With only two rounds remaining in the Standard event, the battle for medals has reached a thrilling crescendo at the Asian Youth Chess Championships 2025. Tension fills the tournament hall as every move now carries championship weight, with razor-thin margins separating leaders and challengers across all age groups. From the youngest prodigies to seasoned youth campaigners, the race for glory is tighter than ever.
Under 18
Vietnam’s IM Banh Gia Huy continues to set the pace with an impressive 6/7, showing remarkable consistency at the top. Hot on his heels are Ismagilov Igor (FID) and top seed IM Sriram Adarsh Uppala (IND), both locked in at 5.5 points and ready to pounce. Rounding out the frontrunners is IM Arca Christian Gian Karlo (PHI) at 5 points, tied with two others in this fiercely competitive field.
Under 16
FM Scheglov Gleb (FID) has seized the initiative with 6.5 points, but the pressure is on as top seed IM Vaz Ethan (IND) trails by just half a point at 6. Adding spice to the race is a tight chasing pack of six players tied at 5 points, keeping the podium wide open.
Under 14
India’s FM Reyan Md. stands alone at the top with 6 points, but danger lurks just behind. Four ambitious challengers — Ahmadi Barad (IRI), Shen Fuyan (CHN), CM Nguyen Nam Kiet (VIE), and CM Sherla Pratamesh — all sit menacingly at 5.5 points, setting up an electrifying finish.
Under 12
Top seed CM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma (IND) continues his steady march with 6/7, but the margin is minimal. A crowded group of five players on 5.5 points remains well within striking distance, ensuring high drama in the final rounds.
Under 10
A three-way deadlock tops the standings with CM Nguyen Xuan Phuong (VIE), CM Ulan Rizat (KAZ), and Sattwik Swain (IND) all sharing the lead at 6 points. With no clear favorite yet, this section promises a nail-biting finish.
Under 8
Top seed Mahboobi Kiasha (IRI) shares first place with Tamizh Amudhan (IND), while three more players at 5.5 points are waiting just a slip away. This youngest battlefield remains delightfully unpredictable.
Girls Under 18
India’s WCM Shanmathi Sree holds a slender lead at 5.5 points, but a formidable pack of five players at 5 points keeps the pressure intense as the title race tightens.
Girls Under 16
A thrilling three-way tie headlines this section as WFM Vlasova Mariya (FID), WFM Emujin Enkh-Amgalan (MGL), and top seed FM Prishita Gupta (IND) all share the lead at 5.5/7. Every result from here on could be decisive.
Girls Under 14
In commanding form, WCM Wu Shuang (CHN) has surged ahead with 6.5 points, opening a full-point gap over WFM Smirnova Polina (FID) and WFM Kholyavko Mariya (KAZ), who are tied at 5.5.
Girls Under 12
Perfection so far for WFM Yunker Alisa Genrietta (FID), who remains flawless with a perfect 7/7. Top seed WCM Pratitee Bordoloi (IND) follows at 6 points, still hoping for a late twist.
Girls Under 10
Filippova Milana (KAZ) leads the charge with 6.5 points, closely pursued by Hasanpor Moghadam Asma (IRI) at 6. Top seed WCM Divi Bjesh (IND) and Vanshika Rawat (IND) remain in strong contention at 5.5 points.
Girls Under 8
India’s Aaranya R tops the standings with 6 points, while Zhang Yunyi (SGP) and Zhu Jiahe (CHN) stay within striking distance on 5.5. As Round 8 approaches, every board is set for fireworks.
With titles, medals, and national pride on the line, the final two rounds promise nothing short of high-stakes drama and unforgettable chess battles in the heart of Bangkok.
Sawadee Krap!
xs’: special thanks to AGM Mohamad Sacar for letting me use his laptop for this piece 
NM Winston Joseph Silva