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Kamatyas FIDE Rapid Chess Open Slated November 8 

The 17th Edition of the Kamatyas FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament will be held on November 8, 2025, at NOMO, Molino Boulevard, Brgy. San Nicolas 1 and Bayanan, Bacoor City, Cavite, Philippines.
The Open 7-round Swiss System tournament, organized by International Master Roderick Nava and National Master David Almirol Jr. of the Kamatyas Chess Club, has a top prize of P30,000 plus a trophy.
“Free registration and lunch to all participating players,” said IM Nava.
The second to fourth placers will receive P10,000, P7,000, and P5,000, respectively. The fifth to 10th placers will receive P2,000 each, while the 11th to 15th placers will earn P1,000 each.
Consolation awards await the top scorers in the following categories: Kiddies, Juniors, Seniors, and Ladies. -Marlon Bernardino-

Standard Team Awards in Asian Schools 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.

Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan Top Asian Schools Chess Championship

Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar (right), president of the Mongolian Chess Federation, and former FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov award trophies to the top three federations.

Mongolian children won three gold, three silver and eight bronze medals to top the Asian Schools Chess Championship standard event held 24th to 31st October in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Russians playing under FIDE flag followed with three gold and two silver medals. Kazakhstan placed overall third with two gold medals.

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

To replay live broadcast featuring the top boards from each category, please visit the following link:

Asian Schools Chess Championships 2025 • Round 8 • lichess.org

 

 

FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy launch: A new era of global talent development

The FIDE Trainers’ Commission is delighted to announce the official launch of the FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy, scheduled to begin on 1 December 2025.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized that this flagship initiative represents a cornerstone of FIDE’s long-term global strategy to develop young chess talents and ensure that every federation has equal access to world-class instruction.

“The FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy reflects our vision of a truly global chess community — one where talent, passion, and opportunity meet. By connecting young players with some of the greatest trainers in history, we are building a bridge to the future of chess education and giving every federation the chance to nurture its next generation of champions,” said Dvorkovich.

Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Al Ain Chess & Mind Games Club, presented the launch of FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy as a project of global importance:

“This Academy is more than a training project — it is a dream shared by us and FIDE that every child deserves the chance to learn, dream and become a champion. Together with the FIDE Trainers’ Commission, we are creating a global platform that welcomes every young player, no matter where they come from — to engage in high-level training and learn from some of the greatest minds in chess history.”

The Academy brings together a constellation of legendary chess minds — including Hou Yifan, Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Alexander Khalifman, Vladimir Chuchelov, Artur Jussupow, Iossif Dorfman, Adrian Mikhalchishin, Ramesh R B, Vladimir Potkin, Aleksey Dreev, Vladimir Malakhov, Yevgeniy Vladimirov, Melikset Khachiyan, Yannick Gozzoli, Farrukh Amonatov, Alonso Zapata, and other great lecturers to be announced soon — who will deliver a comprehensive 400-hour training program designed to inspire and elevate the next generation of champions.

Training will be conducted in twelve specialized groups, across four languages (English, Russian, Spanish, and French), and will run from December 2025 to May 2026. The curriculum blends advanced chess instruction with personal development sessions, emphasizing both intellectual growth and character building.

A key highlight of the program will be the FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy Training Camp, which will take place in two stages — an online phase followed by an in-person camp in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for mid-January 2026.

Participation in the camp will be determined based on selection criteria to be announced at a later stage.

FIDE invites all National Chess Federations to nominate four promising young players — two boys and two girls aged 8 to 16 — to take part in this prestigious program.

Nominations should be submitted by completing the [Registration Form] and sending it to trainers@fide.com no later than 14 November 2025.

The FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy embodies FIDE’s enduring commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the advancement of chess education worldwide — shaping not only future grandmasters but also future leaders through the universal language of chess.

For more details and updates, please visit the FIDE Trainers’ Commission website.

Check Your Entries in Asian Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok

The tentative list of players has been published in chess-results.com. Please check your players and age group.

