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The Tehran Chess Association, in collaboration with the Chess Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, cordially invites all Asian chess players and chess enthusiasts worldwide to participate in the prestigious 6th Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival. This exciting event is scheduled to take place from August 5th to 12th, 2024, in the vibrant metropolis of Tehran, Iran.

Download the Prospectus for the Paytakht Cup (2024)

Festival Highlights

The Paytakht Cup, the biggest chess festival in the metropolis of Tehran, is an event of great significance in the international chess calendar. The word “Paytakht” means “the capital” in Persian, and hence, the “Paytakht Cup” translates to the “Capital Cup.” This festival has garnered immense prestige over the years, attracting numerous chess Grandmasters and offering a competitive edge that is unparalleled.

In previous editions, notable participants have included GM Alireza Firouzja, GM Parham Maghsoodloo, GM Amin Tabatabaei, GM Anton Demchenko, GM Alexandr Fier, GM Samvel Ter-Sahakyan, and GM Stanislav Bogdanovich, among others. The tournament has celebrated various champions over the years, such as GM Homayoon Toufighi in 2016, GM Anton Demchenko in 2017, GM Seyed Khalil Mousavi in 2018, GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami in 2019, and GM Masoud Mosadeghpour in 2023.

The 6th Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival promises to be an exceptional event, continuing its tradition of excellence. This year’s festival will feature three main tournaments: Tournament A for players with a FIDE rating of 2100 or higher, Tournament B for players with a FIDE rating lower than 2100, and Tournament C for players under 14 years old. The schedule includes 9 rounds for Tournament A and 11 rounds for Tournaments B and C, all taking place from August 6 to 12, 2024. The Paytakht Cup is especially important for Iranian and Asian chess players, providing a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage.

The festival will be held at the luxurious 5-star Laleh International Hotel (formerly InterContinental Hotels & Resorts) in Tehran. This exquisite venue offers top-notch facilities for both players and spectators, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The hotel’s amenities make it the perfect setting for an international chess festival.

About Tehran

Tehran, the capital and largest city of Iran, boasts a population of approximately 12 million, making it the most populated city in Iran and Western Asia. It also ranks as the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, following Cairo. This bustling metropolis serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the country, offering a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition.

Tehran is steeped in history, with roots tracing back to the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. The city became Iran’s capital in the late 18th century during the Qajar dynasty. Today, it is a city of contrasts, where historical sites like the Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar stand alongside modern skyscrapers and contemporary art galleries. Tehran’s rich cultural scene includes numerous museums, such as the National Museum of Iran, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Carpet Museum, which showcase the nation’s diverse heritage and artistic achievements.

The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, music venues, and galleries. Tehran hosts several international film and theater festivals, reflecting its role as a cultural beacon in the region. The Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the oldest and largest in Iran, is a testament to the city’s thriving music culture.

This bustling city is home to people from many different ethnic backgrounds, which adds to its diverse food culture and lively streets. Tehran has a mix of busy markets and modern cafes, as well as peaceful parks and hiking trails in the nearby mountains. This combination of old and new offers a variety of experiences that show the city’s vibrant and constantly changing nature.

This summer, join the 6th Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival for an experience that promises unforgettable moments. Engage in thrilling chess battles, embrace the vibrant culture, and enjoy the renowned warm hospitality that Tehran has to offer. We eagerly await your presence for an epic chess showdown. See you in Tehran!

Saikat Kumar of Delhi emerged as the tournament champion, securing the top prize of ₹1,11,000 and a trophy. Adalja Vanssh J of Gujarat claimed the second position with a cash prize of ₹71,000 and a trophy. Arnav Gupta of Rajasthan took third place, winning ₹41,000 and a trophy.

Category Prizes The attractive rating category prizes were awarded as follows:

 1551-1700 Rating Category: Vibhor Ranjan of Delhi scored 8 points, winning ₹1,01,000 and a trophy.

 1401-1550 Rating Category: Saket Kumar of Bihar scored 6.5 points, winning ₹1,00,000 and a trophy.

 Unrated Category: Aarav Juneja of Punjab 6.5 points, winning ₹70,000 and a trophy.

 Best Vetran Above 50 : Harminder Singh of Delhi scored 6 points, winning ₹21,000 and a trophy.

 Best Vetran Above 60 : Srinivasa Rao G.V. scored 7 points, winning ₹21,000 and a trophy.

 Best Female: Aashi Upadhyay of Rajasthan scored 6 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Rajasthan Player : Pranay Chordia of Lakecity scored 7.5 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Lakecity Player : Geet Jain of Lakecity scored 6.5 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 7 : Aryan Brahmachari of West Bengal scored 3 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 9 : Garvit Jain of Uttar Pradesh scored 5.5 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 11 : Rudra Kavia of Rajasthan scored 6 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 13 : Rudradaman Mertia of Rajasthan scored 7 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 5 : Simone Sahu of Lakecity scored 1 points, winning a trophy.

 Best Divyang : Tiwari O P scored 5 points, winning a trophy.

Opening Ceremony and Guests The tournament commenced on June 15th with an opening ceremony graced by several esteemed guests Udaipur MP, Mana Lal Rawat. Tushar Mehta, the chief patron of Chess in Lakecity, President of Chess in Lakecity Rajeev Bhardwaj, Sanjeev Bhardwaj, Prasoon Bhardwaj, Pankaj Bhardwaj, and the Chief Arbiter of the tournament, Rajendra Teli, Vice President of the Rajasthan Chess Association,and organizing secretary, Vikas Sahu

The prize distribution ceremony was held in a grand manner, with the chief guest Tara Chand Jain (MLA), Division Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt Sahab (IAS), Tushar Mehta Chief Patron – Chess in Lakecity , Rajeev Bhardwaj President – Chess in Lakecity , Dr. Om Sahu – Vice Predisent – chess in Lakecity, Pankaj Bhardwaj, Prasoon Bhardwaj, IA Vikas Sahu (organizing secretary) and IA Rajendra Teli (Chief Arbiter).

The Filipino Chess Players League (FCPL) held elections on Sunday, 24th June at its clubhouse in Reef Mall, Dubai, UAE. IM Oliver Dimakiling was elected president together with new set of officials above.

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Outgoing president Jobannie Tabada has been actively shepherding the FCPL since its foundation two decades ago.  Concurrent with the elections were a three-in-one event during the day (Rapid, Blitz and Bullet tournaments).

The FCPL counts over 100 members so far, and more are expected. The FCPL is part of the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc).

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Standard chess Girls Under-18 gold medalist WFM Anna Shukhman (FID) in center, silver medalist WIM Amina Kairbekova (KAZ) at left and bronze medalist WFM Galina Mikheeva (FID) at right. 

The Asian Youth Chess Championship was organized 9 -21 June 2024 in Almaty by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation supported by the Planning and Development Commission.

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ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Standard chess gold medalist WCM Olesia Vlasova (FID) in center, silver medalist WFM Erdenebayar (MGL) at left and bronze medalist WFM Elnaz Kaliakhmet (KAZ) at right.

ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Girls Under-14 standard gold medalist Mariya N. Vlasova (FID) in center, silver medalist Dominika Ivashentseva (FID) at left and bronze medalist Le Thai Hoang Anh of Vietnam at right.

ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Girls under 12 gold medalist Tran Le Vy (VIE) in center, silver medalist Bordoloi Pratitee (IND) at left and bronze medalist Kristina Zavivaeva (FID) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov Girls under-10 standard chess gold medalist Alisa Genrietta (FID), silver medalist WCM Alanna Berikkyzy (KAZ) at left and bronze medalist Das Aaradhyta (IND) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with Girls under-8 standard chess gold medalist Umesh Marathe Narayani (IND) in center, silver medalist Asena Golizadeh (IRI) at left and bronze medalist Gumudavelly Nakshatra (IND) at right.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty Shakhanov Beibut with Boys under-18 standard chess gold medalist IM Aldiyar Ansat (KAZ) in center, silver medalist FM Satbek Akhmedinov (KAZ) at left and bronze medalist IM Suresh Harsh (IND) at right.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty Shakhanov Beibut with Boys u16 standard chess gold medalist FM Sultanbelbarys Dumanuly (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Tran Ngoc Minh Duy (VIE) at left and bronze medalist CM Ragavesh Velavaa (IND) at right.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty Shakhanov Beibut with Boys under-14 standard chess gold medalist FM Edgar Mamedov (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Ganbat Tenguundalai (MGL) and bronze medalist FM Artyom Bogdanov (KAZ) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with Boys under-12 standard chess gold medalist Ramtin Kakavand (IRI) in center, silver medalist Mazen Fandi (SYR) at left and bronze medalist Poonja Siddhanth (IND) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with Boys under-10 standard chess gold medalist Nurali Bolashakov (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda (SRI) at left and bronze medalist Tsogtbileg Anand (MGL) at right. 

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with boys under-8 standard chess gold medalist Rizat Ulan (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Sarbartho Mani (IND) at left and bronze medalist Mohammad Taha Malaknezhad (IRI) at right.

Kazakhstan topped the Asian Youth Blitz Chess Championship with three gold medals followed by Vietnam in second slot and India in third slot. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings. Earlier, Kazakhstan also topped the Rapid and Standard events in the Asian Youth Chess Championships.

In above photo, Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher awards medals and certificates.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov awards Best Federation prize to Kazakhstan coach, second place to Vietnam coach (right) and third place to Indian coach (left).

In photo, Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher makes the ceremonial opening moves for the Asian Youth Blitz Chess Championship 20th June 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Looking on are Chief Arbiter Husan Turdialiev (left) of Uzbekistan and GM Darmen Sadvakasov (right), Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

GM Victor Bologan, FIDE Executive Director, making ceremonial opening moves in the Asian Youth Blitz Championship.

GM Darmen Sadvakasov (center), Kazakhstan Chess Federation first Vice President, and current World Junior Champion Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan make ceremonial opening moves in the Asian Youth Blitz Championship. Sadvakasov was also a former World Junior Chess Champion.

The 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament reels off July 9-10 at AYA Hotel and Residences, Clarin, Misamis Occidental, Philippines.
At least P355,000 in cash prize will be given away to the winners of the FIDE rapid rated competition spearheaded by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Fiderated Chess Association (AMOFCA) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, 2nd Congressional District Office and Local Government Unit of Ozamis.
Held in the celebration of the 76th City Charter Anniversary and feast of Nuestra Sra. dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi, the open champion, will pocket P50,000.
The second to sixth placers will take home P30,000, P20,000, P10,000, P5,000, and P3,000, respectively, while 7th to 10th placers will receive P2,000 each and 11th to 20th placer will pocket P1,000 each.
There will also be prizes of P30,000 each for the winner in the top High School (under 17), Top Elementary (under 13) and Top Misamis Occidental.
Special category prizes worth P3,000 each will go to the Top Senior (60 above), Top Junior (20 below), Top Lady (U17), Top Lady (U13) and Top Lady (Open).
Asia’s First Grandmaster and World Chess Hall of Famer Eugene Torre will do the ceremonial moves with Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal, Jr. and Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal.
For further details, one may contact NM/AGM Rey Urbiztondo (0999-999-0374), email address: reycurbz@gmail.com, and gcash number (0917-722-0374.-Marlon Bernardino-

IM Aldiyar Ansat of Kazakhstan beat Teimouri Shahdad of Iran in the final 9th round to win the boys under-18 championship with 7 points. Ansat tied with compatriot Satbek Akhmedinov but won the tie break by Direct Encounter. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.

In photo above, Technical Delegate IM Sami Khader of Jordan (left) and Mohsen Fagani (right), Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty, make ceremonial moves opening rd 9 as Chief Arbiter Husan Turdialiev of Uzbekistan looks on.

Host Kazakhstan topped the medal tally with 5 gold medals followed by India with one gold and two silver medals. Tied for third slot are Iran and Vietnam each with one gold, one silver and one bronze. The standard event ended 19th June. The blitz championship is scheduled for 20th June  See results of Rapid chess championship.

The Asian Youth Chess Championship was organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation supported by the Planning and Development Commission.

Appeals Committee member Abdulrahim Mahdi (left) of the UAE, Chairman of the Asian Chess Federation Arbiters Commission, and World Under-10 champion Danis Kuandykuly of Kazakhstan make the ceremonial opening moves.

The IIEE Southern Luzon Regional Conference (SLRC) Open Chess Tournament will be held on June 27, 2024 at Centromall Cabuyao, Brgy. Pulo, Cabuyao City, Laguna, Philippines.  The event is co-organized by IIEE to be led by Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, 2021 IIEE National President with Dr. Fred Paez, the Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) and Rotary Club Nuvali President.

Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, 2021 IIEE National President

This tournament will be a FIDE-rated and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with individual prizes as follows: Champion – P7000 2nd Place. – 5000 3rd Place – 3000 4th Place – 2000 5th Place – 1000 Top IIEE Member – 1000 Top Executive (PECA Member) -1000 Top Senior (60 & Up) – 1000 Top Junior (18 & Below) -1000 Top Kiddie (12 & Below) -1000 Top Lady – 1000 Top Cabuyao Player -1000.  The top 5 teams will get trophies  and the 9am to 6pm tournament will be limited to 60 Players only. The tournament format is 7 Rounds, Swiss System with 15 mins + 5 seconds increment.  Only the Top 3 members of each team will be computed for team results.
The event will have a DGT set up for the top boards courtesy of JCI Senate Lipa and Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineer (PSME) President Engr. Roger Reyes.

The event is one of the side sports during the conference which will be from June 27-29, 2024.  This 3-day conference, led by SLR Governor Eduardo Emata Jr. and Host IIEE Central Laguna President Engr. Noel Lobo, will be held at Hotel Marciano, Brgy. Real, Calamba City, Laguna Province.

Major highlights of the conference include technical seminars, product presentations, sports, plant tour, and grand fellowship. It will be attended by Licensed Electrical Practitioners (PEE, REE and RME), BSEE/BSEET graduates and students from Southern Luzon Region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), other IIEE regions in the country and abroad, and also company exhibitors in the electrical industry. We are estimating 450 participants from Southern Luzon IIEE Chapters.
During the closing ceremony, FM Noel Dela Cruz, the Best Import of the on-going online IIEE National Chess Olympiad season 5 which started since January 26, 2024 will be awarded.  Also, 2 electronic raffles of the painting prizes worth over P15,000 each will be done.-Marlon Bernardino-

Team Seirin topped the open division of the JCI Senate Lipa Open Rapid chess team tournament at the Lipa City Convention Center on Monday, June 17, 2024 in Lipa City, Philippines. In photo are, from left Mascot Ampen, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – PSME past president Engr. Roger Reyes, Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, country’s newest FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu, Tyrhone James Tabernilla, Zeus Alexis Paglinawan, tournament director Engr. Danilo “Danny” Reyes and Mr. Gary Malabanan.

Fifteen-year-old Ivan Travis Cu, the Philippines’ newest FIDE Master, anchored the Team Seirin’ campaign together with Tyrhone James Tabernilla and Zeus Alexis Paglinawan. International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia is coach of the team.

Team Seirin finished with seven points based on the match point-style scoring system being used by the organizing JCI Senate Lipa to rule the one-day rapid chess meet held in celebration of Lipa City Foundation Day.

Team Seirin received P50,000, trophy and medals for their efforts in this event backed up by Mayor Eric Africa, former Vice-Mayor Kuya Boy Manguerra and Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – PSME past president Engr. Roger Reyes.

Team Seirin defeated  Blahlala, 3-0, in the first round, Team Gold Eagle, 2-1, in the second round, UST Team F, 2.5-0.5, in the third round, Team Pakners, 2.5-0.5, in the fourth round, UST Team B, 2-1, in the fifth round, Tira-Tira Sampaloc C, 2.5-0.5, in the sixth round and The Teddy Bears, 2-1, in the seventh and final round.

“Truly a team effort,”  said the 15-year-old Cu,  a grade 10 student of Xavier School in San Juan City who is fresh from second-place finish last month in Hanoi IM (International Master) chess tournament in Vietnam.

Cu tallied 5.5 points on board 1, Tabernilla chipped in 4.5 points on board 2 while Paglinawan notch 6.5 points on board 3.
UST Team A (Mark Gerald Reyes, Carl Daluz and  Allan Gabriel Hilario) finished second followed by Tira-edSampaloc C (Kelly Rancalp, Narciso Gumila and Timothy Baclayon).
Rounding up the top 10 are Team Red Horse (fourth), The Teddy Bears (fifth), UST Team F (sixth), Santa Rosa Lions B (seventh), Team Pakners (eight), Sir Nats Team A (ninth) and Team Larry Dumadag (tenth).
Meanwhile, Rian Paul Tenorio won the Youth Division (Under 18 Years Old) followed by Ariel Santander and Clyde Jared Torena.

Earlier, Mayor Eric Africa and Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament also graced by Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – PSME past president Engr. Roger Reyes, International Master Roderick Nava of Kamatyas Chess Club, Chief Arbiter Ryan Dimayuga, Deputy Arbiter Allan Oseña, 13 time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., former Vice-Mayor Kuya Boy Manguerra and tournament director Engr. Danilo “Danny” Reyes.- Marlon Bernardino-