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Registration for the Asian Amateur Chess Championship has been extended to 25th November 2024.

The event is scheduled 14-23 December 2024 at the Danat Hotel in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The Al Ain Chess Club and Mind Games, on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), FIDE and UAE Chess Federation, has the honor to invite all Asian National Chess Federations to participate in the 2024 Asian Amateur Chess Championships, which will be held from 14th (arrival) to 23rd (departure) December 2024 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The Asian Amateur Championships 2024 is open to all Asian amateur players who should not have a FIDE rating above 2000 at the start of the tournament. Download Asian Amateur 2024 Invitation and Regulations

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.

The playing venue shall be at the official Hotel Danat Al Ain Resort.

The tournament shall be conducted as a Swiss System competition of 9 rounds and will be played according to FIDE regulations. Each player will have 90 minutes with the addition of 30 seconds per move starting from the first move.

Open Masters Tournament: Open to all Fide rated players with standard rating of 1900 ELO and above with an exception for all Kuwait Players and GCC Players, the tournament will be (9) Rounds
Swiss System with a time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
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1.2 Open Challengers: open to all players with FIDE ID, The Tournament will be (9) Rounds Swiss System with Time Control of 60 Minutes plus 30 Seconds Increment from Move No.1.
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1.3 Open Ladies: Open to all players with FIDE ID, The Tournament will be (9) Rounds Swiss System with Time Control of 60 Minutes plus 30 Seconds Increment from Move No.1.
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1.5 Open Rapid: Open to all Player with FIDE ID, the tournament will be (9) Rounds with the Time Control of 10 Minutes plus 3 Seconds increment from Move No.1.
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1.6 Open Blitz: Open to all Player with FIDE ID, the tournament will be (9) Rounds with the Time Control of 3 Minutes plus 2 Seconds increment from Move No. 1

Download KICF-2025_Last Regulations

The Victoria Sports Club open rapid chess tournament is scheduled November 23 at the Victoria Sports (VS) Tower 2, 799 EDSA South Triangle (near MRT GMA–Kamuning station.), QuezonCity, Philippines.

The champion will earn P10,000 plus trophy, accommodation at VS hotel and one month premiere membership.
The second placer will get P3,000 plus trophy, accommodation at VS hotel and one month premiere membership, the third placer will receive P2,500 plus trophy, accommodation at VS hotel and one month premiere membership, fourth placer will bring home P2,000 plus trophy while the fifth placer will pocket P1,500 plus trophy.
Sixth to 10th placers will go home P1,000 each plus trophies.
Special awards will receive P500 each plus trophies for the top junior (13-18 years old), top kiddie (12 below), top senior (55 years old above), top victoria sports member, top victoria employee, top victoria sports affiliates, top PWD, top non-master and top lady.
All winners from 4th to 10th place as well the special awards will receive one month free premiere membership.
Registration fee at P500, all participants will receive a water spa gift certificate.
“Victoria Sports Club is extending the registration period for our Rapid Chess Tournament. The tournament will be moved to November 23, 2024, to accommodate more players to join this competition. Seize this opportunity to compete, sharpen your strategy, and demonstrate your skills.Sign up today and secure your spot in this exciting competition. We can’t wait to see you there,” said Chief Arbiter Ranier Pascual.
Among the early entries are GM Darwin Laylo, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, IM Ronald Dableo and IM Barlo Nadera.
Call or text mobile numbers: +639670965909 or +639209744935.-Marlon Bernardino-⁣⁣

SYDNEY, Australia  – Marking its 25th anniversary, the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club proudly announces The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, powered by Checkmate Live. This landmark tournament invites online chess enthusiasts and competitors worldwide to participate. Open to players of all levels, both rated and unrated, the championship includes regional qualifiers across multiple skill levels. The competition will reach its pinnacle in the prestigious Grand Final held in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, on December 22, 2024.

