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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.

Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia Top Asian Schools Rapid Championship

The 19th Asian Schools Chess Championship has officially commenced in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, and will take place from October 25 to November 1, 2025. Above are medalists from Kazakhstan which topped the Rapid Chess event held 25 Oct.

A total of 677 young chess players from 16 Asian countries are competing for 432 medals in three formats — standard, rapid, and blitz — across 12 categories for boys and girls: U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-17.

The opening ceremony was held today in Ulaanbaatar with great ceremony. Distinguished guests included H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, Prime Minister of Mongolia and President of the Mongolian Chess Federation; Undram Chinbat, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Bilegt E, Chairman of the National Committee on Physical Education and Sports; representatives from the Asian Chess Federation; as well as international and domestic arbiters, coaches, players, and parents.

In his opening address, Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar stated:

“This championship plays a vital role in promoting the noble traditions of intellectual sports, strengthening friendship among students across Asia, and fostering future generations of intelligent citizens. The Government of Mongolia will continue to consistently support mind sports, expand chess education within the school curriculum, and prepare young chess players capable of competing at the international level.”

Minister Ch. Undram also emphasized in her remarks:

“Mongolians have long regarded chess as a great intellectual game — a means of sharpening the mind and nurturing future generations. Therefore, this tournament is not just a competition but a platform for friendship, mutual trust, and intellectual exchange among Asia’s youth. I am confident that all participants here will become the future masters, coaches, educators, and leaders in science and technology.”

Players who perform successfully in this event will have the opportunity to achieve title norms recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and qualify for international titles such as FIDE Candidate Master (CM) and FIDE Master (FM).

This year’s championship is particularly special as it is being hosted in Mongolia for the first time, serving as a major intellectual celebration that promotes chess, strengthens continental friendship, and inspires the next generation of chess talents.

The first Mongolian players to win gold medals at the Asian Schools Chess Championships were brothers — International Master Chinguun Sumiya (Standard) and Grandmaster Bilguun Sumiya (Blitz).

The Asian Schools Chess Championship 2025 will continue in Ulaanbaatar until November 1, showcasing a week of brilliant and inspiring battles of the mind.

Kazakhstan topped the medal tally with four golds and four silver medals, ahead of host Mongolia with four golds and three silver medals. Russians playing under FIDE flag followed with two golds and two silver medals.

Asian Schools Chess Championship Starts in Mongolia

The Prime Minister of Mongolia, the President of Mongolian Chess Federation, Gombojav Zandanshatar graced the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Schools Chess Championship.
Presenting the full speech of Prime Minister of Mongolia, President of Mongolian Chess Association Gombojav at the opening ceremony.
Dear Teen Chess Players
Dear Guests and Representatives
The Asian Chess Federation has decided to organize the International High-ranked “19th Asian Schools Chess Championship” in our country, we are preparing for the grand opening ceremony today. This competition is the 19th time traditionally important competition and is distinguished as it is the first time in Mongolia. The Mongolian Government and Mongolian Chess Federation considers chess as not only a sport but also a part of national education to develop the thinking ability and logical thinking of every citizen. Mongolian Chess Federation is working with the goal of developing intellectual sports chess at the national level.
Thus, the goal of phased integrating of chess into the General Education curriculum, as well as developing the sport of chess at a national level on a broad scale or mass development is being implemented. This tournament is a clear manifestation of this policy, a historic event that opens the hands of a new generation of chess players.
Congratulations to the best junior chess players with around 700 international titles from 17 countries from our continent gathered in this prestigious competition today to compete their minds in 6 age groups ranging from 7 to age, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17. Athletes who have successfully participated in the tournament can qualify for the International Chess Federation titles. Dear chess players, your chess path is easy ahead of you.
I wish you to have a sharp mind, a beautiful movement, and a full of success. Good luck to Mr. Pahlevanzadeh Mehrdad, who is appointed by the Asian Chess Association to judge the prestigious international competition and other judges. We would like to thank all the foreign and local athletes, coaches and their parents who are participating in the tournament and wish you all the best.
Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar with Chief Arbiter Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh (third from left) and dignitaries at the opening.