For changes, if any, please enter corrections in the registration app and inform the Organizing Committee:

For General Information: Nik.asiayouth@gmail.com WhatsApp : +66-989031510
For Transportation Contact: jay.asiayouth@gmail.com WhatsApp :+66-902859941
For Hotel Contact : hotel.asiayouth@gmail.com WhatsApp : +66 989031510
Asian Chess Federation
Casto Abundo, asianchessfederation@yahoo.com WhatsApp: +971 55 515 4554

Visit: Registration Going On for Asian Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok – Asian Chess

FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy launch: A new era of global talent development

The FIDE Trainers’ Commission is delighted to announce the official launch of the FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy, scheduled to begin on 1 December 2025.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized that this flagship initiative represents a cornerstone of FIDE’s long-term global strategy to develop young chess talents and ensure that every federation has equal access to world-class instruction.

“The FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy reflects our vision of a truly global chess community — one where talent, passion, and opportunity meet. By connecting young players with some of the greatest trainers in history, we are building a bridge to the future of chess education and giving every federation the chance to nurture its next generation of champions,” said Dvorkovich.

Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Al Ain Chess & Mind Games Club, presented the launch of FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy as a project of global importance:

“This Academy is more than a training project — it is a dream shared by us and FIDE that every child deserves the chance to learn, dream and become a champion. Together with the FIDE Trainers’ Commission, we are creating a global platform that welcomes every young player, no matter where they come from — to engage in high-level training and learn from some of the greatest minds in chess history.”

The Academy brings together a constellation of legendary chess minds — including Hou Yifan, Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Alexander Khalifman, Vladimir Chuchelov, Artur Jussupow, Iossif Dorfman, Adrian Mikhalchishin, Ramesh R B, Vladimir Potkin, Aleksey Dreev, Vladimir Malakhov, Yevgeniy Vladimirov, Melikset Khachiyan, Yannick Gozzoli, Farrukh Amonatov, Alonso Zapata, and other great lecturers to be announced soon — who will deliver a comprehensive 400-hour training program designed to inspire and elevate the next generation of champions.

Training will be conducted in twelve specialized groups, across four languages (English, Russian, Spanish, and French), and will run from December 2025 to May 2026. The curriculum blends advanced chess instruction with personal development sessions, emphasizing both intellectual growth and character building.

A key highlight of the program will be the FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy Training Camp, which will take place in two stages — an online phase followed by an in-person camp in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for mid-January 2026.

Participation in the camp will be determined based on selection criteria to be announced at a later stage.

FIDE invites all National Chess Federations to nominate four promising young players — two boys and two girls aged 8 to 16 — to take part in this prestigious program.

Nominations should be submitted by completing the [Registration Form] and sending it to trainers@fide.com no later than 14 November 2025.

The FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy embodies FIDE’s enduring commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the advancement of chess education worldwide — shaping not only future grandmasters but also future leaders through the universal language of chess.

For more details and updates, please visit the FIDE Trainers’ Commission website.

From FIDE Al-Ain ACMG Academy launch: A new era of global talent development – International Chess Federation

FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championship 2025 crosses midpoint

The record-breaking FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championship 2025 has passed its halfway mark. After six rounds of intense competition in Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy, participants are enjoying a well-deserved day off.

The 50+ Open section has featured the fiercest battle for the top spots so far. After six rounds, four Grandmasters – Michal Krasenkow (Poland), Mikheil Kekelidze (Georgia), Rogelio Antonio (Philippines), and Victor Mikhalevski (Israel) – share the lead with 5/6 points. They are closely followed by a large group of eleven players, which includes three of the top seeds, all on 4.5 points.

Meanwhile, Alexander Mikhalevski (Victor Mikhalevski’s elder brother) reached the rest day as the sole leader in the 65+ Open tournament, scoring 5.5/6. His position, however, is far from secure, as ten players—including several top seeds—are just half a point behind.

