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GM Daniel Quizon Wins 4th Edition Eduardo B. Basilonia Touchmove Open Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament

Grandmaster Daniel Quizon of Dasmarinas, Cavite won the 4th Eduardo B. Basilonia Touchmove Open Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament held August 24 at the atrium SM City in Roxas City, Capiz Province, Philippines.
In the photo for simultaneous ceremonial moves are, from left, GM Daniel Quizon, GM John Paul Gomez, Capiz’s first-ever National Master Francis Jocson, GM Darwin Laylo and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. as the Touchmove chess patron/sportsman Eduardo Basilonia looks on.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Despite being behind on time and in a difficult position, Quizon defeated Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. Of Quezon City in a thrilling final-round time scramble.
The tournament was organized by Sportsman Eduardo B. Basilonia in cooperation with Imprinta Printing Services and SM City Roxas.
Quizon, a member of the star-studded Dasmarinas Chess Academy under Mayor Jenny Barzaga and Coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, had a total of 6.5 5 points from six wins and one draw.  He bagged the PHP 100,000 top purse.
Quizon scored victories over Warnie Agulto of Iloilo City in the first round, Noel Vincent Crucero of Iloilo City in the second round, Jerry Areque of Bacolod City in the third round, John Franz De Asis of San Miguel, Iloilo in the fifth round , Grandmaster John Paul Gomez of Binan, Laguna in the sixth round and Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. of Quezon City in the seventh and final round.
He split the points with Marc Kevin Labog of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya in the fourth round.
FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo of Mandaluyong City, GM Antonio, FIDE Master David Elorta of Manila, National Master Fritz Bryan Porras of Iloilo City, Jan Clifford Labog of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya tied for second to seventh with similar 6.0 points to receive PHP 50,000, PHP 30,000, PHP 20,000, PHP 10,000, PHP 7,000, and PHP 6,000 respectively.
Gomez and National Master Edsel Montoya of La Carlota City scored 5.5 points each.
Finishing tenth was FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan who had better tie break points in the huge group of five pointers.- Marlon Bernardino-

Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Top World Youth U-16 Olympiad in Colombia

The city of Barranquilla has written a new chapter in the history of international chess. From August 16 to 23, 2025, the Colombian Caribbean capital became the heart of the chess world, hosting the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad—an unforgettable event that brought together more than 45 delegations from five continents.

For eight days, the playing hall was filled with strategy, talent, and dreams. The ticking of clocks, the silence of concentration, and the emotions of every move transformed Barranquilla into a true temple of youth chess.

Team rankings – champions crowned

After nine rounds of fierce battles, camaraderie, and resilience, the final standings crowned the world’s best youth teams:

  1. FIDE 1 – Absolute Champion, with a flawless record of 9 victories in 9 rounds.
  2. Uzbekistan – Runner-up, with 7 wins and 2 draws.
  3. Kazakhstan 2 – Third place, with 7 wins and 2 losses.

The top-seeded FIDE 1 team dominated the competition, securing gold with a round to spare. Uzbekistan affirmed its status as a new powerhouse of youth chess, while Kazakhstan showed that its young generation is ready to compete at the highest level.

Individual brilliance – board winners

The Olympiad also shone a spotlight on individual talents dominating their boards:

    • Board 1 medalists:

1 place – GM Ivan Zemlyanskii (FIDE 1) – 7.5/9

2 place – IM Mukhammadzo Suyarov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9

3 place – IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan 1) – 7/9

    • Board 2 medalists:

1 place – GM Savva Vetokhin (FIDE 1) – 8/9

2 place – IM Khumoyun Begmuratov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9

3 place – Matvei Savelev (FIDE 2) – 7/9

    • Board 3 medalists:

1 place – GM Artem Uskov (FIDE 1) – 8/9

2 place – FM Alan Petukhov (Kazakhstan 1) – 8/9

3 place – IM A.R. Ilamparthi (India) – 7/8

    • Board 4 medalists:

1 place – CM Prathamesh Sherla (India) – 8/9

2 place – WIM Jinela Rodríguez Rivero (Cuba 1) – 8/9

3 place – WGM Anna Shukhman (FIDE 1) – 7/9

The Olympiad was more than a sporting competition—it was a celebration of diversity, unity, and cultural exchange. Players of different languages, religions, and traditions sat across from one another, proving that on the 64 squares, everyone speaks the same language: the language of chess.

Barranquilla, with its warmth and hospitality, embraced every delegation as family. It became a place where new friendships were born, dreams were nurtured, and the spirit of fair play shone brightly.

