Archives: News

9th GoPalarong Ahedres Open Chess Championship Set August 2-3, 2025

The 9th GoPalarong Ahedres Open Chess Championship is scheduled August 2-3, 2025 at the Crown Legacy Hotel , Kisad Corner Montinola in Baguio City, Philippines.
Sponsored by Engr. Romeo U. Aquino, the 2-day event, applying the 25 minutes plus 10 seconds increment Time control format, offers P20,000 to the Open Champion while P10,000 each for the Blitz and Kiddies 12 years old and below winners.
Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and Candidate Grandmaster Ronald Dableo have confirmed their participation. Also playing are International Master Barlo Nadera and International Master Hamid Nouri.
“It’s going to be a grandiose chess competition with the number of players expected to join,” said Grandmaster elect Haridas Pascua.
Registration fee for Open and Blitz Open are P350 each while for the kiddies and Kiddies blitz are P250 each.
Call or text Mr. Bert Pascua at his mobile number: 0929-311-5085 for complete details.-Marlon Bernardino-

Harikrishnan A Ra becomes the 87th Grandmaster of India

by Shahid Ahmed – 14/07/2025

IM Harikrishnan A Ra became the 87th Indian to achieve the Grandmaster title on Friday 11th July 2025 at 5th La Plagne Masters 2025. A draw against the reigning National Rapid 2025 champion, GM Iniyan Pa in the final round secured his final GM-norm.

IM Harikrishnan A Ra with his maiden GM-norm certificate at 56th Biel Chess Festival Master Tournament (MTO)

Harikrishnan earned his first GM-norm in July 2023 at 56th Biel Chess Festival Master Tournament (MTO) 2023. Nearly two years later, he scored his second GM-norm at Lince Andújar Open 2025 in Andújar, Spain. Before that, in June 2024, he got a published rating of 2502. The Grandmaster title has always been an inevitability for him. There was never a question of if, it was always when he will fulfill the GM title requirements. Check out the journey of the talented boy from Chennai.

Final two GM-norms in consecutive tournaments 15 days

Harikrishnan A Ra loves to play a lot of tournaments in his trip to Europe. That is probably one of the many reasons he has won a total of nearly two dozen tournaments including Classical, Rapid and Blitz tournaments, eight of them were in seven different countries outside of India since 2021. Most of them have been reported on our newspage. We cannot wait to see him conquer more tournaments in various formats and countries across the world. Harikrishnan is training with GM Shyam Sundar M at his academy, Chess Thulir for the past few years and also at Chola Chess from the beginning of this year.

First GM-norm: 56th Biel Chess Festival Master Tournament (MTO) 2023

Harikrishnan earned his first GM-norm at 56th Biel Chess Festival Master Tournament (MTO) in July 2023 in Biel, Switzerland. He scored 6/10 to earn his first GM-norm, including wins against GM Nikita Meshkovs (LAT), GM Daniil Yuffa (ESP), draws against GM Pranav Anand, GM Luis Ernesto Quesada Perez (CUB), GM Ngoc Truong Son Nguyen (VIE) and GM Carlos Daniel Albornoz Cabrera (CUB).

FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar in Arabic Scheduled 10-14 August 2025

The 196th Internet-based FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar is going to be organized from 10/08/2025 to 14/08/2025 by the Asian Chess Federation, under the auspices of FIDE.

The Lecturer will be IA/IO Abdulrahim, Mahdi (UAE), FIDE Lecturer.

The language of the Seminar will be Arabic.

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

Schedule:
Sunday 10th August 2025
17:30 to 19:00 Laws of Chess (Standard)
19:15 to 20:45 Laws of Chess (Standard)
21:00 to 22:00 Laws of Chess (Rapid, Blitz)

Monday 11th August 2025
17:30 to 19:50 Laws of Chess (Practice-Case’s)
19:50 to 20:50 Chess Terms in English
21:00 to 22:00 Use of electronic clocks

Tuesday 12th August 2025
17:30 to 19:00 FIDE Competition Rules and standards of chess equipment
19:15 to 20:45 Swiss system and pairing rules
21:00 to 22:00 System of games, tie breaks

Wednesday 13th August 2025
17:30 to 19:00 Rating and over‐the‐board titles
19:15 to 20:45 Regulations for the titles of Arbiters
21:00 to 22:00 Anti‐cheating Guidelines for Arbiters

Thursday 14th August 2025
Examination Test (4 hours) from 17:30 to 21:30 pm Dubai Time.

