Download the final List of Delegates 2023 Asian Continental Assembly
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Archives: News
$76,000 at stake in 29th Abu Dhabi Chess Festival
The Organizing Committee has the honor to invite players to the 29th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, an annual event, which includes numerous FIDE registered tournaments. It will be held in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, from 3rd until 14th August 2023. Download Regulations ADCF 29
- Masters Tournament: Open to all Fide rated players with standard rating of 2300 ELO and above “Exception Abu Dhabi Chess Club players” (as of 1st Jun 2023). The tournament will be 9 rounds Swiss System with a time control of 90 min for each player and 30 seconds’ increment. 30 minutes tolerance will be applied. The organizing committee shall provide free accommodation in a five-star hotel for players rated 2600+ and women with standard Elo of 2400+ (prior approval from the committee is needed to guarantee the accommodation, only for limited players, in order of registration.
- Open Tournament A: FIDE Rated Open for players with ELO 2299 and below (as of 1st Jun 2023,). The tournament will be a 9 rounds Swiss system, with the time control of 90 min for each player and 30 seconds increment for each move. 30 minutes tolerance will be applied, FIDE ID is required.
- Open Tournament B: FIDE Rated Open for players with ELO 2000 and below (as of 1st Jun 2023,). The tournament will be a 9 rounds Swiss system, with the time control of 90 min for each player and 30 seconds increment for each move. 30 minutes tolerance will be applied, FIDE ID is required.
- Juniors Tournament (under 16 years): FIDE Rated Open for players born in 2007 or later. The tournament will be a 9 rounds Swiss system, with time control of 70 min for each player for the whole game. 30 minutes tolerance will be applied, FIDE ID is required.
*Juniors can play at same time the Open tournament.
Blitz tournament: FIDE Rated, Swiss system, 11 rounds, 3 min + 2 sec increment.
- Juniors Blitz Tournament (under 16): FIDE Rated Open for players born in 2006 or later; Swiss system, 9 rounds, 3 min + 2 sec increment.
- Simultaneous exhibition: Held by a renowned international GM. Open for Abu Dhabi Chess Club players only.
Frontline Heroes Chess tournament: Open to members of military, police and national service, health workers in the UAE. Swiss system, 7 rounds, with the time control of 5 minutes + 5 seconds’ increment. Free Registration
- Family Team Tournament: Open for teams of 2 players (player + one parent Swiss system, 7 rounds, with the time control of 5 minutes + 5 seconds.). Free Registration
- Senior Chess Tournament: Open for players aged 55 years and above. Swiss system, 7 rounds, with the time control of 5 minutes + 5 seconds increment. Free registration
- Abu Dhabi Chess Academy Tournament: Open for Under 18 (born 2004 and after) school students or chess academies students based in UAE (UAE Residents). Swiss system, 7 rounds, 5 minutes + 5 seconds increment.
Singapore Champioship: Kevin Goh and Gong Qianyun clinch titles
The finals of the 74th Singapore National Chess Championships concluded on 12 February 2023. This tournament, with a total prize fund of S$15,000, spanned over three long weekends, with one round held each day.
The National Championships has a rich history dating back to 1949 when it was first won by the founder of the Singapore Chess Federation, Professor Lim Kok Ann. Over time, the Championships have created many legends, most notably Mr Tan Lian Ann, who has won this tournament a record-breaking ten times in his career. This year’s edition was arguably the strongest in history, with GM Tin Jingyao (pictured below) as its top seed.
Tin Jingyao, a 5-time national champion, has made waves on the local and international chess circuit of late and was the pre-tournament favourite, but Grandmaster Kevin Goh Wei Ming, the defending champion Andrean Susilodinata and Singapore’s top female player Gong Qianyun were also gunning for the title. Singapore’s first Grandmaster and a 4-time Champion, Wong Meng Kong, also made a surprise return from retirement, making this the first tournament in Singapore history to feature all 3 Singaporean homegrown Grandmasters.