2nd Olympiad for People with Disabilities, Day 4: Inspiration, inclusion, and the power of chess

The fourth day of the 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities began with a heartwarming initiative. GM Alisher Suleymenov of Kazakhstan, a bronze medalist at the Asian Championship, hosted a simultaneous exhibition on 12 boards for local children with disabilities at the Paralympic Training Centre.

“It was a great day! I was very excited to give a simultaneous exhibition against 12 very talented young stars,” said GM Suleymenov. “The games were quite interesting, and I hope this experience helps them grow. I wish them all the best in their chess journeys.”

Following the simul, the fourth round began with the ceremonial first move made by GM Thomas Luther, Chairman of the FIDE Commission for People with Disabilities; Diyar Seitov, Sports Director of the National Paralympic Center; and GM Alisher Suleymenov, fresh from his exhibition.

“Inclusive sport is very important – in Kazakhstan and around the world,” shared GM Suleymenov. “I’m really happy to see this movement grow and to meet so many strong players and young talents here.”

GM Thomas Luther emphasized the broader meaning of the event: “This Olympiad shows how the world of sports should be – inclusive and open. Every edition grows, and that’s our ambition.”

“This beautiful venue shows how chess belongs to both the Olympic and Paralympic families,” he continued. “Chess removes barriers. It’s one of the few sports where everyone – regardless of background or physical condition – can play together on equal ground.”

“Even if life gives you challenges, don’t be sad. Keep progressing. Today’s world gives everyone a chance – whether to become a chess master or succeed in any other field. That’s the message of this Olympiad.”

Stories of Strength and Resilience

Behind every participant stands a story of perseverance, courage, and love for the game.

Prince Musokeri from Zimbabwe shared his powerful journey: “I started playing chess as a little boy. I come from a poor background, and this is my first time playing abroad. I’m so happy to finally be here,” he said.

“Some years ago, during COVID, I struggled, got addicted to drugs, and lost my way – I was almost killed and even lost my memory. But chess gave me another chance to rebuild myself. Now I play for Zimbabwe, and my dream is to become a Grandmaster and teach others. Chess saved my life.”

Jesús Osorio from Panama, who also played in the inaugural Olympiad in Serbia, expressed his deep emotions about returning: “For me, it feels like a dream come true every time. This isn’t just a tournament – it’s a celebration. Win, lose, or draw, everyone is happy, everyone is celebrating chess.”

“Chess is everything to me. It’s how I prove myself, how I show I can be equal or even stronger. And it’s a universal language – here we come from all continents, yet we understand each other perfectly.”

Jesús also shared a touching detail: “My wife is my lucky charm. She travels with me everywhere and even keeps my lucky pen – the one I used when I held a draw against a FIDE Master in round 1. She takes care of everything, and I’m so grateful for her strength.”

These stories capture the essence of the Olympiad – a place where courage meets community, and every move on the board reflects a life story of determination.

Standings after Round 4

With two rounds remaining, the race for gold is heating up. Poland and FIDE 1 are leading the standings with a perfect 8/8 team points. Just behind them, the teams from Israel, USA, Philippines, Cuba, IBCA, and IPCA are within striking distance with 6/8 points each.

Tomorrow promises thrilling clashes at the top as Poland faces FIDE 1 in a key matchup.

You can find the standings after Round 4 and pairings for the next round on Chess-Results.

From: 2nd Olympiad for People with Disabilities, Day 4: Inspiration, inclusion, and the power of chess – International Chess Federation

Join FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar at Asian Youth in Bangkok

In order to provide National Arbiters an opportunity to attend a face-to-face seminar, Asian Chess Federation shall conduct a FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar during the free time of the Asian Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.

Visit FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar in Bangkok (Asian Chess Federation) – FIDE Arbiters’ Commission

Inquiries: Casto Abundo, Executive Director, Asian Chess Federation (casto.abundo@gmail.com)

The Lecturer will be IA Abdulrahim, Mahdi (UAE), FIDE Lecturer.