Contact: IA Abdulrahim Mahdi +971504556453

Email: mahdi.abdulrahim2020@gmail.com

Join the Global Online Celebration for International Chess Day

FIDE, in partnership with Lichess.org, invites chess-lovers from around the world to take part in the largest-ever Social Chess Day tournament — a 24-hour blitz marathon celebrating International Chess Day on July 20!

Event Details:

* Format: 5+3 Blitz (5 minutes + 3 seconds increment)
* Platform: Lichess.org
* Start Time: 00:00 CEST (Zurich time) on July 20
* End Time: 00:00 CEST on July 21
* Entry: Open to players of any skill level, from all time zones — join anytime and play as many games as you want!

Amazing Prizes Await!

All participants will be automatically entered into random prize draws, with a chance to win:

Exclusive experiences:

5 winners will get vouchers to attend the Opening Ceremony & Round 1 of the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, including 2 nights of hotel stay.

Merch & Collectibles:

10 winners: €100 FIDE Merchandise Vouchers

20 winners: Limited edition “Chess Players” photography books

Train with the best:

* 1-on-1 Online Blitz Training with GM Lei Tingjie
* Group Talk (up to 50 people) with GM Nijat Abasov – motivational insights and chess prep advice

Simuls & Q&A Events:

Online simuls with top GMs

* Humpy Koneru
* Praggnanandhaa
* Vaishali Rameshbabu
* Tan Zhongyi
* Arjun Erigaisi
* Valentina Gunina (with lecture)
* Anish Giri
* Anna Shukhman (with lecture)

Q&A & Game Analysis with GM Anna Muzychuk

Be part of chess history

This is more than just a tournament — it’s a global celebration of the game we all love. Whether you play one game or one hundred, you’re part of the movement. Let’s make July 20 a day to remember!

Join here: lichess.org/tournament/fscday25

Regulations: fide.com/wp-content/uploads/FIDE-Social-Chess-Day-Tournament-Regulations-.pdf

Asian Zone 3.3 Schools Chess Competition 27-31 August in Jakarta, Indonesia

BPK PENABUR under the auspices of the Indonesian Chess Federation (PERCASI) and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) alongwith the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is honored to invite all National Chess Federations from Zone 3.3 to participate in the BPK PENABUR Asian Zone 3.3 Schools Chess Competition to be organized in Jakarta, Indonesia from 27th August (arrival) to 31st August (departure) 2025.

The goal is to foster students’ achievements in chess so they can progress to a higher level. The tournament is open to FIDE member countries in Asian Zone 3.3.

Download invitation from the President of Asian Zone 3.3, GM Utut Adianto: Invitation and Regulations BPK PENABUR Asian Zone 3.3 Schools

Download Registration Form BPK PENABUR Asian Zone 3.3 Schools 2025

The venue shall be at the PENABUR Intercultural School Kelapa Gading Jl. Boulevard Bukit Gading Raya Blok A5-A8, Kelapa Gading, Jakarta. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ucJvrCri5pVV6hQn6

Two (2) players from all categories and one (1) head of delegation per country are entitled to free board and lodging starting from 27th August 2025 (after 14.00) to 31st August (before noon) at the El Hotel, Kelapa Gading, Jakarta.

Jing Fong Joash Chan wins 2nd SMU Chess Classic Rating Open 2025

by Shahid Ahmed – 10/07/2025

Jing Fong Joash Chan (SGP), Ravi Krishna G, Vijay Rege and Stefanus Kf Phan (SGP) scored 7/9 each at 2nd SMU Chess Classic Rating 2025 held 16th to 21st June 2025 at the Singapore Management University School of Economics in Singapore.

Jing won the tournament due to better tie-breaks. The remaining three were placed second to fourth respectively. Top three remained undefeated. Ravi drew against Jing in Round 8. The total prize fund was Giftano gift cards worth SG$ 2600. The top three prizes were $250, $200 and $180 along with a trophy each. The six-day nine round rating tournament was organized by SMU Intellectual Sports at . Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

Top four score 7/9

The second edition of SMU Chess Classic witnessed the total participation of 132 players, 56 in Classical and 76 in Blitz Rating Open.