The pre-tournament favorites occupy the top positions in the 50+ Women’s section, with Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant (Scotland) leading the field with 5/6. Pia Cramling (Sweden), Masha Klinova (Israel), and Silvia Alexieva (France) trail her by half a point.

Galina Strutinskaia (FIDE) has been a dominant force in the 65+ Women’s tournament so far. With a score of 5.5/6, she will head into Round 7 a full point ahead of her closest competitors: Tatiana Bogumil (FIDE), Nona Gaprindashvili (Georgia), and Larisa Khropova (FIDE).

With five rounds remaining, all four tournaments remain wide open, promising an exciting finish.

Full results and pairings are available on Chess-Results.

Official website: worldseniorchampionship2025.com/

From FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championship 2025 crosses midpoint – International Chess Federation

Marlon Bernardino Jr. Wins Moonroast Rapid chessfest

National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (seated foreground) emerged as champion of the Moonroast Coffee Rapid Open Chess Tournament held 26 October 2025 at Barangay Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.
Bernardino finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with an undefeated score of 5.5 points on account of four wins and three draws to clinch the title.
Bernardino, 48, a veteran sportswriter and radio commentator is scheduled to compete in the Penang Open on December 18-23 in Penang, Malaysia and the Bois-Colombes Chess Master Tournoi International d Echecs on December 26-30 in Bois-Colombes, France.
Erik Spencer Valdez landed in second place with similar 5.5 points, while Christopher Concepcion settled for third also with 5.5 points.
Ricardo Jimenez, National Master Romeo Alcodia, Denzel John Amar and Elly Estabillo occupied the fourth to seventh spots with identical 5.0 points.
Completing the Top 10 were Jester Sistoza (4.5 points), Edgar Panganiban (4.0 points) and Rowenson Fabraggas (4.0 points).
The one day event was organized by Mr. Pete Dadula and hosted by Mr. Fred Fernandez in cooperation with Mr. Francis Burt Magpily of Tropang Chess Club.

2nd Olympiad for Players with Disabilities Concludes in Kazakhstan

The 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities concluded today in Astana, marking a historic celebration of inclusivity, determination, and unity – coinciding with the Republic Day of Kazakhstan.

The final day began with a vibrant cultural performance featuring traditional Kazakh dances, music, and local cuisine, creating a festive atmosphere for the participants. The ceremonial first move was made by Andrey Gromov, President of the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA), together with Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess).

“It’s the first time Kazakhstan has organised such an event,” said Gulmira Dauletova. “After hosting the World Cadets Championship just weeks ago, preparing this Olympiad in only 20 days was a huge challenge – but our team worked tirelessly, and we are proud that everything went so well. The players are happy, and that means everything to us.”

“Our main goal was to create smiles. Seeing the players enjoy themselves, especially during moments like our ‘Hug Day,’ was the most rewarding part,” she added.

A short but powerful history

The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities has a brief yet inspiring history. It began in 2020 with the first Online Olympiad, which saw 61 teams from 45 countries and nearly 400 players – Poland took gold in that inaugural edition.

Three years later, the dream of meeting over the board became reality in Belgrade, Serbia, where 23 teams competed in the first in-person event – Poland once again emerged victorious. This year in Astana, the Olympiad reached a record 34 participating teams, making it the largest and most inclusive edition to date.
The story continues: starting in 2026, the Olympiad for People with Disabilities will be held alongside the main Chess Olympiad, beginning in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

“For me, it’s special that chess allows people with all kinds of abilities to compete on an equal footing,” said Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board. “Chess is one of the most inclusive sports in the world – and aligning these Olympiads ensures that everyone remains part of the same global chess family.”

Thomas Luther, Chairman of the FIDE Commission for People with Disabilities, added: “From next year, the Olympiad for People with Disabilities will take place alongside the main Olympiad and the FIDE Congress – a major step that guarantees the continuity and growth of this event.”