The tournament also allowed young players to participate through a series of qualifiers. The youngest candidate to qualify was 7-year-old Ashwath Kaushik (pictured above), well-known on the local scene for giving players older than him a difficult time over the board. Ashwath is more than half the size of his fellow competitors; he brings around a booster cushion to be placed on his seat so that he can see the board and move the chess pieces.
This year’s Championships also saw the Women’s Category merging with the Open in a combined event for the first time in 13 years. Woman Grandmaster Gong Qianyun (pictured above), who recently emerged 13th in the World Rapid Chess Championships, quipped, “I like to challenge myself and enjoy playing against male GMs and IMs – for me, it is less stressful compared to playing with ladies.” She also has the following advice for female players playing in a field dominated by men: “Just focus on the game itself – do not get distracted by other things, and you will not be intimidated by your opponents.”
At the end of a long and grueling tournament, it was GM Kevin Goh (pictured above) who emerged as the champion, winning his 8th National Championship title. Gong Qianyun also became a 9-time National Woman’s Champion by finishing as the highest finisher among female players. However, she admitted that the path was far from easy. Qianyun said, “It was a difficult tournament competing with many young and promising players, and fortunately for me, I managed to pull through with a narrow margin over my competitors.”
“I believe many of these young players will continue to improve, and next year’s tournament will be even stronger.”
By winning this title, Qianyun also gains custody of the Chan Lai Fung challenge trophy for one year, named after WIM Chan Lai Fung for her accomplishments in Singapore chess and her generous contribution to Singapore Chess in many ways.
Final standings
Open:
1st – GM Kevin Goh Wei Ming
2nd – IM Enrique Paciencia
3rd – GM Tin Jingyao
Women:
1st – WGM Gong Qianyun
2nd – Saravanan Durga
3rd – Lauren Rice
You can find complete tournament results here:
https://chess-results.com/tnr719719.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&fed=SGP
Text: Kevin Goh CEO, Singapore Chess Federation
Photos: Singapore Chess Federation Facebook Page
From: Singapore Champioship: Kevin Goh and Gong Qianyun clinch titles (fide.com)
First Bahrain Chess Championship
The inauguration of the first Bahrain Chess Championship was an overwhelming success, and it is set to become a highly anticipated event in the future.
The first Bahrain Chess Championship was held in 2023 and was a great success! The event brought together Bahraini chess players from all over the country, and it was a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the game. The future of the Bahrain Chess Championship looks bright, and we are looking forward to next year’s edition!
With the support of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, we are confident that the Bahraini Chess Federation will continue to grow and bring out the best from Bahrain’s vast pool of talent. The team is committed to creating a vibrant and friendly atmosphere for all participants so that everyone can come together to enjoy the game of chess. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this amazing game!
The Bahraini Chess Federation is proud to be at the forefront of promoting chess in the country and will continue to strive towards cultivating an environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to enjoy the game. We hope that the First Bahrain Chess Championship 2023 will set a strong foundation for the success of future tournaments and events, and with HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the helm, we look forward to an exciting future!
The establishment of the Bahraini Chess Federation after HH Shaikh Khalid issued an edict to register the Bahraini Chess Federation.
In Feb 2023, the first Bahrain Chess Championship has taken place, marking a milestone in the history of chess in Bahrain. This has been made possible due to the edict issued in Jan 2023 by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which led to the formation of the Bahraini Chess Federation. The rise of chess in Bahrain is owing to his efforts and dedication that have enabled people from all across Bahrain to come together and enjoy this popular board game. It promises to be an exciting event with an interesting mix-up of local talent and international experts. By bringing these diverse communities together and encouraging them to participate in the championship, HH Shaikh Khalid has created an opportunity for everyone to interact and learn from each other as well as foster a sense of unity in the Bahrain chess community.