Closing ceremony to remember

The closing ceremony blended sport, art, and culture in an unforgettable evening. Champions were honored in the presence of distinguished guests, including:

  • Daniel Trujillo, Secretary of Sports, Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla
  • Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director
  • Weymar Fernando Muñoz, President of the Colombian Chess Federation
  • Erick Hernández, representative of the Chess Confederation of the Americas (CCA)
  • Eduardo de la Rosa, Governor of Atlántico

The legendary Banda de Baranoa brought the evening to life with vibrant rhythms and a spectacular performance that filled the hall with joy, music, and color. Delegations clapped, danced, and celebrated together, closing the Olympiad not as rivals, but as one global family.

The Colombian Chess Federation expresses its deep gratitude to all delegations, federations, organizers, and sponsors who made this world-class event possible. Thanks to their commitment, Colombia has shown itself not only as a chess-loving nation, but also as a country capable of hosting events of global excellence.

This Olympiad produced more than champions—it created memories, friendships, and inspiration. It proved that chess is not confined to the board: it is a school of life, a bridge between cultures, and a path toward a brighter future for youth.

Barranquilla bids farewell with pride and joy, crowned the World Capital of Youth Chess 2025. The pieces are now at rest, but the spirit of this Olympiad will remain alive in every child who dared to dream, compete, and win—not just on the board, but in life.

Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez

Official website: youtholympiad2025.fide.com/

From World Youth Chess Olympiad U-16 concludes in Barranquilla, Colombia – International Chess Federation

GM Denis Lazavik of Belarus Wins 31st Abu Dhabi Festival Masters

GM Denis Lazavik of Belarus topped the 31st Abu Dhabi Festival Masters tournament in a tie at 7 points each with four others, namely GMs Zeng Chongsheng of China, Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria, Aleksey Grebnev of Russia and IM Maksim Tsaruk of Belarus.

In photo are, from left, Faisal Al Marzouqi Abudhabi, Abu Dhabi Chess club Board Member ember and Tournament Director; His Excellency the UAE Ambassador Saeed Al-Meqbali, Champion GM Denis Lazavik, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Fabisi, Assistant Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Husain Abdulla Khoury, President of Abudhabi Chess Club.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and to download games.

GM Vahe Baghsasaryan of Armenia Wins Abu Dhabi Festival Open A

Untitled Stephen Noble Samuel of India Wins Abu Dhabi Festival Open B

Ranjithkumar of India Wins Abu Dhabi Festival Juniors U-16

GM Aleksei Barsov of Uzbekistan Wins Abu Dhabi Seniors 50+

GM Zeng Chongsheng of China Maintains Solo Lead in Abu Dhabi Masters

GM Zeng Chongsheng of China used the Catalan Opening to draw with compatriot GM Xue Haowen in 17 moves and maintain solo lead with 5.5 points after 6 rounds of the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival Masters at the Radison Blu Hotel in Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Xue and five others are in second slot with 5 points apiece followed by ten other players wth 4.5 points each.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results, standings and to download games.

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Touchmove Invitational Open Rapid Chess Tournament Starts August 24 in Roxas City, PHI

The Touchmove Invitational Open Rapid Chess Tournament starts August 24 at the atrium of SM City Mall in Roxas City, Philippines.

The tournament will commence at 9 AM and will feature a time limit of fifteen minutes per player, with a 3-second increment. It will utilize a seven-round Swiss system format.

The participating FIDE Masters include FM Roel Abelgas from Dasmarinas, Cavite, FM Mark Jay Bacojo from Manila, FM David Elorta from Pasig City, FM Christian Gian Carlo Arca from Panabo City in Davao Del Norte, and FM Alekhine Nouri from Escalante City in Negros Occidental.

Visit chess-results.com for list of players:

Pasig and Quezon City top 1st PCAP Rated Open championship 

by Marlon Bernardino
The Pasig City King Pirates finished first with equal contribution of 6.5 each from the Individual champion IM Chito Garma, 2nd placer Omar Bagalasca, AGM Marc Labog, Kevin Arquero and Sherin Tiu to win the 1st PCAP Rated Open championship. The 2-day tournament was held August 16-17, 2025 at Estancia Mall, Pasig City, Philippines. It is rated under the United Philippine Chess Ratings System (UPCRS).
The IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe took the 2nd place led by individual 4th placer IM Ronald Dableo, NM Jose “Jojo” Aquino Jr., Samson Chhiu Chhin Lim, NM Bob Jones Liwagon and Narciso Gumila Jr.
In above photo, IIEE PSME Quezon Simba’s Tribe team receive their 2nd place award. From ;eft to right: Ferdie Reyes, PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Chua, NM Bob Jones Liwagon, IM Ronald Dableo NM Jojo Aquino, Norman Madariaga, Narciso Gumila, Samson Chhiu Chhin Lim and PCAP President and Commissioner Paul Elauria.
Meanwhile after 6 rounds of the IIEE National Chess Olympiad season 7 held last August 15, 2025 via LiChess, the IIEE Singapore recaptured the lead with its 5th level championship tying erstwhile leader Filipino Chess Player League (FCPL-Qatar) with same number of level championship but higher aggregated score of 867 – 656.
Team Singapore was bannered by Bong Manaloto, GM Darwin Laylo, NM Bob Jones Liwagon, Don Henry Naperi, Ryan Mendoza, John Orven Tia, Louie Delcoro, Rolenson Loyola, Glenn Zenarosa, Narciso Gumila, Alexander Angelito, Nelsonerro Lagutin, Joemarie Resurreccion, NM Homer Cunanan, Eugene Pimentel and FM David Elorta.
In round 7 on August 29, 2025, Mapua will rejoin the level 1 with Faeldonia Philippine team. Mapua will target its 5th level championship to tie IIEE Singapore and FCPL-Qatar.
Other level champions in round 6 are: Mapua in level 2 led by IM Idelfonso Datu, IIEE Metro Manila in level 3 (their 2nd) led by Daryl Samantila and Bicol in level 4 (their first) led by wonderkid Chris Bryan Operiano. Rounding teams with level championship are Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineer (PSME) with 3, IIEE Iloilo with 2 and with 1 a-piece are International Chess Friends Federation (ICFF), GMG Chess Philippines, IIEE Metro Central, IIEE Saudi and IIEE Northern Luzon. Eyeing for their 1st level championship on next round are IIEE Mindanao, Faeldonia, IIEE eastern Visayas and the Chess Experts which is composed of international players.-Marlon Bernardino-

Asian and Americas Chess Federations sign Memorandum of Understanding

The Asian Chess Federation and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in the field of chess activities. The agreement was signed on August 18, 2025, in Barranquilla, Colombia, by President of the Confederation of Chess for the Americas Jose Carrillo Pujol (above left), and General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation Hisham Al Taher.

The Memorandum sets out a framework for joint initiatives in player training, coach education, exchange programs, research, and the promotion of chess among young people. Both federations will work together to develop school chess projects, youth festivals, and professional training opportunities, while also sharing expertise in curriculum design, sports management, and infrastructure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich underlined the importance of this collaboration: “I always thought from the start of my service that this horizontal type of collaboration is critically important. It is not that it can be done top to the bottom. There should be activities and initiatives both planned and implemented at the horizontal level between individual federations, between zone federations, and between continental federations…I am happy to see that you are signing this agreement and I look forward to the results.”

Under the agreement, each side will facilitate exchanges of players, coaches, officials, and administrators, as well as cooperate on the creation of teaching materials and development programs. The two federations also plan to collaborate on research and innovation in chess training and education.

The Memorandum will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of renewal.

From Asian and Americas Chess Federations sign Memorandum of Understanding – International Chess Federation

GM Zeng Chonsheng of China Grabs Solo Lead in Abu Dhabi Masters

GM Zeng Chongsheng of China essayed the English Opening to beat IM Artiom Stribuk of Belarus in 68 moves and grab solo lead with 5 points after as many rounds of the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival Masters championship at the Radison Blu hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

GM Xue Haowen, also of China, crushed the Sicilian defense of Brandon Jacobson of the USA in 46 moves to follow alone in second slot with 4.5 points. Thirteen players trail at 4 points each at the halfway mark of the tournament.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results, standings and to download games.

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GM Zeng, IM Stribuk Share Lead in Abu Dhabi Masters

Eighteen-year-old IM Artiom Stribuk of Belarus beat GM Igo Gorshtein of Israel while GM Zeng Chongsheng of China beat IM Jimmy Jublin of India to share the lead with 4 points each after as many rounds of the Abu Dhabi Masters at the Radison blu hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Seven players trail a half point behind with 3.5 points each. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results, standings and to download games.

Watch live games in chess.com

Five Share Lead in Open A tournament

Nine Share Lead in Open B Tournament