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Zone 3.5 Men’s and Women’s Zonals Concluded in China

The Chinese (Zone 3.5) Men’s and Women’s Zonal Chess Championships were held March 21 to 30, 2025 in Ji’an, Jiangxi Province, China. The venue was the Jiuyuan Ancient Village in Jizhou District and many rooms were provided for parents and accompanying persons to rest and check the results which were posted in real time. There was live transmission of the games played on all 38 DGT boards showcasing the highest national level of a chess superpower.

The tournaments were held in two groups, men’s and women’s, with a 9-round Swiss point system. Time control was 90 minutes for each player to complete 40 moves, second time control was 30 minutes for each player to finish the game, with 30 seconds increment for each move starting from the first move.

It was a strong group of 46 men including eight GMs and four IMs, and 31 women including three WGMs, one IM and four WIMs. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings and to download games.

Here are the final standings:

 

 

Central Asia Zone 3.4 Men’s and Women’s Zonals Concluded

The Asian Regional Championship (Zone 3.4) serving as FIDE World Cup and Women’s World Cup qualifying competition has concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Bringing together the leading chess players from Central Asian countries, this tournament marked an important milestone for Kazakh and Central Asian chess on the road to global stage.

After nine intense rounds, the winners emerged in both open and women’s sections:

Women’s section:

  1. Afruza Khamdamova (Uzbekistan)
  2. Elnaz Kaliahmet (Kazakhstan)
  3. Meruert Kamalidenova (Kazakhstan)

Complete final standings – Women

Open section:

  1. Aldiyar Ansat (Kazakhstan)
  2. Satbek Akhmedinov (Kazakhstan)
  3. Alisher Suleimenov (Kazakhstan)
  4. Mukhammazokhid Suyarov (Uzbekistan)

Complete final standings – Open

Women’s tournament

By the start of the final round, much had already been decided in the women’s tournament. At the top board, the leaders, 16-year-old Afruza Khamdamova (pictured above) and 14-year-old Elnaz Kaliahmet (pictured below) quickly agreed to a draw, punching their tickets to the Women’s World Cup.

The battle for the last remaining spot was a tense showdown between Meruert Kamalidenova (pictured below) and Alua Nurman. Their game on the second board saw constant shifts in momentum, making it a nerve-wracking contest. Ultimately, Kamalidenova prevailed, clinching third place.

Another standout player was 14-year-old Jahan Rejepova from Turkmenistan, who played an excellent tournament, including a convincing win over Lia Kurmangaliyeva. However, despite her strong performance, she fell short of reaching the podium.

Open tournament

The open tournament was a much closer contest. Going into the final round, at least seven participants had a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

One of the biggest surprises was the performance by the 19-year-old Satbek Akhmedinov of Kazakhstan (pictured above). The 27-seed, 19-year-old scored a spectacular victory over Mukkhiddin Madaminov in just 23 moves, securing second place in the final standings, one of four coveted spots.

Other Kazakhstan’s players also rose to the occasion in the final round. 16-year-old Aldiyar Ansat (pictured above) outmaneuvered Saidakbar Saidaliyev, while 24-year-old Alisher Suleimenov (pictured below) delivered a hard-fought win over Abdimalik Abdisalimov. Ansat finished in clear first place with 7.5/11, while Abdisalimov claimed third place.

The last (fourth) qualifying spot in the open’s section went to Uzbekistan’s IM Mukhammazokhid Suyarov (pictured below), who secured a crucial victory over newly crowned GM Saparmurat Atabayev. Notably, Atabayev only needed a draw to qualify but failed to stop his determined opponent.

President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Timur Turlov, reflected on the tournament:

“This tournament reaffirmed the most important truth: Central Asia is proving itself as a growing force on the world chess stage. Our region is reaching new levels of skill and ambition, and we are doing it in our own unique style. Watching the incredible performances of our players fills our hearts with pride and fuels our belief that many future victories lie ahead.

Yes, at the chessboard, we are competitors, but beyond it, we remain one family. In Central Asia, every success is a shared success, and support is more than just words—it is a genuine act of goodwill. Kazakhstan is honored to have hosted this tournament. However, this was not just an opportunity to showcase our hospitality and organizational strength but also a step toward strengthening our bonds with our brotherly nations. We are growing together, developing together, and inspiring one another to reach new heights. May it always be so.”