The formation of the Board of Directors for the Bahraini Chess Federation is a major step forward in securing a solid foundation and future for this beloved game. Led by Khaled Burhan Al-Din Muhammad Al-Awadi, The Board of Directors hopes to ensure that all chess players have access to resources, training, and events to bring out their full potential. With the formation of the Board, chess in Bahrain is expected to flourish over the next few years and become a major international destination for competitive players.
The appointment of Aisha Abdullah Mutaiwee as Vice-President of the Federation and the membership of the Board of Directors to each of Ebrahim Ali Ibrahim Al Burshid, Nora Abdul Jabbar Qassem Khonji, Muhammad Shaker Hamid Hassan, Ammar Jasser Yousef Al Shamsi, and Abdullah Muhammad Khaled Rabia Al Dosari is a testament to the dedication of these individuals in growing the game of chess in Bahrain.
The Bahrain Chess Federation is committed to promoting chess across all ages and skill levels, creating an active learning environment that can inspire and motivate players of all backgrounds. The federation also plans to create a national chess team and conduct a series of chess tournaments.
With this new Board of Directors, we are certain that the game is moving in the right direction and that it will become a major international destination for competitive players. Chess has always been an important pastime for many in Bahrain, and the federation’s commitment to promoting chess across all ages will ensure that it remains a vibrant part of our culture. . The federation will undoubtedly bring an abundance of benefits for chess players and enthusiasts, enabling an exciting and engaging platform to showcase their talents on a global stage.
This is an important step for chess in the kingdom and is sure to bring about many positive changes. The Bahraini Chess Federation will be instrumental in providing access to quality tournaments organized on both local and international levels and allowing people to interact with each other and learn from each other’s skills. It also promotes the love for this game and fosters a sense of community amongst Bahraini chess players.
It is expected that with the registered federation, new talent will emerge from all over Bahrain and take part in the upcoming first Bahrain Chess Championship 2023. This event promises to create an exciting platform for both local and international players.
The first Bahrain Chess Championship was organized at the beginning of 2023
The opening of the first Bahrain Chess Championship in 2023 was a remarkable celebration for the entire nation. Over 120 players from various governorates gathered to participate in this momentous event that lasted three weeks. Participants competed with each other to the highest level possible. This inaugural edition of the Bahrain Chess Championship has made an indelible impression in local chess circles.
The event was a success, with many participants and spectators.
The First Bahrain Chess Championship 2023 was an unqualified success, bringing together talented chess players from the region and beyond and a large number of spectators. An atmosphere of camaraderie permeated the whole event, and the enthusiasm for the game was clear to see as people discussed their moves and strategies with excitement. What began as just another regional event ended up becoming a high-energy gathering whose wholesome atmosphere quickly spread through word-of-mouth, drawing in more chess fans than initially believed possible. In this sense, it can be said that Bahrain’s first foray into the world of competitive chess was met with great success.
The final ranking of the tournament is as follows:
The tournament was a huge success and gave rise to enthusiastic enthusiasm amongst the players as their love of the game united them. The national men’s team of Bahrain for the year 2023, which was formed after the tournament, consists of Hussein Ayad, Maher Ayad, Khalaf Boukhlef, Ibrahim Burshid and Ali Al-Ghasra.
The national women’s team of Bahrain for the year 2023 was also formed following the tournament and consists of Hawra Sharaf, Maram Al-Mousawi, Wafaa Ibrahim, Naglaa Ahmed and Sondos Obaid.
In addition to these two teams, the tournament also resulted in the formation of various age group teams for boys, consisting of players from Under 20, Under 18, Under 16, Under 14, Under 12 and Under 10 categories. The players selected for each category are Mohamed Taqi (Under 20), Abdul Rahman Obaid (Under 18), Ronen Abdullah (Under 16), Sayed Hashim Ali (Under 14), Mahmoud Al-Mousawi (Under 12) and Jad Tariq Jawad (Under 10).