Stories of Inspiration

Inclusivity in chess extends to every corner of the world. Blessing Jemani, captain of the Zimbabwean team, shared a powerful story about his young student Tinashe Mvududu, who plays chess using his legs.
“He teaches us that disability is not inability,” said Jemani. “He’s an inspiration to our entire chess community – and though he couldn’t join us this year, we hope to see him competing next year in Uzbekistan.”

Awarding Ceremony

The closing ceremony was filled with emotion and pride.

Dana Reizniece delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to all contributors: “The 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities has been a true festival of humanity – a magnificent demonstration of the unbreakable spirit of chess. On behalf of FIDE, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for their continuous support of chess and its development. Our thanks also go to the Akimat of Astana and Mayor Zhenis Kasymbek for their warm hospitality, and to the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and its President Timur Turlov for their exceptional organisation. We are deeply grateful to our partners, Freedom Holding Corporation and all sponsors, for their invaluable support, and to the National Paralympic Centre for providing world-class playing conditions. Finally, heartfelt thanks to the arbiters, fair play team, and volunteers whose dedication ensured everything ran flawlessly.”

Team standings 

The final standings crowned the champions of the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities:

1st Place – FIDE 1 (Babarykin, Ermakov, Lipilin, Zakharova, Obodchuk)
2nd Place –Poland (Tazbir, Molenda, Piekielny, Leszner, Wolanski)
3rd Place – Israel (Gruenfeld, Streltsov, Gurbanov, Aleksandrova)

Full results: chess-results.com

Special awards and board winners

Special prizes

  • Youngest player with hearing disability: Farkas Virag (Hungary)
  • Youngest player with physical disability: Atassi Celine (USA)
  • Youngest player with visual disability: Kuanyshuly Nurgisa (Kazakhstan 2)
  • Oldest player with hearing disability: Jimenez Moron Elias (Panama)
  • Oldest player with physical disability: Babula Milan (Czech Republic; pictured below)
  • Oldest player with visual disability: Bibikov Yuriy (Kazakhstan 3)
  • Longest chess career (female): Dietsche Birgit (Germany)
  • Best game: Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza (Philippines)
  • Best performance: Maksim Ermakov (FIDE 1)

Board winners

Outstanding performances were also recognised on each board, highlighting individual excellence throughout the event:

Board 1: 1. Amato, Leonel (Argentina) 2. Varadi, Viktor (Hungary) 3. Gruenfeld, Yehuda (Israel) – pictured below
Board 2: 1. Glazar, Domagoj (Croatia) 2. Pavicevic, Jovan (Serbia) 3. Ermakov, Maksim (FIDE 1)
Board 3: 1. Musokeri, Prince (Zimbabwe) 2. Rasikhin, Igor (FIDE 2) 3. Kishan, Gangolli (India)
Board 4: 1. Cherono, Mercy (Kenya) 2. Ali Mohamed, Mohamed (Egypt) 3. Salamon, Julia (IBCA)
Board 5: 1. Kambarova, Aiganym (Kazakhstan 2) 2. Sarkar, Md Ali Nawaz (Bangladesh) 3. Pavicevic, Jovana (Serbia)

Passing the flag to Uzbekistan

During the ceremony, Gulmira Dauletova officially handed over the FIDE flag to Askar Ibraimov, Specialist of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan for the Paralympic direction – symbolizing the transfer of hosting duties to Samarkand in 2026.

“How it started years ago – it was a challenge,” said Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director. “But thanks to the FIDE DIS Commission, KazChess, the government, volunteers, arbiters, and the Fair Play team, we created optimal conditions and a beautiful atmosphere. The journey continues.”

With this symbolic moment, the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities officially came to a close – leaving behind unforgettable memories and setting the stage for a new chapter of inclusivity and excellence in Samarkand in 2026.

Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/

From Winners crowned at 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities – International Chess Federation

Asian Schools Chess Championship Rapid Team Awards

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 3 players will not be eligible for a team award. In case of any tie, the tie-break scores of each player shall be considered.