Photo: Yevgeniy Kim

From Winners crowned at Asian Zonal 3.4 Championship – International Chess Federation

GM Guha Mitrabha Wins Melbourne International Open

GM Guha Mitrabha of India took the title with 8.0 points in the Melbourne International Open Chess Championships held April 7 to 9,2025 at the Melbourne Chess Club in Melbourne, Australia. The tournament attracted 90 participants.
Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, both of the Philippines, finished second and third, respectively.
The 63 year old Antonio collected 7.5 points in nine outings on account of 7 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.
The 68 year old Bagamasbad, on the other hand, tallied 7.0 points, the same output of WGM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung of Vietnam and CM Li Hui of Macau. After the tie break points were applied, Bagamasbad took third, Nguyen wound up fourth while Li finished 5th.
Nguyen Ang Kiet, of Australia, Kenny Tran of Australia, Maanas Neela of Australia, Mikyle Khurram of Australia finished with similar 6.5 points while FM Yi Liu of Australia, FM Michael Steadman of New Zealand, Daniel Zhang of Australia, Ruthvik Ramakrishna of India and Martin Zhou of New Zealand got 6.0 points each.
The Filipino Australian chess circuit campaign is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Col. Jaime Osit Santos, David Almirol, Bert Cunan, the Quezon City government headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Theo Panga and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro “Al” Tengco.
Antonio and Bagamasbad, both residents of Quezon City are scheduled to play in the 2025 O2C Doeberl Cup Chess Tournament to be held at Canberra from April 17 – 21 2025, and the Sydney International Open 2025 to be held at Sydney from April 23-27, 2025.
Antonio and Bagamasbad will also represent the country in the FIDE (World Chess Federation) World Seniors Chess Championship on October 20 to November 2, 2025 in Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy.-Marlon Bernardino-

Ju Wenjun Wins Game 5 to Lead 3:2 in Women’s World Championship Match

For the first time in the match, reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun has taken the lead, winning Game 5 in commanding fashion. After an opening that went awry for Tan Zhongyi, playing with the Black pieces, White quickly gained a significant advantage. Though the evaluation fluctuated, Ju remained in control, eventually picking up material for no compensation—leading to a completely dominant position and a well-deserved victory.

In photo, Appeals Committee member K.K. Chan makes the ceremonial opening moves for game 5 assisted by Shan Xiali, Director of Shanghai Xiangqi Association.

Today’s game was a sharp contrast to the marathon 81-move draw in Game 4. In that encounter, Tan obtained promising positions but failed to convert. This time, the roles were reversed, and Ju Wenjun made no such mistake. She kept a firm grip on the position, never allowing her opponent a chance to escape.

This sense of déjà vu has been a recurring theme throughout the match—even before it began. The same two players are once again battling for the world title, and this year, we’ve even seen repeated opening choices. In every game where Ju has had White, Tan has responded with the Sicilian. However, today, Tan opted for the Kan Variation, an intriguing decision that even drew a comment from Grandmaster Anish Giri on X (Twitter).

As usual, Tan blitzed out her opening moves, appearing confident in her preparation (or at least projecting that impression). Throughout the match, her Black games have featured similar pawn structures. However, Ju, who typically takes more time in the opening, surprised her opponent with the early advance 10.c5 (a new move in this position), steering the game out of Tan’s prepared lines.

For the first time in the match, Tan paused for 10 minutes on a single move. In the post-game press conference, Tan admitted that this move was not part of her preparation, so she had to find a way forward at the board. However, the plan she chose was not ideal. Her pieces became awkwardly placed, while Ju’s setup was smooth and harmonious. To make matters worse, Tan lagged in development, repeatedly moving the same minor pieces. A few moves later, White had taken the upper hand, but her advantage briefly slipped away/

It was not easy getting a confidence read on Tan – she would often play with her usual speed, and stroll around the tournament hall even though the position on the board told a different story. The optics of confidence have worked for her so far, but this time a comeback seemed unlikely as the game progressed.

Even though Ju did not convert her advantage with surgical precision, she was always more comfortable, and the one in the driver’s seat. Eventually, she picked up another pawn and emerged two pawns up for which Black had no compensation.

With a material advantage, an outside passed pawn, and better-coordinated pieces, White’s win became straightforward. Ju had a wide range of playable options, while Black struggled to find any plan at all. Yet, as we’ve seen throughout the match, it’s never truly over until the final move. Tan tried to stir up counterplay, first by exchanging two minor pieces for a rook and a pawn, followed by infiltrating White’s vulnerable back rank with threats of mate. Ju had to navigate carefully, sidestepping potential pitfalls. But the World Champion demonstrated necessary accuracy when it mattered most. Eventually, with her ammunition run out, Tan Zhongyi had nothing left to fire and, after 59 moves, she resigned.

