippines with 8 points each for second and third places, respectively, by tie break.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and final standings.

In the women’s division, WFM Mukherjee Bristy registered a perfect score of 9 points in as many rounds. WFM Allaney Jia Doroy of the Philippines follows in second place with 7.5 points. WFM Li Xinyu of China placed third with 7 points.

Chief Arbiter IA Husan Turdialiev of Uzbekistan (seated, center), Hong Kong Chess Federation president K.K. Chan (seated second from right) and Chinese Taipei Delegate Dina Chen (seated second from left) with Arbiters and officials managing this huge event.

Magnus Carlsen wins inaugural Chess Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Magnus Carlsen took home gold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after a dominant performance against Team Falcons’ Alireza Firouzja in Chess at Esports WC 25.

Magnus Carlsen added another trophy to his legendary résumé on August 1st, defeating Alireza Firouzja in the grand final of Chess at 2025 Esports World Cup. The Norwegian grandmaster crushed his opponent with an overall score of four wins, two draws, and a single loss.

In social media, Carlsen said “New ground conquered, it’s been an absolute thrill and joy from start to finish.”

The gap between the world’s No. 3 Blitz player, Alireza Firouzja (2856), and the world No. 1, Magnus Carlsen (2937), couldn’t have been more apparent after the action concluded in Riyadh.

 

A dominant opening

Carlsen looked sharp in the opening set, claiming a win and two draws to put the score at 3-1, securing a commanding lead. Having to reset going into the second set, Firouzja’s impressive retort saw Magnus blunder his rook after 50 moves, leading to Firouzja’s only win of the series.

Clearly unhappy, Carlsen shot back in the second game, punishing Firouzja with his calculating play. Firouzja looked pressed, burning through much more of his clock than Magnus. The difference between the two became even more obvious with each player’s heart rate displayed on screen. Carlsen remained calm and collected throughout the majority of the final.

A blunder by Firouzja in game three pushed the series to 2-1, with Magnus on match point. And just like that, it was over. A weak opening by Firouzja was punished by Carlsen, who ultimately defeated the French grandmaster in just two sets.

“I’ve got my bow and arrow ready”

Early in the event, Magnus had been supremely confident. Responding to a Team Falcons trash-talking tweet in an interview, he stated that the Falcons “better do well in other games because you’re not going to win chess.” Then, following his victory over Falcons’ Hikaru Nakamura in the semifinals, he doubled down.

“It pissed me off when they cheered when Hikaru was winning,” he said. “I’ve got my bow and arrow ready, I’ve shot one Falcon, I want to shoot one more tomorrow.”

With two Falcons skewered, Magnus takes home the win for Team Liquid, earning 1,000 Club Championship points and rocketing them into contention to win the Club Championship. The grandmaster also wins $250,000 – one of the largest competitive chess prizes in recent memory.

Firouzja’s second-place finish locks Team Falcons in second place on the Club Championship leaderboard, still lacking the first-place finish required to win the overall club trophy. He also pockets the $190,000 second-place prize.

Earlier in the day, Hikaru defeated Arjun Erigaisi in the third-place match, a best-of-six series. With his teammate Firouzja in the final, Nakamura’s points do not count toward Team Falcons’ total, but he will take home $145,000. Erigaisi claims $115,000 in prize money for fourth place, along with 300 Club Championship points for Gen.G.

From Chess at EWC 25 Champion: Carlsen Crushes Firouzja

Divya Deshmukh becomes third Women’s World Cup Champion, defeats Humpy Koneru

Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old International Master from Nagpur, Maharashtra, etched her name into chess history by defeating Grandmaster Humpy Koneru 1.5–0.5 in the tiebreaks to win the Women’s World Cup.

She now follows in the footsteps of GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2021) and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (2023) as the third-ever winner of this prestigious title.

In the two 15+10 rapid tiebreak games, Divya showed both resilience and composure. After missing a golden opportunity in the first game, which ended in a draw, she brought elite-level precision to the second. There, she equalised comfortably as Black, then seized control as Humpy slipped under time pressure—clinching the crown in emphatic fashion.

With this remarkable win, Divya Deshmukh is now not only the 2025 Women’s World Cup Champion, but also one of the most exciting young stars in the world of chess.

After the final game, an emotional Divya embraced her mother before giving a short interview: “It’s hard for me to speak now. Of course, this definitely means a lot, but there is a lot more to achieve, so I am hoping that this is just the start,” she said.

With this triumph, Divya not only secures the USD 50,000 first prize, but also automatically earns the Grandmaster (GM) title—the highest title in chess. In doing so, she becomes one of the very few players in history to achieve it by winning a major FIDE event rather than collecting the usual three GM norms and 2500 rating.

Reflecting on this, Divya shared:  “I still need time to process it. I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way, because before this I didn’t even have one norm, and now I’m a Grandmaster.”

Divya also qualifies for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, alongside the second and third-place finishers— GM Humpy Koneru and former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi.

From Divya Deshmukh becomes third Women’s World Cup Champion, defeats Humpy Koneru in tiebreak – International Chess Federation