Similarly, for the girls, the players chosen for each category are Honorable Mention Hawara Sharaf (Under 20), Maram Al Mousawi (Under 18), Sondos Obaid (Under 16), Dania Obaid (Under 14), Reem Al Salman (Under 12) and Joud Al-Faraj (Under 10). All these players are highly talented and have the potential to bring glory to Bahrain in international tournaments.
The tournament has helped identify promising young talent, which will boost both men’s and women’s chess in Bahrain for the years to come. The teams formed as a result of it are sure to represent Bahrain at various international tournaments in the future and bring pride and glory to their country.
Undoubtedly, this tournament was a great success and has helped pave the way for even greater achievements in the future for Bahrain’s national chess teams. With its success, the country will surely witness a new chess era in Bahrain in the coming years!
This is only the beginning, but one thing is certain; Bahrain’s bright future in competitive chess is looking very promising indeed! The Bahrain Chess Federation looks forward to continuing its work toward making the game of chess more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, both locally and around the world. We are confident that with the help of all our dedicated supporters, we can create an even greater future for this fantastic sport!
The Tournament was managed by the staff of arbiters as follows:
Chief ArbiterFA/FT/CM/SI Larbi Ben Yahya, Deputy Chief ArbiterNA Mohsin, Basim A. Arbiter : IM/FT/NA/ Mohamed Tissir| NA Mostafa Salah| NA Amal Jawad Alhashemi| NA Ahmed Ebrahim Hasan
Chess is now gaining popularity in Bahrain.
The inaugural Bahrain Chess Championship 2023 is set to be held in the small Arabian nation of Bahrain, signaling a trend of chess-playing fervor that has been steadily growing across the country. It’s an exciting time for chess in Bahrain, where local tournaments are becoming increasingly popular, as well as regular events such as hopefully the annual King’s Cup championships. As more believers from neighboring countries come together to better their game, so too is their appetite for larger international tournaments such as the upcoming Bahrain Chess Championship in 2024. With greater interest and more skilled players emerging from the region, this event promises to be a remarkable tournament with players from all corners of the Middle East coming together to take part in this thrilling game of skill and strategy.
The first Bahrain Chess Championship was a resounding success, with many participants and spectators. This popularity is only set to increase in Bahrain and the broader region as chess continues to gain traction. With its rich history and strong foundations, Bahrain is poised to become a leading force in the world of chess. We hope to see you at the next edition of the Bahrain Chess Championship!
2023 Oceania Youth Chess Championship April 2023 in Canberra, Australia
Zone 3.6 President Shaun Press announced that the 2023 Oceania Youth Chess Championship for Zone3.6 federations and Associate Federations will take place in Canberra, Australia from the 11th to the 15th April 2023. The tournament details are available at https://actjcl.org.au/
Each Federation is entitled to nominate one official representative in each section of the tournament (eg Under 18 Open, Under 16 Girls etc) and will receive free entry. Each non-Australian representative will receive free accommodation from the 10th to the 15th (5 nights). The Head of Delegation for each Federation will also be provided with accommodation. Additional players can also be entered for each event. The entry fee for additional players is $100 AUD. There is a registration fee of $75 AUD for all players.
This event runs immediately after the 2023 O2C Doeberl Cup (6-10 April), also in Canberra https://www.
Those who plan to send official representatives to this event, please contact Zone President Shaun Press with the estimated size of the team, in order to organise accommodation.
Guam International Tournament Set 12-18 June 2023
The Guam Chess Federation invites all National Federations in FIDE to participate in the 2023 Guam International Tournament 12-18 June 2023 at the Guam Reef Hotel, Tamunin, Guam.
1st Yahuu Invitational Dalawahan Chess Tournament
by Marlon Bernardino
San Mateo—Marcus Fratkin and Joshua Baldera powered the Casa Bonita to victory in the 1st Yahuu Invitational Dalawahan Chess Tournament held 5 February at the Iya’s Grill and Sports Hub in Ampid 1, San Mateo, Rizal.