This marks the first time Ju Wenjun has taken the lead in the match – an important psychological boost, especially with the added confidence of playing on home soil. One final game remains in Shanghai before the match moves to Chongqing, and it is shaping up to be the most psychologically significant of the match so far.

FACT SHEET, Game 5, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025:

White: Ju Wenjun
Black: Tan Zhongyi
Result: 1-0
Opening: Sicilian Defence, Kan Variation
Game length:  59 moves
Match score: 3-2 (in favour of Ju Wenjun)

Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information.

Written by Charlize van Zyl

Photos: Anna Shtourman

Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/

From Ju Wenjun strikes and seizes the lead in Game 5 – International Chess Federation

7th “Boyi Cup” China Youth Chess International Open

The 7th “Boyi Cup” China Youth Chess International Open is scheduled 30th July to 4th August 2025 in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Download regulations Boyi Cup China Youth Open

The tournament is open to Chess players under the age of 25 (inclusive) (born after 1st June 2000) from all member countries of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), sex not limited;

Group A: Chess players from all member countries of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) who are under 25 years old (including 25 years old) and have an international rating of more than 1900 points, regardless of gender.

Group B: Chess players from all member countries of the International Chess Federation who are under 25 years old (including 25 years old) and have an international rating of less than or equal to 2000 points, regardless of gender.

The competition adopts the latest rules of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and calculates international rating points (Elo).

Rules: Both Group A and B shall be conducted as a Swiss System of 9 rounds. The time control is 90 minutes with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one for Group A; 60 minutes with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one for Group B.

The total prize money for this competition is CNY 104,000 (pre-tax). 20% of the individual prize money will be deducted for tax, and the prize money will be shared equally among players with the same points.

Champions of Open Group A, Open Group B, and the Best Female Player will each be awarded a trophy. The top eight players in each group will receive certificates. The top three players of Open Group B will qualify for the Open Group A of the 8th “Boyi Cup” China Youth Chess International Open Tournament in 2026.

The tournament is organized by the Chess and Card sports Management Center of General Administration of Sports of China, China Chess Association, Heilongjiang Chess and Card Sports Management Center, Heilongjiang Chess and Card Association and Harbin Xiangfang Chess Association. Co-organizers are the Daqing Sports Bureau and Heilongjaing Boyi Chess club

Registration date is 2025.07.30

Competition date: 2025.07.31-2025.08.04

 

Zone 3.1 Men’s and Women’s Zonals Start in Erbil, Iraq

The Zone 3.1 Men’s and Women’s Zonals started 8th April 2025 in Erbil, Iraq organized by the Iraqi Chess Federation. In photo, His Excellency Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region makes the ceremonial opening moves. Looking on are dignitaries led by Iraqi Chess Federation president Abdul Ameer Madhloom Dhafer. At left is Chief Arbiter Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh of Iran.

Twenty women from five countries are participating in the women’s section, namely Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and host Iraq. The champion shall qualify into the FIDE Women’s World Cup.

In the men’s zonal, participating are two GMs and seven IMs among 46 men from ten countries, namely Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and host Iraq. The top two shall qualify into the FIDE World Cup.

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

 

 

 

 

