News – Page 15 – Asian Chess

10th Search for the Next Chess Master 2025 in Dumaguete City, Philippines

The 10th Search for the Next Chess Master (SNCM) 2025 unfolded on July 26th and 27th. This landmark event, now in its 10th edition, saw the Dumaguete City Chess Club and The Knights of Valencia Chess Club unite to host a FIDE-rated spectacle, reaffirming their commitment to nurturing grassroots talent in Negros Oriental.

The Market Place & OSCA Bldg buzzed with strategic energy, hosting a dual competition, a first in the region, designed to challenge and inspire. The Exclusive Invitational Round Robin gathered seasoned champions and the region’s brightest junior prodigies. Among them, Markley Partosa (photo above) from Dauin once again proved his mettle, clinching his third SNCM championship. His consistent growth and commanding performance left no doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with, a true testament to the tournament’s aim of fostering excellence.

Simultaneously, the Open Standard Swiss Challenge became a crucible for rising stars. Seven intense rounds offered a prime opportunity for emerging talents to test their skills. It was here that Lennox Samson, a student-athlete from the University of Cebu, made his mark. As a guest player, Samson showcased a formidable competitive spirit, securing the top spot and signalling his intent to climb the ranks in the Central Visayas region.

Beyond the trophies and prize money, the SNCM 2025 was a celebration of chess development. The event saw numerous players achieve significant ELO boosts, with several even qualifying for international standard ratings on the upcoming August 1st FIDE list. This speaks volumes about the growing strength and depth of chess talent in Negros Oriental. The tournament also served as a valuable platform for FIDE Arbiter norms, with FA Arnel Sapuan serving as Chief Arbiter, and NA Ringo Villagonzalo and NA Ramon Bunda III receiving FA1 certificates. At the heart of this thriving development is FA Alvin Alcala, not only the insightful author of the original tournament report and a recipient of an FA title himself in the last FIDE Council Meeting, but also a driving force whose application for the FIDE Associate Organizer (FAO) title promises to further legitimize and elevate the conduct of FIDE-rated events in the region to the next level, collectively contributing to the professional development within the local chess community especially in Negros Oriental.

The resounding success of the 10th SNCM 2025 was a collective effort, powered by the unwavering support of dedicated sponsors and the tireless work of the organizing committees. As the final pieces were put away, the spirit of strategic brilliance lingered, leaving participants and spectators alike inspired. The future of chess in Negros Oriental shines brighter than ever, fueled by events like the SNCM that continue to unearth and celebrate the next generation of masters.

Smart Moves Summit 2025 Where chess meets learning, August 4–5, 2025 Washington, D.C.

For the first time ever – the Smart Moves Summit, an international conference dedicated to the strategies, technologies, and communities shaping the future of school education.

Educational leaders, government officials, global experts, founders of major tech companies, researchers, philanthropists, and international sponsors of school chess initiatives will gather to discuss how we can empower children worldwide through chess, innovation, and cutting-edge learning approaches.

The Summit will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and the launch of new partnerships and initiatives that have the potential to impact millions of students across the globe.

Join us this August and be part of a global movement redefining how the next generation learns, thinks, and thrives.

Why Attend?

For Teachers & Educators

Bring the power of chess into your classroom with practical, research-backed tools. No prior chess experience is needed – just a desire to support students’ focus, creativity, and critical thinking.

For School Leaders & Administrators

Discover how chess can become a school-wide asset: improving academic outcomes, fostering a growth mindset, and increasing parent and student engagement.

For Researchers & Academics

Explore the latest findings at the intersection of chess and cognitive development. Connect with global peers and help bridge research and real-world practice.

For Policymakers & Public Sector Leaders

Understand how chess-based learning aligns with national education goals and 21st-century skill development. Learn from successful large-scale implementations around the world.

For EdTech Innovators & Startups

See how chess is driving innovation in digital education – and how it can power your next idea. Explore emerging technologies, tools, and partnerships shaping the future of learning.

https://tickets.fide.com

Watch video on the Smart Moves Summit.

Chess_2_10.07.mp4

Loreto Lacaron Wins IIEE Eastern Visayas Regional Conference

The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) held an open rapid chess tournament in EIC Convention Center Cebu on July 25, 2025 during its 24th IIEE Eastern Visayas Regional Conference (ECVRC). In photo are, from left, IIEE Cebu team captain Kaypee Aldous Cale (with cap), Tournament Director Edmar Quirante, 5 former IIEE National Presidents Lyndon Bague, Rodrigo Pecolera, Noel Fernandez, Allan Alvarez and Feliciano Padua III, National Arbiters Ed Vincent Lepalam and Kevin Yap.