The Casa Bonita team scored 10.0 points to receive the top purse of P4,000 plus trophy in the tournament sponsored by Barangay Captain Ampid 1 Hector Reyes, Jhun Reyes, and sportsman June Cayetano Santos and organized by Mr. Rolly Baliwang.
The pair of Carl Anthony Canio and Anthony Avellanada of Double A team pocketed P2,000 plus trophy for their second place finish with 8.5 points followed by the tandem of John Fajardo and Gilbert Bangahon of team MG-Tech Aircon Services which earned P1,500 for their third place finish with similar 8.5 points.
Rounding up to the top 6 are Domingo Libay and Rolly Jon Baliwang of Team JRS (fourth), Jaime Criste and Philip Jobert De Leon of Team Sugo (fifth) and Norvin Gravillo and Mark Jon Baliwang of Team Swakulus (sixth).
Meanwhile, Samson Chhiu Chhin Lim dominated the blitz chess competition by scoring a total of 4.5 points.
National Master Jasper Faeldonia settled for second place with 4.0 points, followed by Marc Simborio (4.0 points) and National Master Al Basher “Basty” Buto (3.5 points).
Photo shows Macario R. Cruz (left), shaking hands with Manny D. Manuel and National Master Al-Basher “Basty” Buto (left), shaking hands with Ronald Nazareno, before making the twin ceremonial moves to kick off the 1st Yahuu Invitational Dalawahan Chess Tournament. Others in photo are Jojo D. Manuel and chief arbiter Alfredo Chay of the tournament sponsored by Barangay Captain Ampid 1 Hector Reyes, Jhun Reyes, and sportsman June Cayetano Santos and organized by Mr. Rolly Baliwang.
Hanoi GM-IM-WGM Chess Tournament 2023
Viet Nam Chess Federation have the honour to invite players to participate in the “HANOI GM/ IM/WGM CHESS TOURNAMENT 2023”. The events will be held in Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, a very beautiful and convenient place at the center of Hanoi.
1. Date: 21st ( Arrival). – 27th May 2023.
2. Venue: Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi
3. Organiser: Viet Nam Chess Federation and Future Grandmaster Chess Club.
4. Chief arbiter: FA/GM Bui Vinh
5. System: There are three group: GM group rating category 7-8; IM group category 2-3 and WGM group category 1-2. Number of round: minimally Round Robin 9 games, maximally Round Robin 11 games in each groups.
6. Time control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move starting from the 1st move.
7. Default time: 30 minutes
8. Registration: The registration deadline is 22nd April 2023.
9. Entry fees: Download Regulations of Hanoi GM-IM-WGM chess tournament 2023
10. Reward: Certificates of participating in the tournaments,
11. Transfer: Estimated price for taxi from Noi Bai Airport to tournament venue is about 15 USD.
12. Hotel: There are many hotels around the venue with costs ranging from 300.000 VND to 350.000 VND per night. The venue is a 5-to-10-minute walk from the hotel.
13. Contact:
13.1 Viet Nam Chess Federation Add: 36 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam Tel/Fax: (84-24) 3823 2471 Email: office@vietnamchess.vn
13.2 GM Bui Vinh. Email: buivinh2602@gmail.combuivinh2602@gmail.com
. WhatsApp: 84 902064486.
HANOI GM-IM-WGM CHESS TOURNAMENT 2023 Viet Nam Chess Federation have the honour to invite players to participate in the “HANOI GM/ IM/WGM CHESS TOURNAMENT 2023”. The events will be held in Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, a very beautiful and convenient place at the center of Hanoi.
1. Date: 29th May – 3rd June 2023. 4th June ( Depature Day)
2. Venue: Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi
3. Organiser: Viet Nam Chess Federation and Future Grandmaster Chess Club.
4. Chief arbiter: FA/GM Bui Vinh
5. System: There are three group: GM group rating category 7-8; IM group category 2-3 and WGM group category 1-2. Number of round: minimally Round Robin 9 games, maximally Round Robin 11 games in each groups.
