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Marlon Bernardino Tops Sali Blitz Chess Open

National Master Marlon Bernardino Jr. won the National Master Zulfikar Sali Blitz Open Round Robin Chess Tournament held Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the New World Hotel in Makati City, Philippines.
In photo are the Participants and the organizer, from left: IM Chito Danilo Garma, Noel Jay Estacio, Gilo Estrella, IM Yves Ranola, NM Zulfikar Sali (tournament organizer/sponsor), Leo Penaredondo, Luffe Magdalaga, Ruther Barredo , Princess Nicole Atenta Ballete, NM Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. (Champion) and Christopher Megino
Bernardino, a veteran sportswriter and radio commentator, finished with 6.0 points on account of 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses to win the 10-man field and pocket the P3,000 top prize.
Rounding up the top 10 were IM Yves Ranola, Luffe Magdalaga, IM Chito Danilo Garma , Princess Nicole Atenta Ballete, Gilo Estrella, Christopher Megino, Ruther Barredo, Noel Jay Estacio and Leo Penaredondo, respectively.
“I am happy for winning the National Master Zulfikar Sali Blitz Open Round Robin Chess Tournament. I would like to thank National Master Zulfikar Sali for sponsoring this 10-man field Blitz Open Round Robin Chess Tournament,” said the 47-year-old Bernardino.

Mongolian Chess Federation to Host Two Major Asian Championships

Mongolian Chess Federation President Gombojav Zandanshatar Meets Asian Chess Federation Leadership in UAE.

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).

Asian Chess Federation president Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan (left) and H.E. Gombojav Zandanshatar, president of Mongolian Chess Federation meeting in Al Ain, UAE.

The President of the Mongolian Chess Federation, H.E. Mr. Gombojav Zandanshatar, paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he held a productive meeting with the President of the Asian Chess Federation, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. The high-level meeting reinforced the growing cooperation between Mongolia and the Asian Chess Federation, both in terms of strategic vision and regional leadership.

During the visit, it was confirmed that Mongolia will host two major continental chess events: the 2025 Asian Schools Chess Championships in October, and the prestigious 2026 Asian Continental Chess Championships in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. These events mark a significant milestone in the country’s long-standing commitment to youth development and excellence in chess.

President Zandanshatar’s visit highlighted not only Mongolia’s organizational readiness but also the broader role of chess as a bridge between diplomacy, education, and national development. Widely regarded as a statesman with deep roots in both governance and intellectual sport, Mr. Zandanshatar received warm acknowledgment and encouragement from His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan for his vision and efforts in using chess as a platform for unity, discipline, and cultural engagement.

The Asian Chess Federation expressed full support for Mongolia’s expanding role in the regional chess landscape and praised the Mongolian government’s growing attention to chess as a vehicle for international cooperation and youth empowerment. The discussions also touched on long-term strategic planning for chess in Asia, with Mongolia poised to become a key player in that trajectory.

In an era where the game of kings intersects with the art of leadership, this partnership between Mongolia and the ACF reflects a shared belief: chess is not merely a sport—it is a symbol of strategic thinking, national identity, and global cooperation.

As preparations are already underway for the upcoming events in Ulaanbaatar, the Asian Chess Federation looks forward to working closely with the Mongolian Chess Federation to deliver championships that reflect both organizational excellence and the unifying spirit of the game.

Western Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships Start in Sri Lanka

The Western Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships have started in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka. Participating are 111 players from 9 countries, namely  Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, host Sri Lanka and Russians playing under neutral FIDE flag.

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

Sri Lanka Chess Federation president Luxman Wijesuriya making ceremonial opening moves.

Join 2025 “Belt and Road” China International Chess Open (Aksu, Xinjiang)

The 2025 “the Belt and Road” China International Chess Open is scheduled August 19-25, 2025 in Aksu, Xinjiang, China. Venue is the Aksu Gymnasium, No. 2, Jiefang South Road, Aksu, Xinjiang.

Players from all member federations of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) are eligible to register for the competition. Players participating in the competition must have FIDE ID.

The competition is organized using a 9-round Swiss format. Each player is allotted 90 minutes of basic time, with an increment of 30 seconds per move.

The competition is divided into two groups:
Group A: FIDE rating of 1900 or above
Group B: FIDE rating of below 2000

The total prize money for the competition is 380,000 yuan (CNY,
pre-tax) .

Download China Aksu Open2025

Organizers:

Sport Bureau of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Sports Federation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Administrative Office of Aksu Region
Co-organizers:
Social Sport and Competition Management Center of Xinjiang Uyghur
Autonomous Region
Chess Association of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau of Aksu
Region Aksu Municipal People’s Government

 

GM Aleksey Grebnev Wins Strong Dubai Open 2025

GM Aleksey Grebnev (second from right) receives the champion’s trophy. From left are Amal Al Arif , Board Member Dubai Chess Club, Najeeb Mohd Saleh , Vice President Dubai Chess Club and Abdulkarim Almarzouqi , Secretary General of the UAE Chess Federation.