Loreto Albert Lacaron captured the IIEE ECVR championship undefeated with 6 points in this 7-round swiss 15+3 time control. He won his match with 2nd placer Alberto Acabo who also had 6 points.

Taking 3rd to 5th place respectively were Jesse Tan, Kaypee Aldous Cale and Patrick Palconit who took the last prize money spot with better tie breaks against Arvin Loy-A Pamalaran and Dante Lendio.

The tournament was supervised by NA Kevin Yap and NA Ed Vincent Lepalam with tournament director Edmar Quirante. The successful event of the ECVRC was made possible by the IIEE Cebu Chapter President Marcelo Canitan and ECVR Governor Erwin Salvador.

Lacaron, Cale and Palconit will represent the region in the upcoming IIEE Golden Sports Inter-Island Qualifier on September 13, 2025 at Koten. They will be joined in this September event by the 3×3 ECVR Basketball Champion Bohol composed of Roland Gabo, Dennis Inlajusta, Adrian Apostol and Dave J. Pojadas who won versus Cebu, 22-14.

IM Chito bags IIEE Castle in the storm in Manila

Meanwhile, on the onslaught of Typhoons in Metro Manila, the IIEE Bayanihan conducted a mini-tournament dubbed as Castle in the Storm last July 24, 2025 at IIEE Building in Cubao. International Master Chito Garma captured the championship with perfect 6 wins against National Master Romeo Alcodia, Ayesha Guanzon, Jose Piff Caumban, Jerry Areque, Ronaldo Donasco and Jeremy Marticio who was the runner up of the Armageddon double knockout tournament.

Last July 5, 2025 the IIEE Metro Central Chapter (MCC) captured the Metro Manila Region championship 5×5 team chess tournament held also in IIEE Building. Metro East and Metro west placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. All five boards were topped by IIEE MCC players with Randy Turreda on board 1, Julian Paul Querubin on board 2, Dion Urbina on board 3, Ronald Donasco on board 4 and Evaristo Tizon on board 5. The reserved or board 6 was topped by Samuel Zantua of IIEE Metro West.

In the online chess, IIEE chessmaster is gunning to be on rank 10th in the World with another game in Bundesliga on Monday 2am via Lichess.

In the IIEE National Olympiad Season 7, after 4 rounds, the only unbeaten team are the IIEE Singapore and the Filipino Chess player League (FCPL) Qatar. They will face-off on round 5 in level 1 on August 1, 2025 together with Faeldonia Chess Philippines and Mapua.

IIEE Singapore, who won the PTC World Engineering Day Chess Tournament last March 2025, is the favorite with their players including among others, FM Julius Joseph De Ramos, FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Mark Jay Bacojo, FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FM Nelson Mariano III, CM Jayson Visca, AIM Mark Oliver S. Ingcad, Mark James Marcellana, Gerald Lumberio, Jeffrey Vegas, Adrian Esteva, Andres Bautista, Jeofrey Ampo Sr., Leonard Raymond Reyes and the Reyes brothers FM Narquingden, Narquingel, Mark Gerald and Chester Neil Reyes. FCPL Qatar has GM Darwin Laylo, FM David Elorta, NM Bob Jones Liwagon, AGM Rolenson Loyola, Bong Manaloto, Narciso Gumila Jr., AIM John Tia and AFM Don Henry Naperi, among others. Mapua is led by IM Idelfonso Datu together with IM Michael Concio Jr., Bren Sasot, Jhulo Goloran, Chin Lim, Kelly Rancap, Alexsis Enrico Jacinto, NM Rhobel Legaspi, Kevin Arquero, Don Tyrone Delos Santos, Sherwin Tiu, Jay Arcenal, Jon Pastorizo, Michael Angelo Palma and Norman Madariaga.

The Faeldonia team of Geodetic Engr. Ernie, with his sons Jasper and Jerick, and other reliable are Sohaile Amatonding Sr., Joel Obogne, Leo Miraña, Napoleon Piores, Mark Del Rosario and Alvin Ping. After round 5, the 20 teams will be down into sweet 16 teams who will play for another 5 rounds of elimination.

All of the above events were supported by IIEE Golden Sports Committee headed by Chairman Menandro Lim and Vice Ervin Fernandez with adviser Allan Alvarez, 2021 IIEE National President. Sponsors includes Hypertech, Emerald, Philflex, Koten, Switch, FELCO, Prisma, Weichai, FR3, Arizona Integrated Technology, Coulomb Energy, BMJE, T’sys Industrial Control, Pazifik Power and Pocari Sweat.-Marlon Bernardino-

Smart Moves Summit 2025: Shaping the future of education through chess

FIDE and the International School Chess Federation invite you to the Smart Moves Summit 2025, a groundbreaking international gathering exploring how chess can transform education. From classrooms to communities, from policy to practice, this event on August 4–5 brings together visionary educators, policy leaders, EdTech innovators, and social entrepreneurs to share real-world strategies that are changing how we teach and learn.