Champion – Jing Fong Joash Chan (SGP) 7/9 | Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

Runner-up – Ravi Krishna G 7/9 | Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

Second Runner-up – Vijay Rege (SGP) 7/9 | Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

Players in action | Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

Trophies for the prize winners | Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

A total of 56 players took part from Brazil, China, India, Malaysia and Singapore. The six-day nine round rating tournament was organized by SMU Intellectual Sports at Singapore Management University School of Economics in Singapore from 16th to 21st June 2025. The time control of the event was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.

Final standings

Rk. SNo Name Typ sex FED Rtg Club/City Pts.  TB1  TB2  TB3  TB4  TB5  TB6 K rtg+/-
1 8
Chan, Jing Fong Joash U15 SGP 1801 7 0 49,5 54 40,75 39 2030 40 106,4
2 4
AIM Ravi, Krishna G U18 IND 2003 7 0 46,5 50 38,00 37,5 1975 40 8,8
3 1
Vijay, Rege U18 SGP 2019 7 0 45,5 49 36,50 37 1935 40 -5,6
4 2
Phan, Stefanus Kf SGP 2010 7 0 43,5 50,5 36,50 34,5 2045 20 8,4
5 6
Lee, Jing Xi Jonathan U18 SGP 1931 SP 6,5 0 43,5 47,5 32,75 33,5 1841 40 -12,8
6 5
CM Tan, Jun Hao SGP 1946 NUS 6 1 44 50 30,00 34,5 1933 20 3,6
7 18
Teah, Jared U15 SGP 1628 6 2 41,5 47,5 29,50 29 1933 40 94
8 14
Goh, Ching Hayk U12 SGP 1685 5,5 0 46 48,5 25,75 31,5 1725 40 14,4
9 9
Amarnani, Adityan Vivek U15 BRA 1795 5,5 0 44,5 48,5 27,00 28,5 1756 40 -8,8
10 3
Teo, Hong Ming SGP 2009 5,5 0 44,5 48 25,25 30 1735 20 -38,8

Details

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations

From Jing Fong Joash Chan wins 2nd SMU Chess Classic Rating Open 2025, Ravi Krishna G second – ChessBase India

$100,000 Almaty Region Open Set 3-12 August 2025

by Shahid Ahmed – 11/07/2025

Kazakhstan Chess Federation invites you to Almaty Region Open 2025 – Qonaev Cup. The tournament has three sections – Masters (> 2400), Challengers (>1900) and Open (<1900). The total prize fund is – US$ 100000, $78000 for Masters, $15000 for Challengers and $7000 for Open. The top three prizes are US$ 18000, 14000 and 10000. Entry is FREE for 2600+ in Masters, GM, IM, WGM, WIM in Challengers and Open. Conditions are offered to 2600+ players. GM Aditya Mittal won two tournaments in Kazakhstan in 2023. Kumar Gaurav won Oskemen Open 2024 last year. GM Aryan Chopra secured second place at the recently concluded Aktobe Open 2025 last month. You could be the next one. Check out the article for more information. All tournament info photos are from tournament circular.

Almaty Region Open 2025 – Qonaev Cup will take place from 3rd to 12th August 2025 | Photo: Kazakhstan Chess Federation

Venue, Schedule, Entry fee and Eligibility

The tournament will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan from 3rd to 12th August 2025. Exact venue will be notified later by KazChess. There is only one round each day for Masters, Challengers and Open tournament. Check out the images below for schedule, entry fee and eligibility details.  Participation limit in each event is 100.

Schedule

Eligibility and entry fee details

Prizes

The total prize fund is US$ 100000, $78000 for Masters. The top three prizes in the Masters (>2400) tournament are US$ 18000, $14000 and $10000. There are 16 prizes, top 15 and best scorer among women. Challengers (>1900) tournament has a prize fund of US$15000. The top three prizes in Challengers are US$ 4000, $3000 and $2000. The total prize fund for Open (<1900) tournament is US$ 7000. The top three prizes are $2000, $1500 and $1000. Please check the images below for complete prize details.

Masters, Challengers and Open tournament prize details

Conditions

Check the image below for information about conditions for the invited players rated above 2600.

