Tagaytay Hosts 3rd Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities 2025

All eyes are on IPCA World Online FIDE Master Sander Severino of the Philippines when the 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for Players with Disabilities gets underway on December 1–8 , 2025 at the newly-built Character Hotel in Tagaytay City.
Joining Severino in the Philippine delegation are 2023 Asian Para Games gold medalist Atty. Cheyzer Mendoza, NM Henry Roger Lopez, NM Dary Bernardo, NM Arman Subaste, NM Felix Aguilera among others.
The event is organized by the Tagaytay Chess Club in cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and Philippine Para Chess Association under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE.
This prestigious six-nation event will feature men, women, juniors, and girls with disabilities from FIDE Zones 3.1 to 3.8.
The foreign challenge comes from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, India, and Thailand, promising a high-level competition across all categories.
At stake are Direct FIDE titles and trophies for champions and medals for the top three in each category, including visually, physically, and hearing impaired divisions.
-Marlon Bernardino-

Team Awards Asian Youth Chess Championship Standard

To encourage team work among players from each country, team medals were awarded per category based on the total score of the top three players of a federation. Federations with fewer than three players were not be eligible for a team award. In case of any tie, the tie-break scores of each player were considered.

FIDE players, China, Vietnam Top Asian Youth Chess Championship Standard

The players under the neutral FIDE flag won best overall with two golds, two silver and two bronze medals followed by China and Vietnam in the Asian Youth Chess Championships held 20-30 November 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The record breaking event was organized by the Thailand Chess Association under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation. Awarding overall trophies above are, from left, Chief Arbiter K.K. Chan, ACF Deputy President Bharat Singh and Thailand Chess Association President Sahapol Nakvanich.

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

ACF Holds FIDE International Organizers’ Seminar

As part of the Asian Chess Federation’s continuous efforts to qualify and develop organizational staff across Asia and neigboring regions, the ACF held a FIDE Organizers Seminar from 27 to 31 October 2025, with the participation of 21 attendees from 15 Asian and African countries namely AUS, BRN, CHN, GUM, HKG, IND, KAZ, KGZ, MAC, MGL, PAK, RSA, TPE, UZB and ZIM.

The seminar was conducted under the ACF Development Program, supported by the FIDE Development Commission aiming to enhance the standards and professionalism of chess event organizers in Asia.

The Lecturers were Mr. Ozgur Solakoglu – Honorary Chairman / Chief Events Inspection Officer, Mr. Casto Abundo – ACF Executive Director, Mr. Abdulrahim Mahdi, Chairman of the ACF Arbiters’ Commission and Mr. Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh – Secretary, ACF Arbiters Commission.

Al Ain Chess Club Celebrates Thanksgiving in a Family-Friendly Atmosphere with Distinguished International Guests

In a refined and unprecedented social initiative, Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club organized a special celebration on the occasion of Thanksgiving, which falls on the last Thursday of November in the United States. The event was held at Danat Al Ain Resort, bringing together the Club’s strategic partners and their families from the American community, as well as the parents of American players enrolled in the Club’s Academy.

The celebration was organized as part of the Club’s commitment to strengthening human and social ties with its partners, and in appreciation of the American families who form an essential part of the Club’s community—reflecting the cultural diversity and family values the Club is keen to uphold.

Distinguished International Attendance

The event was attended by Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), who expressed his pleasure in taking part.

Dvorkovich thanked Al Ain Chess Club for its social initiative, which he described as “a beautiful bridge connecting sport, culture, and families from different nationalities.”

Attendance from Kanad Hospital… and the Founder’s Son Praises the Initiative

The celebration was also attended by Dr. Scott Kennedy, representing Kanad Hospital and son of the hospital’s late founder. In his remarks, he expressed his admiration for the initiative, saying:

> “This celebration is unprecedented and unexpected, and reflects the high level of care and human values that Al Ain Chess Club extends to its partners and their families.”

He added that such initiatives strengthen the sense of belonging among American families within the warm and welcoming community of Al Ain.

Club Leadership… A Renewed Vision and Continued Excellence

The luncheon was attended by Mr. Hisham Al Taher, Managing Director and CEO of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, who affirmed that the celebration aligns with the Club’s vision of building a cohesive community that unites families, athletes, and partners under one umbrella.
He added:

> “Al Ain Chess Club is always keen to launch distinctive initiatives that enhance social relations and affirm the Club’s leadership in institutional and humanitarian work, while also reinforcing its vision as a global community-focused sports organization.”

A Warm Family Atmosphere Bringing Together Values and Cultures

The celebration featured a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, with parents, players, and guests participating in a friendly gathering that blended sport, culture, and the spirit of gratitude. Participants expressed their appreciation for the Club’s initiative, describing it as “a refined gesture” and “a reflection of the leadership that distinguishes Al Ain Chess Club.”

The event concluded with the exchange of greetings and the capturing of commemorative photos—an evening that brought together the Club’s community, families, and partners in a scene that embodied diversity, mutual respect, and the human-centered values championed by Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club.

Asian Youth Chess Championships 2025 (Update after round 7)

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

Asian Mind Sports Conference & Festival Held in Singapore

Singapore, November 15, 2025: Singapore hosted the inaugural Asian Mind Sports Conference & Festival at the Suntec Convention Centre.

Over 350 athletes from 17 countries participated in the high-level competition and international collaboration which began on Thursday, November 13 and ended on Saturday, November 15.

The event was organised by the Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) in partnership with Singapore Chess Federation, Singapore Contract Bridge Association, Singapore Xiangqi General Association, and Singapore Weiqi Association.

The festival marked a significant milestone in raising the profile of mind sports across Asia, and was set against the backdrop of Singapore’s proposed legislation to formally recognise mind sports and Esports as official sports.

Competitions featured chess, Contract Bridge, Weiqi (Go), and Xiangqi (Chinese chess), along with a dedicated Speedcubing segment – all aimed at showcasing intellectual depth, precision, and cross-cultural energy that defines mind sports.

A headline conference ‘Mind Sports Matters 2025: The Games of Minds, The Future of Sports’ involving a number of international corporations was also part of the festival.

Team Awards 27th Asian Youth Rapid Chess Championship

To encourage team work among players from each country, team medals will be awarded per category based on the total score of the top three players of a federation. Federations with fewer than three players will not be eligible for a team award. In case of any tie, the tie-break scores of each player shall be considered.

India and Vietnam Top Asian Youth Rapid Chess Championship

India topped the Asian Youth Rapid Chess Championship with three gold, one silver and five bronze medals followed by Vietnam with two gold, four silver and two bronze medals. China and Russia shared third slot each with one gold, two silver and one bronze medal.

The tournament is hosted by the Thailand Chess Association under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation at the Bazaar Hotel in Bangkok. A record of 683 players from 33 countries are participating in the tournament. The Standard event starts 22nd November and blitz on 29th November.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings. See Photo gallery in facebook.

Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM 3×3 Rapid Chess Champion

Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres won the SJDM (San Jose Del Monte) Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament on November 16, 2025 at Robinson’s Galleria Ortigas in San Juan, Philippines.
Djon Carlos Francis Cortes, with a perfect score of seven wins, spearheaded the team’s title campaign. The other members of the team were National Master (NM) Karlycris Clarito Jr., and Gabriel Ryan Paradero.
The senior trio of Esmael Abas, National Master (NM) Romeo Alcodia, and Anthony Avellaneda clinched second place.
Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres and Team Senior tallied identical 12 match points. However, after the tie break was applied, the Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres took the title, championship trophy plus P35,000 cash prizes while the Team Senior landed at second place to receive P25,000 plus runner-up place trophy.
Bulacan Friends, Boss Larry A, Chessmates 1 and Boss Larry B wound up in a tie for third to sixth places with 11 match points each in this 1-day rapid chess team tournament jointly organized by Michael Linde, Isaac Atayde, and Ricky Echala.
Rounding out the top 12 who got 10 match points each were
Hi Po (seventh), Mt Monterrazas (eight), APEX Chess Kuala Lumpur (ninth), Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Uno (tenth), Maroon Chessterz (eleventh) and Katas ng Qatar (12th).-Marlon Bernardino