This summit is more than a conference—it’s an investment in ideas, networking, and practical tools that can redefine education for generations to come.

Why attend?

– Get inspired by thought leaders who are already reshaping national education policies through chess

– Discover strategies that make classrooms more inclusive, equitable, and effective

– Learn from global models for funding and scaling school chess programs

– Network with changemakers from over 30 countries and across disciplines

– Take home practical solutions that can be applied in schools, nonprofits, or government initiatives

Spotlight on speakers: Meet the changemakers

Dana Reizniece-Ozola (Latvia)

Former Minister of Finance and current FIDE Deputy Chair, Dana blends government policy and chess activism like no one else. Her session will explore how governments can integrate chess into national curricula—a must for any policymaker, education consultant, or federation leader.

Why it’s worth it: Gain insights from someone who has implemented chess in both national governance and global programs supporting refugees and underserved youth.

Timur Turlov (Kazakhstan)

Entrepreneur, investor, and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Turlov has funded and launched one of the world’s most ambitious chess-in-schools programs. He’ll speak on how private sector leadership and public policy can align to create systemic change.

Why it’s worth it: Understand how business thinking can drive educational transformation and discover replicable models of success.

Robert Katende (Uganda)

Founder of the SOM Chess Academy and inspiration behind Disney’s Queen of Katwe, Katende has used chess to uplift children from the slums of Kampala. His talk will focus on social impact, youth empowerment, and chess as a tool for hope.

Why it’s worth it: Hear a first-hand story of transformation and gain ideas for launching purpose-driven programs with lasting community impact.

Jennifer Shahade (USA)

WGM, author, and podcast host, Shahade is a leading voice in gender equity and representation in chess. Her session will discuss creating inclusive chess spaces and using media to reshape narratives in education and sport.

Why it’s worth it: Learn how to amplify voices, improve representation, and use storytelling to inspire a new generation.

José Francisco “Pep” Suárez (Spain)

Psychologist and ECU education commission member, Suárez specializes in using chess to support cognitive development, mental health, and classroom engagement. His hands-on training programs for teachers are used across Europe.

Why it’s worth it: Discover practical, evidence-based methods for integrating chess into any school system—even with no prior chess experience.

Jenny Ingber (USA)

President of Chess in the Schools (NYC), Jenny has built a nonprofit that reaches thousands of underserved students annually with academic enrichment and chess instruction. She’ll speak on sustainable nonprofit models and outcomes-based program design.

Why it’s worth it: Perfect for NGO leaders and school district administrators looking to implement high-impact programs with measurable success.

Jerry Nash (USA)

Chair of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and architect of the global chess teacher training framework. He’ll lead sessions on educator certification, training systems, and implementation across diverse educational environments.

Why it’s worth it: Gain access to tested tools and frameworks that can help scale your chess-in-education efforts across schools or entire regions.

More speakers include:

Kenneth Regan – Anti-cheating expert and data scientist: learn how fairness and integrity are maintained in educational play
Michal Kanarkiewicz – Corporate strategist: how chess boosts executive functioning and decision-making
Anandita Oberoi – Counselor and researcher: using chess in therapeutic and gifted education
Tyron Davis III – Co-founder of The Gift of Chess: scaling global outreach through digital and real-world tools
Jeremy Kane, Rita Atkins, Arlecia Taylor, Zachary Saine, Tyler Schwartz, Elliot Neff, David Heiser, and others.

Reserve your place

This event is a must for anyone serious about using chess to impact education—whether you’re a teacher, policymaker, chess federation leader, or EdTech founder.

Get your tickets here: tickets.fide.com

Learn more at the official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/summit/

Join Asian Schools Chess Championship in Mongolia

Asian Chess Federation president Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan (center) meeting with H.E. Gombojav Zandanshatar, president of Mongolian Chess Federation, in Al Ain, UAE together with, from left, ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher, Kazakhstan Chess Federation 1st Vice President GM Darmen Sadvakasov and MCF Delegate Enkhtuul Atan-Ulzii (right).

The Mongolia Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is honored to invite all Asian National Chess Federations to participate in the 19^th Asian Schools Chess Championships to be organized in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 24^th October (arrival) to 2^nd November (departure) 2025.

Separate groups will be held for boys and girls as follows:

Download regulations 19th Asian Schools Chess Championship 2025

Register at https://ascc2025.chesstournament.org/

Usernames and passwords have been emailed to official email addresses of national federations.

Earn FIDE Master and Candidate Master titles.

GM Sayantan Das of India Wins CTCA International

Grandmaster Sayantan Das from India emerged as the champion, scoring an impressive 7.5 points.