Conditions for invited players rated above 2600

Visa

Visa information

Contact details

Registration

Tournament Director: as appointed by the Presidium

Chief Arbiter: as appointed by the Arbiter and Qualification Committee

Tournament Secretary: as appointed by the Arbiter and Qualification Committee

Tournament Manager: as appointed by the Presidium, tournaments@kazchess.kz

From Kazakhstan Chess Federation invites you to Almaty Region Open 2025 with a prize fund of US$ 100000 – ChessBase India

31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival starts 15th August 2025

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi – 04/07/2025

One of the world’s most prestigious chess festivals is back with its 31st edition! The crown jewel of the festival, Abu Dhabi Masters, is all set to take place from 15th to 24th August 2025 in Abu Dhabi. With a total prize fund of USD 55,500, the event promises to be a great thrill for players as well as fans. The festival will feature 17 different exciting tournaments to offer an opportunity for players of all levels. Like every year, the stakes are high, with USD 15,000 reserved for the winner of the Masters event! Scroll down to explore what’s in store at this chess festival! Photo: Abu Dhabi Chess Festival

The 1st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival took place back in 1991. Emirati International Master Saeed Ahmed Saeed (2435) was the Champion of the first edition! 30 more editions of this prestigious tournament have taken place since then.

A total of 17 different chess events will take place as part of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival 2025, scheduled from 15th to 24th August. The major attraction, as always, is the Masters tournament, because of its incredibly strong field. Many players from around the world have already confirmed their participation in this year’s event. In the Master’s section, Parham Maghsoodloo is currently the highest-rated player on the list.

Venue

The official hotel for the festival will be Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel. All tournament games will take place within the hotel itself, so the players don’t need to travel between the accommodation and the playing venue. Participants also have the option to stay at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, where rooms will be available at discounted rates

The tournament registrations will be closed on 15th July 2025. You can go and register for the tournament at this link.

More info in The 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival starts on 15th August 2025 – ChessBase India

Gukesh tops Super United Rapid 2025 with a 2937 performance

by Shahid Ahmed – 05/07/2025

The World Champion, D Gukesh topped SuperUnited Rapid 2025. Despite starting the tournament with a loss, he scored 14/16 in his next eight games. On the final day of Rapid, he started with a draw against Anish Giri (NED). Then he salvaged a draw versus Ivan Saric (CRO) who could have pushed for more. Gukesh finished the Rapid portion with a win over Wesley So (USA). He is at the top of standings. Jan-Krzysztof Duda (POL) scored 11/16 to finish second. He is the only player to remain undefeated. The World no.1, Magnus Carlsen (NOR) is at third place 10/18, followed by Fabiano Caruana (USA) and R Praggnanandhaa at 9/18 each.  Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

D Gukesh started the Blitz event with a four point lead over the rest. He passed the Rapid test with flying colors as he convincingly finished at the top. The next 18 games of Blitz span over two days.

The World Champion – D Gukesh topped the Rapid 14/18 | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz had three rounds per day in the Rapid portion from 2nd to 4th July. The Blitz event took place on 5th and 6th July. It was a double round-robin event for the Blitz i.e. nine rounds played on each day. It was a 10-player Round Robin event. Time control for Rapid was 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment. For Blitz, it was 5 minutes + 2 seconds increment.

The total prize fund for each of the Rapid and Blitz event was US$ 175.000. The top three prizes were $40,000, $30,000 and $25,000.

From Gukesh tops SuperUnited Rapid 2025 with a 2937 performance – ChessBase India

Shinya Kojima Wins Chubu Rapid Rating Open 2025 in Nagoya, Japan

L to R: 2nd Ryo Noda (JPN) 4/5, 1st IM Shinya Kojima (JPN) 5/5 and 3rd Teruomi Higashishiba (JPN) 4/5
by Sheldon Donaldson – 08/07/2025

IM Shinya Kojima, top seed of the tournament and Japan no.5won the tournament which took place in Nagoya, Japan scoring a perfect 5/5. Ryo Noda (JPN) and Teruomi Higashishiba (JPN) scored 4/5 each. They secured second and third place according to tie-breaks. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.

Photos: Sheldon Donaldson

L to R: Under 1750 winner – Tetsushi Sawamura (JPN) 3.5/5. Under 1850 winner – Ryo Noda (JPN) 4/5