1st Banton Chess Tournament Set April 12, 2025 in Romblon, Philippines

The 1st Banton Chess Tournament is scheduled April 12, 2025 at Genoroso Ponte Covered Court Poblacion Banton, Romblon.
Organized by Philippine Executive Chess Association, South Luzon Chess Association, and Romblon Chess Club, Masonic Mu-og Lodge No. 89. ASCCA, the LGU of Banton, and BMHS Batch 92, the tournament offers a total of P70,000 in cash prizes, trophies, and medals.
The champion will take home P15,000, while the second to sixth placers will pocket P10,000, P7,000, P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000, respectively. The seventh to 10th will receive P1,000 apiece, while special prizes worth P1,000 each for the top performer for executive, senior, junior, lady, and banton player.
The top 3 winners in the kiddies 13 years old and below will bring home P3,000 and P2,000, and P1,000 in order.
“This is a significant event to promote and develop chess in Banton, Proviince of Romblon, and MIMAROPA, as well” said AGM Dr. Fred Paez, NCFP Region IV Director
Other confirmed registrants include Richie Jocson of Calamba City, Laguna, Nathanael Lumalang of Gasan, Marinduque , Reagan Ronald Tongo of Quezon City, Francisco Fedeles of Palawan, Bob Terrence Fornal of Concepcion, Romblon, Richard Pelaez of Gasan, Marinduque, Toche Quijano of Buenavista, Marinduque, and Banton players Chamberlain Fabella, Lester Fedelicio, & Philip Faminial.
Meanwhile, Luben Vicente of Santa Fe, Romblon is the top favorite in the kiddies division that includes Charm Franzane Torrechiva, Ace Jones Dacuya, Zachary Nevan Flores, Zac Nathaniel Flores, Stephen Paul Fortaleza, Kevin Troy Fonte, Daniel Dacuya, Von Jeremy Fano and 8-year old Ezekiel Dacuya
Banton chess event is supported by Mr. Carl Festin, AIM One, Roger R Dianco Customs Brokerage, Yumadag Builders, Famarin Siblings, Teravera Corp, 24 Inch Gauge Construction, Inc., Yumi Cares, Sky Construction Supply, FIM Sales Corp, DRIO Logistics, Yumi Cares, Leny & Garry Fano, FAZ Glass Aluminum, PERA Consulting & Bus Sol, Bayay ni Tias ag Sering, Fietas Properties & Development Corp, Demjosh Merchandise, Blue Line, Darius Festijo, Dave Ferranco, Pinky Bacheci, Emy Fadri, Hariette Fabonan, Jiva Atma, Engr. John Fetizanan, Dr. Edmund Fababeir, Mau Fabrero, Monica Festin Labucay, Merl Festin, Batch 87 Libtong Elem School, Harold Fabellon, and JDVF.
For further inquiries, may contact Doc Fred Paez (09212728172), Eng. Ernie Faeldonia (09052134003, Engr. Beltran Fabula (09178850332), Atty. Christopher Del Rosario (09175112100) and Lester Fedelicio (09567234857).
-Marlon Bernardino-

Louie Salvador Wins Rooky Mini-Open Tournament in Thailand

Louie Salvador of the Philippines (second from left) won the Rooky Mini -Open 2025 Standard Open Chess Championship (FIDE rated) held last April 4th to 7th 2025 at the Forum Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
Salvador finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with 6 points on account of 5 wins and 2 draws to clinch the title and the Thai Baht 10,000 cash prizes.
He defeated Muhammad Wildan of Indonesia in the first round, Yuta Abe of Japan in the second round, Zhengcheng Liu of China in the third round, FIDE Master Alexander Chernyavsky of Russia in the fourth round, and Arsens Batashevs of Latvia in the fifth round.
He split the points with FIDE Master Arif Rahman Saragih of Indonesia in the sixth round and countryman Remark Bartolome in the seventh and final round.
Actually, Salvador and Batashevs, both tallied 6 points apiece, however, Salvador took the title with superior tie break points.
Salvador is currently based in Bangkok working as a chess teacher.
Salvador is a former San Sebastian College standout under the wing of multi-titled coach National Master Homer Cunanan.-Marlon Bernardino-

Game 4 Drawn. Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi Tied at 2:2

Song Hui, Deputy Director of Shanghai Administration of Sports and Mohd AI-Mudahka, Arab Chess Federation 1st Vice-President performed the first ceremonial moves in Game 4.

Time trouble and middlegame madness characterized today’s game, and not just in moments, but throughout nearly every phase. It was a game that teased decisive results, but ultimately ended in a draw that felt anything but quiet.

With two of the three previous games in the match ending decisively, today’s clash carried psychological weight. Would the players opt for a cautious draw, or dare to push for a lead? If the match so far was any indication, fireworks were more likely than fizzle, and indeed, the game sparked to life straight out of the opening.

Ju’s time trouble, an ongoing theme in the match, returned in full force. With under a minute on her clock and a tough position to navigate, she was under tremendous pressure. Tan, still up by over 20 minutes, tried to keep the heat on by playing quickly. But once again, this cost her dearly. In a position where precision was key, she missed the optimal move order, and the game became a technically drawn rook and pawn endgame

On move 81, with only the kings left on the board, the players shook hands as the game was drawn.

The match was destined to be a closely contested one, and today’s game proved it once again. Tan had her chances, and expressed disappointment in her play in the post-game press conference, but Ju showed why she is the reigning World Champion and found key moves in critical moments. Tomorrow they will have their second official rest day before resuming the battle.

Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information.

Written by Charlize van Zyl

Photos: Anna Shtourman

Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/

About the Match

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner.

The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1.

If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.

From Draw full of drama: Tan Zhongyi misses her chance to take the lead – International Chess Federation