FIDE Master Severino Sander, a distinguished member of the Philippines Paralympic team, claimed second place with 7 points.

Grandmaster Gergely Aczel of Hungary secured third place on better tiebreaks.

Other notable performances include Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Darry Bernardo from the Philippines, who took the prize for 5th and 6th place, respectively.

Prizes were also awarded to the top six players in each age group, recognizing outstanding young talents across different categories.

The results for all the the different categories can be found on:
Standard:

Open GU19U19GU17U17

https://s2.chess-results.com/tnrWZ.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0&tno=1205223

GU15U15GU13U13

https://s2.chess-results.com/tnrWZ.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0&tno=1209357

GU11U11GU9U9GU7U7

https://s3.chess-results.com/tnrWZ.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0&tno=1209531

Blitz winners

BLITZ

https://s2.chess-results.com/tnrWZ.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&SNode=S0&tno=1220610

GM Kazybek Nogerbek Simultaneous Exhibition in Al Ain, UAE

Former World Junior Champion GM Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan gave a simultaneous chess exhibition on 24 July 2025 against 30 players from the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club.

Nogerbek won all games except against the talented 18-year-old Mohammad Saeed Shamsi who has been playing chess only for two years.

GM Kazybek Nogerbek was held to a draw by Mohammad Shamsi of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club

The simul by the 2024 world junior chess champion was organized by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club under the auspices of Asian Chess Federation under patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE.

Central Asian Youth Chess Championship Starts in Kyrgyzstan

The Central Asian Youth Chess Championship is going on 20-29 July 2025 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 425 from five countries are competing, namely Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and host Kyrgyzstan.

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

https://www.instagram.com/issykkul_chess/ https://www.instagram.com/chessunion.kg/

Boys under-8

Central Asia Boys Under-18

Central Asian Girls Under-12

Central Asian Girls Under-16

Central Asian Girls Under-18

Central Asian Youth Chess Championship Officials headed by Chief Arbiter IA Khusan Turdialiev, seated center.

2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities set for October 2025 in Astana

FIDE is proud to announce that the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities will take place from October 19 to 26, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Organized by FIDE and hosted by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, this major international event underscores FIDE’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the global chess community.

The Olympiad will bring together up to 34 teams from across the world, composed of players with visual, hearing, and physical impairments. Each team will consist of four players (with at least one from each gender), one captain/reserve, and one accompanying person. The competition will be held at the Paralympic Training Centre in Astana, a venue specially adapted to accommodate the needs of all participants.

“We are proud that our capital will host such a significant event, where each participant can showcase their intellect, resilience, and passion for chess. This Olympiad is more than just a competition; it is a powerful symbol of inclusion, equal opportunity, and respect for every individual. For us, it is also an important marker that Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Chess Federation are consistently working to create an environment where everyone has the chance to realize their full potential. We are confident that the tournament will leave a lasting impression on all participants and guests – and we, in turn, will do our best to ensure its successful and meaningful execution. We are also deeply grateful to the Mayor of Astana, Zhenis Kassymbek, for his invaluable support of this tournament,” — Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation

“The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities is a celebration of human potential and the spirit of competition. We are deeply grateful to the Kazakhstan Chess Federation for their dedication and hospitality. Their efforts will help us deliver an unforgettable experience for all participants. As 2025 marks the Year of Social Chess in FIDE, this event perfectly embodies our mission to promote chess as a game for everyone, regardless of physical ability,” — Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President

The competition will follow a 6-round Swiss system, with games played under classical time control. In addition to team medals and trophies, individual board prizes and special awards — including recognitions for youngest and oldest players in various categories — will be presented.
The first edition of the Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities was held in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2023, and marked a historic milestone for accessible chess events. It attracted global attention for its inclusive spirit and high-level organization, setting the stage for a growing tradition.

2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities Regulations (PDF)

For registration and queries, federations are encouraged to contact: dis@fide.com.

Philippine Selection Tournaments for Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong

Selection tournaments are being held for representation in the Asian Amateur Chess Championship scheduled 1-9 August 2025 in Hong Kong. See Join Asian Amateur Chess Championship 1-9 August 2025 in Hong Kong

The Philippines is sending a large delegation. See Record Entries in Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong

National Master Nika Juris Nicolas will represent the Philippines. NM Nicolas is fresh from winning three gold medals in the 2025 Pasiglympics, conquering the Under-14, Under-13, and Under-12 chess tournaments held in Pasig City, Philippines. She won the Standard Chess, Fischer Random Chess, and ASEAN chess events.

Attorneys Krisanto Karlo Nicolas and Nikki de Vega, NM Nika’s parents, are confident in her strong performance. –Marlon Bernardino–