6. Time control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move starting from the 1st move.
7. Default time: 30 minutes
8. Registration: The registration deadline is 22nd April 2023.
9. Entry fees: Download regulations
10. Reward: Certificates of participating in the tournaments,
11. Transfer: Estimated price for taxi from Noi Bai Airport to tournament venue is about 15 USD.
12. Hotel: There are many hotels around the venue with costs ranging from 300.000 VND to 350.000 VND per night. The venue is a 5-to-10-minute walk from the hotel.
13. Contact: 13.1 Viet Nam Chess Federation Add: 36 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam Tel/Fax: (84-24) 3823 2471 Email: office@vietnamchess.vn 13.2 GM Bui Vinh. Email: buivinh2602@gmail.combuivinh2602@gmail.com.
WhatsApp: 84 902064486.
Khalid Bin Hamad Chess School Chess Championship in Bahrain
Khalid Bin Hamad Chess School Chess Championship in Bahrain was a Smashing Success
Chess has a long and colorful history in Bahrain, with many ups and downs along the way. However, it seems to be making a comeback in recent years, thanks in part to initiatives like His Highness’s School Chess Champions Tournament. Chess is a sport that often goes unnoticed by the mainstream media, but it was in the spotlight as Khalid bin Hamad attended the closing ceremony of His Highness’s Sh. Khalid Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa Chess School Championship.
The competition was open to players of all levels and saw some top-tier participants from schools around Bahrain. The event, which took place on December 4–5, 2022 in Bahrain, received a lot of attention from chess enthusiasts due to the presence of HH Sh Khalid bin Hamad.
The Khalid Bin Hamad Chess school chess championship was held in Bahrain on the 4th and 5th of December 2022
His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the closing ceremony of this year’s edition chess championship in cooperation with various government bodies, including education ministry officials. The event was held at SH Khalifa Sports City Hall and involved more than 400 students from public schools as well as private ones who participated during the final stages that determined participants for the national team later on while about 5 thousand people played qualifying matches before entering the competition.
From the 4th to the 5th of December, Chess players from all over Bahrain gathered in Sheikh Khalifa Sports City, Isa Town for the Khalid Bin Hamad Chess School Chess Championship. With Chess gaining momentum in recent years, this prestigious competition was an important event that showcased the best Chess players in Bahrain. Over 400 competitors tried their luck in Swiss tournament-style rounds, where matches were divided based on skill level. The highest-scoring players were awarded the first three places per category and get recognized for their efforts. Of course, lesser-performing bouts weren’t forgotten either; dedicated Chess lobbyists saw to it that every competitor received honorable recognition for their participation and sportsmanship. A similarly impressive Chess tournament is scheduled to be held later this year as mentioned by the Minster of Education Dr.Mohmmed bin Mubarak, leading us to wonder what skilled talents we may find competing then. Whatever challenges await us, one thing is certain: We will bear witness to history happening again as Chess continues its march toward becoming a world-renowned sport!
The event was organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Bahrain Chess club and Bahrain chess federation and sponsored by HH Khalid Bin Hamad.
The Ministry of Education, Bahrain Chess Club, and Bahrain Chess Federation recently collaborated to host an educational event on chess for students across the nation. The event was generously sponsored by HH Sh. Khalid Bin Hamad, whose commitment to encouraging accessible education for all helped make this exceptional workshop possible. During the event, expert educators from a variety of chess backgrounds coached students in traditional and modern tactical principles while facilitating an atmosphere of constructive learning. The wide range of Age groups allowed participants to interact with each other regardless of their proficiency or level in the sport. With multiple information resources and classroom instruction available onsite, even less experienced players benefited from the individualized coaching they received. By emphasizing skill building through strategic improvement, the workshop progressed smoothly while inspiring students’ sense of creative exploration and cooperative achievement. Undoubtedly, this was a valuable opportunity for all involved to foster their interest in chess and discover unique methods for honing their skills among friends and peers.