About the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club

Founded in 1999 and led by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan—President of the Asian Chess Federation and the Emirati Esports Federation—the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club has become a cornerstone of international chess, renowned for its achievements and contributions to the global chess community. Recognized for its commitment to excellence and competitive integrity, the club has fostered a vibrant chess culture in the UAE and beyond, culminating in notable victories, including winning the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship. This legacy underscores the club’s standing as a leading institution in international chess and highlights its dedication to advancing the game on a global scale.

As the club marks its 25th anniversary, it invites partners and players from around the world to join in an epic celebration alongside the Asian Amateur Chess Championship 2024. This celebration will be highlighted by an epic echess knockout tournament on Checkmate Live’s platform, styled after the high-energy, immersive format of esports competitions. The live final in Al Ain, UAE, on December 22, 2024, will showcase top talent in a dramatic showdown. The Grand Final will be held at the official venue, Danat Al Ain Resort. The club’s strategic partnership with Checkmate Live, a next-gen online broadcast and tournament platform, reinforces its vision for the future and underscores its dedication to advancing competitive chess and mind sports on a global scale.

The Road to Al Ain: A Global Chess Journey

The Road to Al Ain invites players from across the globe to participate in a series of online qualifiers beginning on November 23, 2024, with skill-level divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. Open to both rated and unrated players, these qualifiers will lead to the four Regional Finals, scheduled for December 7-8, 2024. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final on December 22, 2024, in Al Ain.

Key tournament highlights include:

• Global Inclusion: Open to both rated and unrated players, with divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories.
• Redemption Games: Players who do not qualify in their designated Elo division will have multiple opportunities to participate. If a player doesn’t qualify in their first attempt, they can enter additional qualifiers within their division or compete in higher Elo categories, creating thrilling opportunities for unexpected victories and upsets as competitors from all levels strive to advance.
• Bonus Rewards: Special prizes and rewards for female players, newcomers, and sportsmanship honorees.
• Continental Representation: Regional qualifiers hosted across four major time zones, each with four qualifiers per Elo division:
  • AO: Asia and Oceania
  • EAS: Europe and Southern Africa
  • MENTA: Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey
  • AM: Americas
• Generous Prizes: A total prize pool of $60,000 USD, including $35,000 in distributed prizes (USDC and in-game currency) throughout the tournament stages from Checkmate Live, with an additional $25,000 USD for the four-player Double Elimination Grand Final in Al Ain.
• Travel costs covered: Al Ain CMG is providing flights, five-star accommodation, and meals in Al Ain for all Grand Final participants.
• Flexible Timing: Qualifiers are scheduled based on each player’s registered country to accommodate various time zones, ensuring global participation at convenient times.
• Travel and Accommodation: Finalists advancing to Al Ain will receive complimentary flights and accommodations, with the tournament’s Grand Final hosted at the luxurious Danat Al Ain Resort.

Tournament Schedule and Structure

Key Dates

• Weekend Qualifiers: November 23-24 and November 30 – December 1, 2024
• Regional Finals: December 7-8, 2024 (four regional finals across major time zones)
• The Road to Al Ain Grand Final: December 22, 2024, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain

Stage 1 – Online Qualifiers

The Online Qualifiers will consist of a 3+2 Blitz Swiss-format tournament (9 rounds) designed to advance top players from each division to the Regional Finals. The structure is as follows:

• Under 2000 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals.
• Under 2300 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals.
• Open Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top eight players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals.

Stage 2 – Four Regional Finals

Each zone—AO (Asia and Oceania), EAS (Europe and Southern Africa), MENTA (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), and AM (Americas)—will host a 3+2 Blitz single-elimination head-to-head KO tournament. In each zone, a total of 64 players (16 from the Under 2000, 16 from the Under 2300, and 32 from the Open division) will compete, with the top player from each region ultimately advancing to the Grand Final.

Each matchup will consist of two games. In the event of a tie, an Armageddon game will determine the winner, ensuring a decisive outcome for each head-to-head encounter.

Stage 3 – Grand Final

The four regional champions will compete in a Double Elimination Knockout format to crown the tournament champion in Al Ain. These finalists will battle head-to-head for the title and a share of the additional $25,000 USD prize pool.

Grand Final Details

The Grand Final on December 22 will showcase a fast-paced double-elimination showdown among the four regional champions at the Danat Al Ain Resort. Participants will contend for significant cash prizes while experiencing the cultural richness of Al Ain, one of the UAE’s oldest and most cherished cities.

Registration Details

Registration opens on November 15, 2024. Players interested in competing can register at Checkmate.live. Don’t miss the chance to join this landmark event and experience the thrill of high-stakes competitive chess.

An Invitation to Chess Enthusiasts Everywhere

“The Road to Al Ain” is a celebration of unity, excellence, and global camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned grandmaster or a passionate amateur, this tournament offers a unique opportunity to be part of a legacy event. Registration is now open, and we invite all chess enthusiasts to embark on this journey to the Super Grand Final in Al Ain.

The Road to Al Ain: Your Destination for Competitive Chess Awaits!

Website: https://www.checkmate.live
Tournament information: https://www.checkmate.live/insights-and-updates
Ruleset: https://playbook.checkmate.live/echess-rulesets/the-road-to-al-ain

Contact:

Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club
Hesham Ali Al Taher
CEO, Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club
Secretary General of the Asian Chess Federation
asianchessfederation@yahoo.com

Checkmate Live
David Jenns MA LLM FRGS
Director International Relations
+971506180752
david@whitewolfconsultancy.com

John McRae
Managing Director
Checkmate Live
john@checkmate.live
+61421001766

*Prize pool subject to official terms and conditions.

TheE 4th Senator Manny Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament (2000 average rating) gets underway on November 17, 2024, 11am at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Avenue in Quezon City, Philippines.

The champion team will earn P15,000 plus a trophy, medals, three (3) mobile phones worth P48,000 and P15,000 gems from Kalaro Esports.

The second placer will get P20,000 plus trophy and P7,500 gems from Kalaro Esports, third placer will receive P10,000 plus trophy and P3,000 gems from Kalaro Esports, fourth placer will bring home P8,000 while the fifth placer will pocket P6,000.

Sixth to 7th placers will go home with P4,000 each while the eighth to 10th placers will bring home P3,000 each.
Special awards of P1,000 each will go to the Top Board 1, Top Board 2 and Top Board 3 while P3,000 will go to the Top 1900 Team below in this one day event sponsored by Sen. Manny Pacquiao in close cooperation with MPBL partylist nominee Mr. Ronwald Munsayac, Founder and President of Kalaro Mr. June D. Lasco and tournament director Mr. John Salcedo.
“We are excited to invite you to participate in the 4th Hon. Sen. Manny Pacquiao rapid chess tatluhan team tournament (2000 average rating) on November 17, 2024,” said tournament director Mr. John Salcedo.
Among the participating teams are QPCPA TEAM A-B, Little Scout Chess Club, Chua Team, Top Secret,Team Destroyer,  Team Xandrex, AJA 2.0, Gullan and friends, Ubus na kayo team, Sekretong Malupit,Last Minute Team, Dumadag Team A-D ,Father and Son,Cubao Attackers,Tiratira A-C ,Team Orfanel A-C, Rook Stars and Jolly Smile Dental Clinic.
Call or text mobile number: 0977-286-8494.-Marlon Bernardino-

The Asian Disabled Chess Championship for Open, Women, Juniors and Girls started today in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 79 players from seven countries, namely India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russians under neutral FIDE flag, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

The event will go on from 10 November 2024 (arrival) to 18 November 2024 (departure). The tournament is organized by the Kyrgyz Chess Union under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE and supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.

Categories of diasbility are

Visual Impairment: (men and women with disabilities with full or visually impaired (legally considered to be blind);

Physical Impairment: (men and women with disabilities with a lesion of the musculoskeletal system and others with physical disabilities);

Hearing Impairment: Category B (men and women with disabilities with full or weakened hearing loss (legally considered to be deaf).

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

GM John Paul Gomez (above right)  won the Philippine National Open Chess Championship Grand Finals held 23 October to 1 November 2024 in Alicia, Isabela, Philippines.  The event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and to download games.

The 38-year-old Olympiad veteran achieved that at the close of the Philippine National Open Chess Championship Tuesday in Alicia, Isabela, sealing his victory with a draw with International Master Joel Banawa.

Gomez split the point with Banawa, a local bet, in 21 moves of a Caro-Kann encounter to finish with 8.5 points for the crown and a ticket to the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next year. Gomez last won the event 11 years ago.

Paulo Bersamina (above left), who flattened Alexis Emil Maribao in 42 moves of a Sicilian, and Daniel Quizon (above right), who edged IM Jem Garcia in a marathon 74-move win of a King’s Indian, ended up tied for No. 2 with eight points each.

Kelly Rancap of Lucena bested 42 others in the Speed-Chess IIEE-Bayanihan Knockout Armageddon Tournament (SIKAT) held November 9, 2024 in Pakil Laguna, Philippines.  The tournament is organized by Engr. Rodrigo Pecolera as part of his program Rod to Pakil.

In photo, the ceremonial moves were led by Engr. Rodrigo Pecolera facing Actor Jao Mapa (foreground) while GM Daniel Quizon faced Pakil Vice Mayor Melody Cabañero Familara.  At center is NM Marlon Bernardino versus Councilor Mark Benito Caballero.

Rancap (with Blitz local rating of 2192) edged National Master Romeo Alcodia (2154) to capture the crown and win Php7,000 while NM Alcodia got Php3,000.  Other special winners winning Php1,000 each are NM Marlon Bernardino as top master while Albert de Roma bagged 10th place, Generoso Abelado won top senior, Franchesca Aguilar won top lady and Marc Jean Adovas won top Kiddie.

Both Rancap and Alcodia will advance to the Armageddon Battle of Champions to be held on November 30, 2024 during the 49th IIEE National Convention in SMX MOA Pasay City.

Kelly Rancap perfect game wins were also against Keiffer Pelias of Cabuyao (1984), Andrew Tadigue (1882) of Kalayaan Laguna, Raymond Ompod (1996) of Lucena and Marc Jean Adovas of Pakil.  Alcodia two losses came from Rancap while his 8 wins were with Pelias, Bernardino, Tadigue, Allan Pelias (1978), Jeremy John Aclan of Mabato, Voltaire Acero of Pangil, Rommel Valdellon of Paete and John Aldred Adovas of Pangil.

GM Daniel Quizon swept the simultaneous chess versus 15 players while Acero was the only winner in the simultaneous game versus NM Bernardino.-Marlon Bernardino-

Jericho Winston Cu emerged as the champion in the Alpha Chess Excellence-ACE Youth Chess Championship-4th leg  Under 14 category last Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the the Alveo Corporate Center, BGC, Taguig City, Philippines.

The Grade 9 pupil of Xavier School in San Juan City, pocketed the P3,000 purse and the trophy for winning  the rapid chess tournament among 35 players..
He had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 5.5 points in the six-round Swiss system competition.
The 14 years old Jericho Winston is the younger brother of FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu.
Jericho Winston will advance to the Grandfinals dubbed as The Battle of the Future Grandmaster to be held in December 2024.
The second to 10th placers were Kurt Brayden Cervantes, Philip Gregory Pe, Aedan Gavin Chua,Brcye Zian Andallo, John Curt Valencia, Abeer Goel, Alexander Galang and David Francis Modesto.-Marlon Bernardino-