The language of the Seminar will be English.

The Seminar will give norms and titles of FIDE Arbiter, according to the Regulations for the titles of Arbiters.

Schedule: 

(Bangkok time GMT +7)
Laptops required for exam

14:00-19:00 Saturday, 22 November 2025
14:00 Introduction, Laws of Chess, Rapid and Blitz (Chapter 2 p. 5 of FIDE Arbiters’ Manual)

14:00-19:00 Monday, 24 November 2025
15:00 Types of Tournaments (Chapter 4: p. 105)
16:00 General Regulations for Competitions (p 189), Berger and Varma table (p. 198)
17:00 Tie Break Systems (p. 202)
18:00 Swiss system and pairing rules. (Chapter 5, p. 112), Accelerated System (p. 146)

14:00-19:00 Thursday, 27 November 2025
15:00 FIDE Rating Regulations (Chapter 6, p. 148), Rapid and Blitz Rating
16:00 International Title Regulations (Chapter 7, p. 159)
17:00 Regulations for the Titles of Arbiters (Chapter 10, p. 217), Classification of Arbiters (p. 235)
18:00 Fair Play Guidelines for Arbiters (Anti Cheating) Chapter 3, p. 59)

14:00-19:00 Friday, 28 November 2025
14:00 Q&A
15:00 Exam (sample questions p 283)

International Arbiter Certification Seminar Set 29 Nov 2025

Considering the great interest in IA Certification Seminars, we are pleased to announce the organization of a new IA Seminar in November / December 2025. It will be 21st IA Seminar.

According to the FIDE Regulations for the training of chess arbiters, effective from January 1st 2024, each application for IA arbiter requires one norm from IA Seminar. The duration of the IA Seminar shall be a minimum of sixteen (16) hours.

In 2024 and 2025, the ARB Commission organized nineteen IA seminars with 442 FIDE arbiters.

The following IA seminar will be organized by the FIDE Arbiters’ Commission in cooperation with the Asian Chess Federation. It will last 16 hours and will be held in 4 sessions (one per day, two weekends) of 4 hours each.

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21st On-line IA Seminar will be held in November 29th – 30th and December 6th – 7th 2025

29th November: 09.00 to 13.00 CET
30th November: 09.00 to 13.00 CET
6th December: 09.00 to 13.00 CET
7th December: 09.00 to 13.00 CET

IA Alex McFarlane (SCO)   IA Casto Abundo (PHI)

Lecturers for 21st IA Seminars are IA Alex McFarlane (SCO) and IA Casto Abundo (PHI), both FIDE Lecturers.

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Entry fees for the IA Seminar: 130 €

Contact and registration: Nebojsa Baralic, FIDE ARB Secretary (secretary.arbiters@fide.com)

Inquiries: Casto Abundo, Executive Director, Asian Chess Federation (casto.abundo@gmail.com)

Ivan Syrovy, ARB Chairman

Nebojsa Baralic, ARB Secretary

Alex McFarlane, Leader of the ARB Education Team

Chief Minister unveils FIDE World Cup 2025 logo and anthem

206 players from 82 countries to compete as music legend Daler Mehndi lends his voice to an anthem celebrating Goa’s cultural flair

Panaji, October 21: A glittering ceremony celebrating Goa’s rich cultural heritage and India’s growing stature as a global chess powerhouse marked the launch of the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025, unveiled by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in Goa on Tuesday. Returning to India after 23 years, the prestigious tournament will feature 206 players from 82 countries, with the anthem—voiced by music legend Daler Mehndi—capturing the spirit and vibrancy of Goa.

The FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global chess calendar, will be held in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, 2025, bringing together elite players from across the world in a knockout contest for a prize purse of USD 2 million (approx. INR 17.58 crore).

While the logo reflects Goa’s vibrant, culturally rich identity—capturing the essence of the state’s coastal charm and the strategic elegance of chess—the anthem, sung by legendary artist Daler Mehndi, adds a touch of grandeur and mystique to the event.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Honb’le Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “It is a moment of immense pride for Goa to host the FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious events in global chess. This milestone not only reaffirms our state’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for international sport but also celebrates India’s rising prominence on the world chess stage. The official logo and anthem reflect the very soul of Goa — vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted in culture — while capturing the strategic elegance of chess. We are ready to welcome the world’s finest players to our shores for 28 days of top-class competition, camaraderie, and an experience that blends the spirit of Goa with the brilliance of the game.”

The logo and anthem launch was also attended by Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports and Youth Affairs, Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Dev Patel, Secretary AICF.

Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports and Youth Affairs, said, “The FIDE World Cup 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to bring together culture, art, tourism, and sports on one grand stage. Goa has always been known for its vibrant heritage and hospitality, and this event will showcase how seamlessly our cultural identity blends with the global spirit of competition. The World Cup will stand as a testament to Goa’s ability to celebrate excellence — on and off the chessboard — while promoting our state as a world-class destination for sport and tourism.”

Complementing the visual identity of the event is its official anthem — a dynamic celebration of India’s strategic prowess and youthful energy. Featuring the Hon’ble Prime Minister in its music video, the anthem brings together the spirit of the nation with the brilliance of chess. Iconic singer Daler Mehndi, known for his powerful and distinctive voice, infuses the anthem with his signature vibrancy, rhythm, and energy.

Centered around the empowering theme “It’s Your Move,” the song captures the essence of India’s growing might in world chess while highlighting the vibrancy of its culture. The video also showcases India’s leading chess grandmasters and stars like World Champion D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Koneru Humpy, Tania Sachdev, and Vidit Gujarati, symbolizing the new generation that is taking Indian chess to unprecedented heights.

AICF President Nitin Narang thanked the Goa government for their support for the event and said, “Securing the hosting rights for the FIDE World Cup 2025 is a landmark moment for India and a testament to our growing credibility in the global chess community. Bringing a tournament of this magnitude to our shores — after 23 years — is not just a sporting success, but a proud national achievement. It will give Indian fans a rare opportunity to witness the world’s best players compete on home soil, inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. The anthem, with its energy and emotion, will revitalize chess across the country and take the game from clubs and academies into every home in India.”

About the World Cup 2025 logo

The logo feature three distinctive trapezoidal panels, the design captures different facets of Goa and the tournament itself. The Green Panel shows a white palm tree with a blue wave at the bottom. The Red Panel boasts of a diamond-shaped checkerboard pattern in white while the Yellow panel has a stylised sun with curved rays, representing Goa’s sunny weather and warm, welcoming vibe.

From India makes its move: Goa CM Pramod Sawant unveils FIDE World Cup 2025 logo and anthem – International Chess Federation

Patrick Bonifacio Wins Director’s Chess Cup

Patrick Bonifacio emerged as champion of the Director’s Cup Non Master Rapid Chess Tournament 1950 and below category on 18 October 2025 at the Farmers Plaza, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
Bonifacio finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with an undefeated score of 6.0 points on account of five wins and two draws to clinch the title and the P4,000 cash prize.
Israel Landicho landed at second place with similar 6.0 points.
John Christian Garcia , Jay Fortunado, and Reu Sebolino occupied the third to fifth spots with identical 5.5 points.
Completing the top 10 were Lord Yofiel Young, Joseph Bendal, Anthony Avellaneda, Joe Marie Dinson Jr. and Alejandro Segales with 5.0 points each.
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Meanwhile, John Randall Peralta finished the tournament with 6.5 points and won the title in the 12 years old and below kiddies division.
At second place was Marcus Louise Jacutina with 6.0 points followed by third and fourth placers Jullio Angelo Janaban and Julio Janaban Jr. who got 5.5 points apiece.

The Tournament Director was Martin Gaticales (photo above) assisted by Chief Arbiter IA Patrick Lee and Deputy Chief Arbiter FA Roy Madayag.-Marlon Bernardino