A total of more than 400 players from across Bahrain competed in the event
The recent sports event held in Bahrain was an impressive display of the nation’s passion for competition. With over 400 students from across the region coming together, the atmosphere was electrifying and there was tremendous anticipation surrounding each bout. Spectators marveled as they witnessed highly skilled chess players demonstrating their abilities on the field and court, making impressive plays as they pushed themselves to their limits. Each competitor strove to be their best and represented their team with grace and sportsmanship — a fitting testament to the values of friendship and excellence. All in all, it is fair to say that both players and spectators emerged satisfied by their experience at this remarkable event, leaving behind lasting impressions that are sure to stay with them for years to come. Needless to say, Bahrain will again host many more successful events like these in the future. Overall, it’s clear that Bahrain is a nation full of incredibly talented athletes who take pride in being able to represent their country at such a grand scale. The enthusiasm radiating from those competing speaks volumes about what this nation has been able to accomplish athletically, overcoming any limitations and rising up determinedly against any challenge. What’s more, events like these also allow for newfound connections between participants who share a mutual appreciation for high-performance sports — a bond that can’t be broken by anything else! In conclusion, it’s no wonder why this tournament attracted so much attention; its sheer magnitude managed to captivate all hearts present! Furthermore, with top-notch international standards upheld throughout competition time, everyone left assured that they have just taken part in one of Bahrain’s greatest successes yet! With its inclusive spirit and respect for healthy competition reigning supreme in both mentor-athlete relationships as well as player-to-player bonds — it’s safe to say we can look forward to many more events like this one organized expertly by organizers! Who knows what potential lies ahead…? Only time will tell!
The winners of each category were then announced.
At the boys level, and in the primary stage category (6–9 years), the first place was won by the student Hudson Anthony from the New Millennium Private School, and the second place went to the student Muhammad Nabil Salim from Omar bin Abdulaziz Elementary School For boys, Hamza Mohammed Tayseer from St. Christopher’s Private School won third place.
In the primary stage (10–12 years) category, the first place went to student Navaneet Srikanth from the New Millennium Private School, the second place went to Fares Asim Qenayer from Choueifat Private School, and the third place went to Rakan Nabil from Omar bin Abdulaziz Primary School for Boys.
As for the preparatory stage (13–15 years), the first place went to James Thomas from New Millennium Private School, and the second place to Pranav Bobby from the Indian Private School, while the third place went to Taha Fathi Al-Bashir from Othman Bin Affan Preparatory School for Boys. In the secondary stage (16–18 years), the first place was won by Gobikrishna Saravanan from the New Millennium Private School, while the second place was won by Muhammad Al-Jawad Faisal from the Gulf Pearl Private School, and the third place went to Muhammad Taqi Muhammad from Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Secondary School for boys.
At the level of girls, in the primary stage category (6–9 years), the student Laila Aria Hussain from Bahrain Private School won first place, while the second place went to the student Judy Mansour Faisal from the Gate of Maali Private School, while the student Aya won the third place Fadi Mohamed from Al-Maarif Al-Haditha Private Schools.
In the primary stage category (10–12 years), Maryam Muhammad Tayseer from St. Christopher Private School won the first place, Sarah Dashti from the Capital Private School won the second place, and the third place went to Tania Singh from the New Millennium Private School.
As for the preparatory stage category (13–15 years), the first place went to Maram Hadi Al-Mousawi from Bahrain Bayan Private School, and the second place went to the student Broadha Babbitt from the New Millennium Private School, while the third place went to Sondos Osama Fouad from Al-Falah Private School.
In the secondary stage (16–18 years), the student Amrudha Lakshmi from the New Millennium Private School won the first place, while the second place went to Khadija Jaafar Salman from Saar Secondary School for Girls, and the third place went to Sarah Ayman Hujairi from the Modern Knowledge Private Schools.