GM Aleksey Grebnev of Russia won the strong Dubai Open 2025 Category A tournament held 27 May to 4 June 2025 at the Dubai Chess Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Thirty Grandmasters, five Woman GMs, 38 International Masters and 4 FIDE Masters participated. A total of 183 players from 37 countries competed in two groups.

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

FM Mahdi Nikookar of Iran (second from left) receives Group B champion’s trophy from Dubai Chess Club Manager Mohd. Husseiny at left.

Tu Thanh Tran dominates Japan Chess Championship 2025

by Sheldon Donaldson and Mayur Gondhalekar – 04/06/2025

 

IM Tu Thanh Tran won the Japan Chess Championship which took place 2-6 May 2025 in Curian, Tokyo, Japan.

He scored an unbeaten 8/9 to finish 1.5 points ahead of the rest. Seven players scored 6.5/9. Out of them, Muxi Chen (CHN) and IM Ryosuke Nanjo secured second and third place according to tie-breaks. Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

Champion – IM Tu Thanh Tran 8/9 | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

L to R: JCF President – Hiroshi Manabe, 1st – IM Tu Thanh Tran and Mr. Eduardo Tempone, Argentine Ambassador to Japan.

A group photo of various prize winners | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

Top row (L to R): JCF President Hiroshi Manabe, 6th Soichiro Yamamoto 6.5/9, 7th Rion Okuno 6.5/9, 8th Koya Matsuyama 6.5/9, 9th FM Kohei Yamada 6/9, 10th CM Atsuhiko Kobayashi 6/9 and Mr. Eduardo Tempone, Argentine Ambassador to Japan.

 

Bottom row (L to R): 4th – FM Shou Otsuka 6.5/9, 2nd Muxi Chen (CHN) 6.5/9, 1st IM Tu Thanh Tran 8/9, 3rd IM Ryosuke Nanjo 6.5/9 and 5th IM Shinya Kojima 6.5/9.

L to R: Women’s 1st Melody Takayasu 4/9, Youth (U18) 1st Rion Okuno 6.5/9, Senior (O50) 1st CM Matsuo Tomohiko 6/9 | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

The Japan Chess Championship 2025 took place in Tokyo, Japan, Friday May 2nd through Tuesday May 6th. A total of 85 players from all over Japan competed in a 9 round swiss-system, to decide who would be crowned the champion of Japanese chess. A prize fund of 280,000 yen (~$1,900USD), with 100,000 yen (~$700USD) going to the winner, was up for grabs. Not to mention, a spot on the next Japanese Olympiad team.

 

Being ranked 67th in this field, meant that I was in contention for absolutely none of these laurels, and would have to satisfy myself with the humble goal of not losing every single game.

 

In truth, the chances of me losing every single game were rather slim, but my two prior entrées to this tourney had ended with a dismal 2.5 points over 9 rounds. My goal was simple… better than that!!

 

Yet, before we get to the tournament results, how about a few pics to prove that any of this happened.

Curian Hall, the site of many Japan Chess Championships | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

The fabled Argentina Cup | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

IM Tu Thanh Tran receives the Best player award from Japan Chess Federation President Hiroshi Manabe | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson

IM Tu Thanh Tran’s laurels, include representing Japan at the Budapest Olympiad, where he defeated three GMs and gained his final norm to become an International Master.

Two-time Japan Chess Champion Jacques Pineau was entered into the Japan Chess Hall of Fame. Here he makes the ceremonial first move in the fifth round game between IM Ryosuke Nanjo and IM Tu Thanh Tran | Photo: Sheldon Donaldson
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.

IIEE National Chess Olympiad (Golden season 7) Starts June 6, 2025

The IIEE National Chess Olympiad (Golden season 7) starts June 6, 2025 at 10pm via lichess platform (Free entry for players 1800 & up)
The defending season 6 champion IIEE Quezon and other playoff teams will start at low level 5 and 4 while the rest of 20 teams will enjoy the advantage of beginning the tournament in the higher levels. At end of each round, the 2 top teams will go up to next level while the 2 bottom teams will slide to lower level. By end of 10 rounds elimination, the teams in level 1 and 2 will enter the play off phase.
Total Cash Prize: P30,000.00
+ Champion rings to 15 players (including shipping except abroad) + glass Trophy
Cash distribution via Gcash for 15 players on all awards is 13% for top player, 12% – 2nd, 11% – 3rd and so on until 4% – 10th then 3% each for 11th to 15th
Champion – Php 10,000
2nd place – Php 7,000
3rd place – Php 5,000
Team with highest accumulated points as round champions – Php 4000
Individuals with highest accumulated points while playing in level 1 – Php 4000
Top scorer and IIEE top player in each team has option/opportunity to play in F2F in the morning of Nov 29 at SMX MOA.
Mark your calendars every 1st and 3rd FRIDAYS at 10pm to display your team strategy, tactics/antics and on line collaboration on June 6 until November 21, championship round on November 28 and awarding on November 29, 2025, 2pm at SMX MOA Pasay City.
Tournament Rules & Format
– Lichess rules, auto-pairing (usually on same rating range) and auto-ban applies; camera not needed during the games
– Arena Team battle of 4 teams (in each 5 levels)
– No limit in players but only top 15 leaders/scorers count (player to play only on 1 team in the season, transferee score will be forfeited/disqualified but suceeding players count to complete the 15)
– Time control 5+2, 90 minutes
– Balanced Playoff: Restriction will be added with maximum rating to be based on highest rated player of team (rating after round 10). The lowest among team’s top rated will be the reference point for the restriction. Cut off players will be eligible for the OTB on Nov 29 at SMX MOA.
Level 1 & 2 teams at end of elimination will play together in quarterfinals (round 11) with top 4 teams to play in semis (round 12) then top 3 teams to play in championship (round 13).-Marlon Bernardino-

2nd JCI Senate Lipa Chess Festival Set 14 and 15 June 2025


The 2nd JCI Senate Lipa Chess Festival gets underway on June 14 and 15, 2025 at the Lipa Academy of Sports Culture and Arts, Barangay Dagatan, Lipa City, Philippines.
Organized by the JCI Senate Lipa in close cooperation with Mayor Eric Africa, former Vice-Mayor Kuya Boy Manguerra and Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – PSME past president Engr. Roger Reyes, a total cash purse worth P354,000 plus trophies, medals and certificates will be given away to winners.
The event is held in Celebration of Lipa City Foundation Day, which is backed by LGU of Lipa, and is aimed at producing future talents.
The 2-day rapid event features Open, Under-14, and Open Team Divisions.
University of Santo Tomas, Mapua, and University of Makati have confirmed their participation in the Open Team Divisions with the champion getting the top prize of P55,000.
Meanwhile, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, International Masters Michael Concio Jr. and Ronald Dableo and FIDE Masters David Elorta and Jethro Dino Aquino are among the favorites in the Individual Open division with the winner getting the top purse of P35,000.
Call or text Noel at 0917-504-6635 for complete details.-Marlon Bernardino-

Join Asian Amateur Chess Championship 1-9 August 2025 in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited (HKCCFL) is honored to invite chess players from all member federations of the Asian Chess Federation to participate in the 2025 Asian Amateur Chess Championships (FIDE rated with possible direct titles) from the 1st August 2025 with last round & prize giving on 9th August 2025.

The Asian Amateur Championships 2025 is open to all Asian amateur players, registered by their federation or applying directly to the organizer, who should have a FIDE rating at the start of the tournament that is under 2300 for U2300 category, under 2000 for the U2000 category and under 1700 for the U1700 category.

Players should not have a FIDE title higher than FIDE Master (i.e., WIM, WGM, IM and GM). All participants must have a FIDE ID to participate in this tournament.

Download 2025 Asian Amateur Chess Championships – revised

Registration – 2025 Asian Amateur Chess Championships

Join Chess Hub MCF GM IM Invitational Chess Championship 2025

The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) together with its sponsor – Chess Hub Sdn Bhd, is planning to organize our first ever Chess Hub MCF GM IM Invitational Chess Championship 2025 to be held from 27th to the 3rd of August 2025 at Chess Hub Sdn Bhd, located on Jalan Ampang Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.

The event is limited to 40 players only and MCF intends to have between 8 and 10 Grandmasters, and 4 and 6 International Masters from all over the world to play in this first ever invitational event. As organizer, MCF can accept more GMs or IMs (WGMs) to play BUT only the first 10 GMs and 6 IMs or WGMs will be given partial airfare (depending on where the flights originate), daily allowances (up to RM150 per day), and accommodation (single/twin sharing). Additional GMs and IMs/WGMs who are interested to participate will be offered based on availability which may or may not equal the initial offer. FYI – offers to WGMs will be equal to that of IMs. For WIM interested to play in the event, please write to us at mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org

The concept of the invitational event is to have between 20 and 25 foreign players to participate in the event – including strong foreign players seeking norms and wanting to improve their rating points, and another 20 and 15 aspiring Malaysian players (mostly young players) that have been identified as titled potentials.

Tournament format shall be nine (9) Rounds Swiss with a time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds. There shall be one free day in between and 3 days of multiple rounds.

The total prize fund offered is RM28,000 (approximately USD6,500) with the winner set to earn RM10,000 (USD2,200). While the prizes are limited to the top 8 players, 1 Women player and 1 Best Malaysian, the program is to attract many players to come to Malaysia to explore and enjoy our country, our culture, our food, our hospitality and most importantly, to help invigorate and increase the interest of many hopeful players to elevate their chess playing skills.  Chess Hub Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Chess Federation hopes the involvement of many GMs/IMs/WGMs and the possibility of having a quality event will help to boost the popularity of chess in Malaysia.

Aside from the Invitational event, we are also offering additional programs for GMs and IMs/WGMs who are keen to stay a few days longer in Malaysia – all will be paid for, to be involved in Training Programs and Workshops that are aimed at helping players and improve their playing skills. If there are GMs and IMs who are keen to take up the opportunity of training young chess players, this is one to explore and not to be missed.

Download Chess Hub MCF GM IM Invitational Chess Championship 2025 – Final (Shared)

For more details, please read the attached brochure or write to mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org / WhatsApp +6016.338.2542.