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12th Mercantile/Government Services International Rating Chess Championshp 2024

Lahiru Munasughe emerged as the winner of the 12th Mercantile/Government Services International Rating Chess Championship 2024, while A H Chamika Dewanthi claimed the women’s championship title. EvonSys (Pvt) Ltd secured the team championship in this prestigious event.
The championship, held from May 24th to 27th at Sanhinda Leisure Centre, Nugegoda, was organised by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka for the 12th consecutive year. A prize fund of LKR 475,000 was awarded to the winners, along with medals, certificates, and trophies. The tournament followed a 9-round Swiss format with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one.
In the Open category, Lahiru Munasinghe of EvonSys (Pvt) Ltd won the championship with a score of 6/7 points. Despite a four-way tie at 6 points, Munasinghe clinched the title with superior tie-breaks. M A N Danushka of Bank of Ceylon and P D Marasinghe of Synopsys Lanka (Pvt) Ltd secured the first and second runners-up positions respectively. E D S Chandula of Acentura (Pvt) Ltd finished in fourth place based on tie-break criteria.
In the Women’s category, A H Chamika Dewanthi of EvonSys (Pvt) Ltd won the championship with 4.5/7 points. Five players tied for the first runner-up position with 4 points each, but with better tie-breaks, A K Rajapaksha of MAS Holdings and WFM S A K Chandrasiri of SyscoLABS secured the first and second runners-up positions respectively. V N W Siriwardana of IFS, Sahani Goonetilleke of Synopsys Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and W G A Lakmali of the Ministry of Health finished in fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively.
In the Team Championship, EvonSys (Pvt) Ltd won the title. MAS Holdings secured the first runners-up position, while Synopsys (Pvt) Ltd claimed the second runners-up position.
Team members of EvonSys (Pvt) Ltd:
– Lahiru Munasinghe
– K R V R Subasinghe
– A H Chamika Dewanthi
Team members of MAS Holdings:
– Ravi Prabath Dickmadugodage
– J M C B Rathgalla
– Manushka Yatawala
– A K Rajapaksha
– Minura Munasinghe
Team members of Synopsys (Pvt) Ltd:
– P D Marasinghe
– M B Wijerathne
– Sahani Goonetilleke
– M F M Nalim
– Punsisi Bandara Kiridana
In the unrated category, M D Madusha of MAS Holdings won the championship with 4/7 points. With better tie-breaks, Madusha triumphed over two other players tied at 4 points. C G Wijenayake of IFS and N H Rajamantri of IFS secured the first and second runners-up positions respectively.
In the rating category of 1400-1599, Ruwan Prasanka Weerasinghe won the championship with 5/7 points. Disal Subasinghe finished as the first runner-up with 4.5 points. Eleven players tied at 4 points, but with superior tie-breaks, A H Katugampola of Ranmal Tours secured the second runner-up position.
The awards ceremony was graced by Mr Luxman Wijesuriya and Mr Rajeendra Kalugampitiya on behalf of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. The Federation extends its congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances.

2024 Tasmanian Chess Championships

Tasmanian Championship prize winners. Clockwise from back row left: Will Rumley, Kevin Bonham, Fabian Ivancic, Anya Song, Himash Keerthiratne, James Banbury, Noah Carpenter, Ian Rout, Chris Shepherd, Carl Gorka and Zach Lim.

2024 TASMANIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Chris Shepherd’s report, courtesy of the TCA site:

Traditionally Launceston Chess Club (LCC) hosts the Tasmanian State Championships, over the long weekend in March. Geographically, Launceston sits in between the southern state capital Hobart and the North coast cities of Devonport and Burnie. This was my sixth consecutive year of traveling up the National Highway 1 to take part, having made my debut in the 2019 event, drawn by the star power of Grandmaster David Smerdon who took part that year.

Since the closure of the YMCA in Launceston, the LCC have been looking for a new home for the State Champs. After a trip out to Carrick in 2023, this year’s event was hosted in Rocherlea Memorial Hall, in the outer northern suburbs of greater Launceston. The success of this year’s event hopefully means the State Champs have found a new home for 2025 and beyond.

The rude health of chess in Tasmania was evidenced by a near record breaking field taking part this year. There was some talk that we might break the long-standing record of 32 players who contested for the title in 2007. In the end several late withdrawals reduced the field to 30. However, three players made the trip from the big island to take part. Friend of the tournament Miles Patterson from Canberra, Darryl Ross of NSW and Ron Kuypers from Queensland. It was also good to see a healthy number of young people on the start list, with just over 50% of the entries aged between 16 and 39.

In an echo of the 2023 Tasmanian Open, the oldest player David Ratkowsky was drawn against the youngest Karl Lee in the final round. I also played Karl in round 4, a nerve-racking experience, because I coach Karl and a cohort of his fellow pupils at the Calvin school in Kingston and I was therefore extra keen not to lose.

After seven rounds of hard-fought chess Carl Gorka retained his title of Tasmanian State Champion, finishing on a score of 6 out of 7 (5 wins and 2 draws). Kevin Bonham, Zach Lim and Fabian Ivancic all finished equal second on 5 out of 7.

In addition to Carl’s achievement, history was also made in Tasmanian chess by Anya Song who finished equal 5th on 4.5/7. I understand this is the highest score by a female player in Championship history. Anya was awarded a cash prize very kindly donated by Carl Gorka.

The Junior prize was shared between Will Rumley and Himash Keerthiratne. In addition, Himash shared the under 1800 rating prize with Noah Carpenter. Finally, James Banbury was awarded the under 1500 rating prize.

The Tasmanian Senior Champion title is shared between Ian Rout and me (Chris Shepherd).

Full results: 2024 Tasmanian Championships Launceston Mar 9-11 – Page 2 (chesschat.org)

GM Hrant Melkumyan recorded his 3rd Doeberl Cup tournament win in a row

The Doeberl Cup attracted a strong, record-breaking entry of 416 national and international chess players. Defending Champion Hrant Melkumyan of Armenia headed a field including current Australian Champion, Rishi Sardana of Australian Capital Territory (ACT), three Indian Grandmasters, in form former title holder Victorian James Morris and Junta Ikeda of ACT.

Players representing Serbia, China, Brazil, Mongolia, Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore joined the contest for their share in the total prize pool of over $25,000. Australian players were vying for selection in the Australian team for the Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September. International Masters were looking for strong performances to advance towards Grandmaster titles.

The Doeberl Cup tournaments get under way

GM Hrant Melkumyan recorded his 3rd Doeberl Cup tournament win in a row, after a dominant performance in the 2024 edition. Going into the final round a full point ahead, he drew with GM Mitrabha Guha to reach 8/9. IM Peng Cheng also drew on board 2, to take 2nd place on 7/9. IM Arghyadip Das defeated FM Albert Winkleman on board 3 to take a share of 2nd, also ending Winkelman’s chances of scoring an IM norm in the process.

The Major was won by Bryan Yang on 6.5/7. He finished a point ahead of Elliot Wong, Ethan Chang and Daniel Wang. The Minor was shared between Austin Chen and Chee Seng Lue, who both scored 6/7. The Mini saw Aden Power finish with a perfect 7/7, a full point ahead of Alexander Warne. The U1200 event was won by Harry Phillips with 5.5/6.

Anton Smirnov won the 120 player Open blitz with 8/9, ahead of a field that included GM Mitrabha Guha, IM James Morris, IM Mihajlo Radovanovic and WIM Heather Richards.

The U1600 blitz was won by Benjamin Martin with 7/7. Second was Woo Jun Ki on 6, third equal were Kotaro Inukai and Sitong Hao on 5.5. With 60 players.

Based largely on reporting by Paul Power and Shaun Press)

Firman Syah Farid of Indonesia, Ivan Travis Cu of Philippines Top Hanoi IM Tournament

IM Firman Syah Farid of Indonesia won the Hanoi IM chess tournament held May 21 to 26, 2024 at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center in Hanoi, Vietnam with 6.5 points in the 9-round RR. Ivan Travis Cu of the Philippines finished runner-up with six points. In photo are, from left, Maung Maung Lwin, president of Myanmar Chess Federation, awarding medals to Firman Syah Farid, Ivan Travis Cu and third placer Duong Vu Anh of Vietnam.

The 15-year-old Cu, in photo receiving his silver medal from Chief Organizer Bui Vinh, is an incoming Grade 10 student of Xavier School San Juan. He gained 44.4 ELO points which will be added to his current rating of 2266 as of May 1. Thus, Cu broke the 2300 barrier to complete his requirement for the FIDE Master title.

Among those who are supporting his chess campaign here and abroad are Xavier School, its administrators and alumni, San Juan City LGU led by city leaders Mayor Francis Zamora, VM Angelo Agcaoili, Congresswoman Bel Zamora and Coun. Herbert Chua of Addition Hills, PAGCOR, Go For Gold PH, NCFP, under the leadership of Cong. Prospero Pichay and GM Jayson Gonzales and other sponsors.
Cu defeated FM Masruri Rahman of Indonesia, IM Angelo Abundo Young of the Philippines,  IM Dao Minh Nhat of Vietnam, IM Farid Firman Syah of Indonesia and CM Aashman Gupta of India.
He split the points with IM Ricardo De Guzman and FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of the Philippines.
He lost to ACM Duong Vu Anh of Vietnam and FM Vrashank Chouhan of India.
Cu is playing under the guidance of Xavier School San Juan coach International Arbiter Rolando “Rolly” Yutuc and International Master Jan Emmanuel “Jem” Garcia.

3,035 Players Compete in Vietnam Youth Chess Championship

The Vietnam Youth Chess Championship is being held May 24, 2024 to June 5, 2024 in Bac Giang including age groups 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20. The event has attracted 3,035 girls and boys for standard, rapid and blitz events. At stake is the Doppelherz Cup. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.

Manila Loadmanna Knights Top Professional Chess Association of the Philippines

Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Loadmanna Knights scored back-to-back wins against Toledo-Xignex Trojans in the two-game finals to claim their first title in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) – 1st Conference All Filipino Cup Season 4 Grand Finals held May 25, 2024 via chess.com platform.

The Load Manna Knights, led by their International Master (IM) Paulo Bersamina (photo above) were on pace after taking Set 1, 11-10.

Also stepping up their games were WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, IM Chito Garma, Alji Cantonjos, and a draw by FM David Elorta and FM Deniel Causo won 5-2 in the first blitz duel. Val Mendoza was their coach.

The Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Load Manna Knights were supported by Atty. Arnel Batungbakal backed while Atty. Jeah Gacang and John Signe backed Toledo-Xignex Trojans.
However, the Xignex Trojans dominated the rapid, 8-6, but not enough to power their team.
Set 2 saw Causo, WNM Arvie Lozano, Garma, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Bersamina winning their respective matches as Load Manna Knights won the second blitz duel, 5-2.
The Load Manna Knights beat Xignex Trojans, 9-5, in the second rapid game to win Set 2, 14-7.
The Load Manna Knights led by Elorta, Bersamina, Garma, Daryl Unix Samantilla and a draw by Ryan Dungca.
Other members of the victorious Manila Load Manna Knights are GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, CM Genghis Imperial, Jovert Valenzuela, Jhulo Guloran and John Ernie Polancos Maraan.

Before battling Xignex Trojans in the finals, Manila finished No. 3 in the Northern Conference with a 21-4 record behind the San Juan Predators (22-3) and the defending champion Pasig City King Pirates (21-4).
The Load Manna Knights went on to beat the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 15 -6, 16 -5,  in the quarterfinal round, Pasig , 13.5-7.5 , 14-7, in the semi-final round and San Juan, 15-6, 11-10, in the North finals.
Toledo, on the other hand, finished No. 2 in the Southern Conference with a 17-8 record behind the Camarines Soaring Eagles (20-5).
But after beating the Arriba Irigain the quarters, 21-0, 21-0, and Davao Chess Eagles, 14-5-6.5, 14.5-6.5, in the semis, Toledo pulled the rug from under Camarines, 10.5-10.5, 2-1, 13-8, 2-1, to rule the Southern Conference.
In the battle for third, Camarines defeated San Juan.
The tournament was organized by PCAP, headed by President/Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria , Chairman Michael Angelo Chua, PCAP treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and Technical Committee chairman Engr. Jojo Buenaventura and sanctioned by the Games and amusements Board (GAB), led by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.
It was also supported by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land Premier, Buenaviel, Nova Wellness, Starshots Coffee, Ortigas Malls, Estancia,  Seiko, Davies, Petrochem, Sudeco, CDCI, Chess.com and PC Worx.-Marlon Bernardino-

Toledo-Xignex Trojans beat Camarines Soaring Eagles in Professional Chess Association of the Philippines

The team of Toledo-Xignex Trojans beat Camarines Soaring Eagles to qualify into the grand finals of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) – 1st Conference All Filipino Cup Season 4. Toledo edged Camarines Soaring Eagles, 10.5-10.5, 2-1, 8-13, 2-1, in the Southern Division Finals being held through Chess.com Platform Wednesday night, May 22, 2024.

Photo shows Toledo-Xignex Trojans led by co-team owner Atty. Jeah Gacang (3rd from left) receiving the PCAP’s Community Service Special Award. Others in photo from left: L to R: are Team Capt. Bonn Rainauld Tibod, IM Rico Mascariñas, FA Felix Poloyapoy Jr., co-team owner John Signe and IM Kim Steven Yap.
In the 1st set, the Trojans had a hard time in the opening blitz, holding Camarines to a 3.5-all stand off. They also split the points, 7-all, in the rapid game to forge an Armageddon tie-break.
According to International Arbiter and National Master Lincoln “Linky” Yap, in chess, the Armageddon is a variation of the blitz event where a drawn game is counted as a win for the black pieces. By nature, an Armageddon game cannot end in a draw and black also starts with less time on the clock than white.

In the 1st Armageddon, International Master Kim Steven Yap defeated FIDE Master Giovanni Mejia while Chin Lim shocked Grandmaster Darwin Laylo to lead the Trojans of Atty. Jeah Gacang and John Signe to victory.
International Master Joel Pimentel, meanwhile, bowed to FIDE Master Ellan Asuela of Camarines.
In the 2nd set, Laylo whipped Pimentel, Asuela subdued Lim, Woman International Master Bernadette Galas crushed Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia, Coellier Graspela toppled Diego Abraham Capariño and a drawn by Virgen Gil Ruaya against National Master Merben Roque to lead the Soaring Eagles of Engr. Jojo Buenaventura to 9-5 victory in the rapid play to forge another Armageddon tie-break.
Camarines also bested Toledo, 4-3, in the blitz play.
In the 2nd Armageddon,  Kim beat Mejia while Lim upset Laylo. Asuela trounced Pimentel but not enough to power Camarines.
In the North, Manila Loadmanna Knights outplayed San Juan Predators, 15-6 and 11-10, to arrange a titular showdown with Toledo.
“It will be a very good match up given the similarities of our team composition and team structure. Without a doubt, Manila is fired up and determined to claim, as much as we do, the championship trophy. It will boil down to final preparation, board placement, sharpness of play during the match, internet connection, and some element of luck. Both teams being the most consistent grand final contenders from start to date, we can’t be more happy with our performance. All the same, may the best team wins,” said 8-time Illinois USA champion International Master Angelo Abundo Young, another kay player of Toledo that includes International Master Rico Mascarinas, National Master Edmundo Gatus, Allan Pason, among others.
“I couldn’t be prouder of you all for winning the Southern Division Finals and defending our title. Your hardwork and teamwork have been amazing! As we head to the Grand Finals, let’s remember that our unity got us here. Together, we can win it all. Let’s make it happen. ” said Toledo co-team owner Atty. Jeah Gacang.
PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by PCAP President Atty. Paul Elauria, chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua, PCAP treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and Technical Committee chairman Engr. Jojo Buenaventura and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land, Buenaviel, Nova Wellness and PC Worx and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.-Marlon Bernardino-

Join Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 12-21 July 2024 in Penang, Malaysia

The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and International Chess Federation (FIDE), is inviting all National Chess Federations in Eastern Asia to participate in the 8th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship. The championship will take place from 12th to 21st July 2024, at CitiTel Hotel, located on the island of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Your chance to earn Direct Titles of IM/WIM, FM/WFM and CM/WCM.

Download Eastern_Asia_Youth_Regulations_2024

Download Registration Form (EAYCC24) – Revised

 

Unleashing Excitement: The Asian Rapid Team Championship 2024 in Hong Kong

by K K Chan – 24/05/2024

The inaugural edition of Asian Rapid Team Chess Championship 2024 will take place in Hong Kong from 21st to 25th August. The tournament is open to any team comprising at least six players, maximum nine, including at least one female player and one who has never crossed 2000 FIDE rating in either Standard, Rapid or Blitz format. For more details, please check the tournament regulations. The top three prizes are HKD 100000 + cup, 60000 and 40000 along with a medal for each member of the team, provided they have played at least one game. Registration deadline is 1st June 12 p.m. Hong Kong time, 9:30 a.m. IST. Teams only need to register six players by that time. The remaining three players if needed can be added till 22nd August 10 a.m. Hong Kong time. Photo: Official site. Visit chess-results.com.

In a landmark announcement, the Asian Chess Federation has revealed plans for the highly anticipated Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship, set to captivate chess enthusiasts in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong this August. Building upon the resounding success of its predecessor, the inaugural World Rapid Chess Team Championship held in Germany, this event promises to elevate the sport to new heights on the Asian continent.
K K Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this prestigious event, stating, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship represents a thrilling opportunity to showcase the talent and passion for chess that thrives in our region. We are honoured to welcome players from across Asia to compete in our international city. Notably, this championship emphasizes inclusivity by welcoming recreational players, fostering harmony and unity within the chess community. K K Chan highlighted the significance of this approach, affirming, by embracing players of all backgrounds and abilities, we strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and enrich the chess experience for everyone involved.

Schedule

The tournament will take place from 22nd to 25th August, 21st is the arrival day. There are four rounds on 22nd and 23rd August. On 24th August, there will be three rounds. There is a Blitz tournament on 25th August from 10 a.m. onwards.

Complete schedule | Photo: Tournament Regulations

Remarkably, this event marks a historic milestone as the first time the Hong Kong government has provided financial support for a chess tournament held in the city. This endorsement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a valuable cultural and educational pursuit, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for intellectual engagement and sporting excellence. Moreover, the championship’s emergence symbolizes the burgeoning popularity of chess across the Asian region. With increasing participation and interest from diverse communities, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship serves as a testament to the game’s universal appeal and its ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Venue

Queen Elizabeth Stadium is the venue for the event | Photo: Official site

As chess continues to captivate minds and inspire strategic thinking throughout Asia, this championship stands as a beacon of the sport’s flourishing presence in the region. Teams interested in participating can register at the official website, with the deadline for registration set for July 31. As preparations for the championship gather pace, excitement is building within the global chess community. With over 500 participants expected to converge in Hong Kong, this event promises to be a spectacle of strategic brilliance and intense competition. From seasoned grandmasters to aspiring amateurs, players from across Asia will come together to showcase their skills and vie for the coveted title of champion team.

Accommodation

The Emperor Hotel located a minute away from the venue is the official hotel | Photo: Official site

Beyond the thrill of competition, the championship offers a unique opportunity for players to forge lasting friendships and exchange ideas with fellow enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Whether hailing from bustling metropolises or remote villages, participants share a common passion for the game, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of global solidarity. In the heart of Hong Kong, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, the spirit of chess will reign supreme. As the chess world converges on this vibrant international city, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship promises to be a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the enduring power of the game to unite and inspire players from all walks of life.

Prizes

The top three prizes are HKD 100000, 60000 and 40000 each. The winning team receives a cup. All members of the top three teams will receive a medal, provided the player has played at least one game. The prize money will be paid in cash by Hong Kong dollars.

Prize details

About the Author

K K Chan is an International Arbiter, Lecturer, FIDE Trainer, International Organizer and the President of Hong Kong Chess Federation. He is also a member of Global Strategy Commission. He has been a Chief or Deputy Chief Arbiter at many FIDE major events.