Congratulations to all of the participants and winners! We are proud to have such fantastic young chess players in Bahrain. keep up the good work!
This is the first time that such an event has been held in Bahrain, and it is our hope that it will become an annual tradition.
The arrival of the Bahrain National Student Chess Championship is an exciting moment for student chess players in the country. It marks the first time that such an event has been held in Bahrain, and it is hoped that it will become an annual tradition. The tournament brings together students from over 300 different schools across Bahrain nation to compete against each other in a friendly environment. While the ultimate goal is to crown a national students champions, this tournament also serves as an opportunity for student chess aficionados to meet each other and build relationships through a shared passion for the game. Competitors will develop their skills while gaining valuable experience playing against opponents of various levels of proficiency — all while enjoying the comradery of fellow student chess enthusiasts. It’s exciting to see such an event being held in Bahrain, and we hope that it continues as a timeless tradition that encourages student growth through chess competition and fellowship.
The Khalid Bin Hamad Chess school chess championship was a huge success, with 400 players from across Bahrain competing in the event. This is the first time that such an event has been held in Bahrain, and it is hoped that it will become an annual tradition. Thank you to the His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the ministry of Education for sponsoring this event!
Darwin Laylo is Philippine National Open Champion
by Marlon Bernardino
MALOLOS CITY, PHILIPPINES—Grandmaster Darwin Laylo of Mandaluyong City won the National Open Championship known as the Battle of Grandmasters 1st to 6th February 2023 at Malolos City Hall. Above are, from left, FST/GM Jayson Gonzales, NCFP chairman/president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (2nd place), GM Darwin Laylo (champion), IM Michael Concio Jr. (3rd place), Malolos City Vice-Mayor Miguel Alberto Bautista and Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre.
Laylo, a mainstay of the Philippine Army chess team playing under the baton of Special Service Center (SSC) Director Col. John Oliver F. Gabun, became the meet’s top finisher and after gaining undefeated record of 6.5 points grom four wins and five draws.
With his latest feat, Laylo whose stint here is being supported by Dasmarinas Mayor Jenny Barzaga, Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr., Atty. Nikki De Vega and Atty. Krisanto Karlo Nicolas received the top prize of P100,000 courtesy of Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad.
“I am happy for winning the Philippine National Chess Championship Grand Finals. I wish that my luck would remain the same with my upcoming stint in PCAP for Magic Mandaluyong Tigers,” said the 42-year-old Laylo. It can be recalled that he got his first national crown in 2006.
“Congratulations to GM Darwin Laylo for winning the Philippine National Chess Championship Grand Finals today. May you keep on winning and bring more honor to the country,” said Magic Mandaluyong Tigers Team Owner Atty. Nikki De Vega.
IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila finished second with 6.0 points following his draw with WGM Janelle Mae Frayna. The Ateneo de Manila University chess team program manager Garcia collected three wins and six draws and pocketed the runner-up prize of P80,000.
IM Michael Concio Jr. of Dasmarinas, Cavite came third with 5.5 points followed by fourth placer IM Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City who totes 5.0 points.
Frayna, NM Mark Jay Bacojo and Quizon each scored 4.5 points to place fifth to seventh, respectively.
GM John Paul Gomez and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. both scored 3.5 points, but were ranked eight and ninth, respectively, based on their total tie break points.
Completing the top 10 is WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego who notch 1.5 point.-Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings:
6.5 points—GM Darwin Laylo
6.0 points—IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
5.5 points—IM Michael Concio Jr.
5.0 points—IM Paulo Bersamina
4.5 points—WGM Janelle Mae Frayna
4.5 points—NM Mark Jay Bacojo
4.5 points—IM Daniel Quizon
3.5 points—GM John Paul Gomez
3.5 points—GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.
1.5 points—WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego