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Kavin Mohan clear first at 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2025

by Andrew Ooi – 06/10/2025

FM Kavin Mohan (MAS) scored an unbeaten 7/9 to win the 20th Dato Arthur Tan Open, part of the 20th Malaysian Chess Festival 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Seven players scored 6.5/9 each. Out of them, IM Chen Zou (CHN) and GM Van Huy Nguyen (VIE) secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes were – US$ 3000, $2000 and $1000. Andrew Ooi (Gila Chess), blogger who covered all 20 editions of this festival, writes about this event along with the photographs shot by him.  Photo: Andrew Ooi

Kavin Mohan creates history: Crowned Champion at the 20th Dato’ Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2025

Champion – FM Kavin Mohan (MAS) 7/9 | Photo: Andrew Ooi

The Malaysian Chess Festival has historically experienced variable success in attracting top-tier grandmasters across its different editions. Notably, the tournament has served as a platform for emerging talent, hosting several players who later achieved world-class status, including Wesley So, Gukesh D, Alireza Firouzja, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov during their formative competitive years. This year’s edition presents an opportunity for one local player who may be one of the hidden talents to succeed on the international stage.

Runner-up – IM Zou Chen (CHN) 6.5/9 | Photo: Andrew Ooi

14-year-old FM Kavin Mohan captured the crown at the 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open held at KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur, on September 21st, 2025. With an unbeaten score of 7/9 points, Kavin not only became the second Malaysian to win this prestigious event after Poh Yu Tian’s breakthrough in 2024 but also earned his second International Master norm in a meteoric rise as he just earned his first IM norm as well as his FIDE Master (FM) title last month.

Second Runner-up – GM Nguyen Van Huy (VIE) 6.5/9 | Photo: Andrew Ooi

The Malaysian Open, a marquee event within the Malaysian Chess Festival, attracted over 80 players from across Asia and beyond, featuring Grandmasters, International Masters, and rising stars from countries including China, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Australia, and Uzbekistan. The moderately strong field was headlined by top seeds such as GM Nguyen Van Huy (VIE), IM Zou Chen (CHN), and IM Kushagra Mohan.

5th IM Michael Concio Jr. (PHI) 6.5/9 | Photo: Andrew Ooi

Leading the pack into the final round, Kavin locked down a vital draw against the formidable GM Nguyen Van Huy, ensuring he maintained a half-point edge over his nearest challengers. His unbeaten run included five wins and four draws.

7th IM Nguyen Quoc Hy (VIE) 6.5/9 | Photo: Andrew Ooi

Among the key encounters was Kavin’s win against IM Kushagra Mohan from India, a crucial and unexpected victory. Additionally, strong showings against fellow Malaysian FMs such as Wong Yinn Long and Lye Lik Zang pushed him to the top of the standings.

From Kavin Mohan clear first at 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2025 – ChessBase India

Erbil Welcomes Asia’s Finest: The 2025 Senior Chess Championships Begin!

Erbil, Iraq – October 5, 2025: The Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025 have officially begun in the vibrant city of Erbil, bringing together some of the continent’s most distinguished senior players for a celebration of strategy, skill, and sportsmanship.

Hosted by the Iraqi Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and organized in coordination with the Kurdistan Foundation and the Khanzad Chess Club, this prestigious event runs from October 4th to 14th, 2025.

Download the Prospectus for the Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025.

A Grand Opening in Erbil

The championships were inaugurated in a ceremony of great splendor at the luxurious Erbil International Hotel (★★★★★), the official venue of the event.

The opening was attended by several notable dignitaries, including Mr. Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior; Mr. Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations; Mr. Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil; Mr. Zana Mala Khalid, Head of the 2nd Branch of the KDP; Mr. Sardar Ismail, Director General of Sports; and Dr. Jutyar Ali, Honorary President of the Khanzad Chess Club.

Their presence underscored the pride and prestige surrounding the championship — a moment that highlights Iraq’s growing role in hosting high-level international sporting events.

Tournament Overview

The Asian Senior Chess Championships bring together top senior players from across Asia, competing in two main categories — Over 50 and Over 65 — along with special awards for the best women players.

❖ Format: 9-round Swiss System (Standard Chess), alongside a Blitz Championship.

❖ Titles: Gold medalists in the open category will receive FIDE GM norms, while top finishers will earn IM and FM titles, in accordance with FIDE regulations.

❖ Awards: A total of $3,000 USD in prizes, as well as medals and certificates, will honor excellence across divisions.

Venue & Accommodation

The Erbil International Hotel, one of the city’s finest five-star landmarks, serves as both the venue and official accommodation partner of the championship.

Combining world-class facilities, refined comfort, and impeccable service, the hotel offers an ideal environment for players, officials, and guests alike.

From the spacious playing halls to elegant lounges and dining venues, every detail reflects the excellence expected of an event of this stature.

About Erbil

Erbil, known as Hawler in Kurdish, is one of the world’s most ancient continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back over 6,000 years. At its heart lies the magnificent Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has stood as a guardian of civilizations since antiquity.

As the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Erbil embodies a proud cultural heritage, blending Mesopotamian history with modern development. Its bustling bazaars, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality showcase the spirit of Iraq’s rich traditions. Visitors will discover museums, historic mosques, and vibrant markets, alongside contemporary cafes and thriving city life.

Surrounded by stunning landscapes — from fertile plains to the rugged Zagros Mountains — Erbil is not only a crossroads of history but also a welcoming home for cultural exchange. Hosting the Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025 is both an honor and a testament to Iraq’s commitment to the game of kings.

The Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025 embody the wisdom, perseverance, and passion that define chess across generations. As the tournament unfolds in Erbil, senior masters from across Asia will compete not only for titles but for the honor of representing their nations at the highest level. Stay tuned to the Asian Chess Federation’s official platforms for daily news, results, and photos from this prestigious event. Follow the games, celebrate the champions, and experience the unfolding story of chess in the heart of Erbil, Iraq.

Asian Seniors Chess Championship Starts in Erbil, Iraq

Hon. Rebar Ahmed Khalid (left), Minister of Interior of Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and WGM Strutinkaia, Galina of Russia (right), play a friendly game at the opening of the Asian Seniors Chess Championship.

The Asian Seniors Chess Championship opened today with 45 players from 12 countries participating, namely Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Russia, Syria, Yemen and host Iraq.

A technical meeting was conducted by Chief Arbiter IA Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh of Iran (sixth from right). In center is Dr. Dlzar Hama Sali Qader, head of the local Khanzad Chess Club.

Dignitaries at the opening of the Asian Seniors: from left, Sardar Ismaiel, Chairman of the Sport Organization of Kurdistan, Ahmed Rebar, Internal Minister of Kurdistan, Dr. Delzar, Manager of Khanzad Chess Club, Omid Khoshnav, Governor of Erbil and the Manager of Erbil International Hotel (see below).

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

Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Set 23-29 Dec 2025 in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation (HKCCF) is honoured to invite chess players from all member federations of Eastern Asia Zone 3.3 & Zone 3.5 to participate in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championship 2025 (with direct titles & norms) from the 22nd December 2025 (arrival) and departure on 30th December 2025. The event is for players born on or after 1st January 2005.

Download Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls 2025 – Regulations

Interested players who have been endorsed by their own federation can register online at http://EAjunior2025.hkchessevent.com and follow the instructions as stated. A confirmation email will be sent to those successful applicants.

Earn Direct titles and GM/WGM norm

The Gold medalist in Standard Chess event shall receive a Grandmaster (GM/WGM) norm. Equal first (best 3 after tie break) shall receive the title of International Master (IM/WIM), with silver and bronze medalists to receive IM/WIM norms and FM/WFM titles in accordance with FIDE title regulations.

 

 

Iniyan P wins Indian Chess Championship 2025

Panneerselvam Iniyan emerged as the winner of the 2025 Indian Chess Championship, edging out Goutham Krishna on tiebreak to claim his maiden national title.

The 62nd  National Chess Championship, an 11-round Swiss tournament with classical time control, took place at Vignan University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, from September 21 to October 1. Although the event did not attract all of India’s top players, it still boasted a massive field of 394 participants, including 14 GMs and 30 IMs.

Top seed Iniyan P entered the competition as one of the pre-tournament favorites, but his path to the title was far from straightforward. Trailing the leaders for most of the way, he faced sole leader Krishnan Sasikiran in the penultimate round. In a game of paramount importance to both players, Iniyan seized his opportunity when Sasikiran faltered in a drawn endgame, failing to find the only move that would have secured a half-point.

Heading into the final round half a point ahead of four rivals, Iniyan drew with Abhijeet Gupta and clinched the title with 9/11. Despite winning his last-round game and catching Iniyan, Goutham Krishna had to settle for silver due to an inferior Buchholz (the first tiebreak criterion).

With this victory, Iniyan now holds the Indian National Champion title in both Classical and Rapid chess, having previously won the rapid championship in March 2025.

As many as six players tied for third on 8½/11, with Sasikiran taking bronze on tiebreaks.

Final standings (chess-results)

Photos: Shahid Ahmed

Official website: apchess.org/

From Iniyan P wins Indian Chess Championship 2025 – International Chess Federation

Kazakhstan triumphs in World Cadets with overall team victory

From September 19 to 30, 2025, Almaty became the epicenter of world chess, hosting the World Cadet Chess Championship (U8–U12) at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. The event brought together 842 young players from 88 countries, including 229 representatives from all 20 regions of Kazakhstan. The competition was held over 11 rounds under the Swiss system with classical time control: 90 minutes per game plus a 30-second increment per move.

Kazakhstan’s young stars—8-year-olds Alisha Bisalieva (Girls U8) and Adinur Adilbek (Open U8), along with 12-year-old Danis Kuandykuly (Open U12)—claimed gold medals, while the national team topped the overall standings for the second year in a row. China and the USA shared second and third, each earning one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. China edged out the USA in total points scored by medalists—26½ to 25½.

The tournament became a true celebration of chess, with young players showcasing skill, character, and strategic talent. Kazakhstan not only hosted a world-class event but also proved the strength of its chess school.

“We managed to host one of the largest chess tournaments at the highest level, bringing together a record number of participants and giving Almaty the atmosphere of a true festival. It is especially symbolic that right here, on home soil, our young chess players achieved historic success. Alisha, Adinur, and Danis became world champions, and Kazakhstan showed the world that we have the strongest chess school and already a new generation of leaders who can become big stars tomorrow,” said Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the closing ceremony and took part in the prize-giving. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the participants, organizers, and supporters:

“Thank you to the players, media team, and organizers for everything you’ve done over these past days! Your professionalism, energy, emotions, and smiles made this event truly special. Thank you for your passion for the game, your determination to win, and your ability to enjoy the moment. I am confident that these days will remain a lifelong memory for all of us.

A special word of gratitude goes to the Government of Kazakhstan and the President of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, the Chess Federation of Kazakhstan and its President, Timur Turlov, Freedom Holding Corp., and to everyone whose support made this tournament possible—with a record number of participating countries.”

2025 World Cadet Chess Championship winners and top finishers:

Girls U8 (94 players)

  1. Alisha Bissaliyeva (1704, Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
  2. Zhu Jiahe (1630, China) – 9
  3. Bold-Erdene Tselmeg (1661, Mongolia) – 8½

Open U8 (150 players)

  1. Adinur Adilbek (1935, Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
  2. Fedor Sidelnikov (1720, FIDE) – 8½
  3. Wang Yuxuan (1728, China) – 8½

Girls U10 (115 players)

  1. WCM Sharvaanica, A S (1971, India) – 9 points
  2. WCM Chinzorig Nandinjiguur (1887, Mongolia) – 9
  3. Kiyanna Parihaar (1728, India) – 8½

Open U10 (185 players)

  1. Yuan Shunzhe (1805, China) – 9 points
  2. CM Le Phan Hoang Quan (2031, Vietnam) – 9
  3. AFM Mani Sarbartho (2072, India) – 8½

Girls U12 (123 players)

  1. Lacey Wang (1883, USA) – 8½ points
  2. WFM Laurie Qiu (1994, USA) – 8½
  3. Milana Sokolova (1870, FIDE) – 8½

Open U12 (175 players)

  1. CM Danis Kuandykuly (2211, Kazakhstan) – 9 points
  2. CM Ali Poyraz Ozdemir (2196, Turkey) – 9
  3. CM Ethan Guo (2330, USA) – 8½

Full standings (chess-results)

“Kazakhstan managed to take first place in the team standings at the World Cadet Championship for the second year in a row. Last year in Italy we won two golds. This year in Almaty, we won three out of six. One gold each went to the undisputed global leaders—China, India, and the United States. This success is especially pleasing because it happened at home, in front of a record number of countries, 88 in total. It is a tremendous achievement, and we are very proud of our talents,” said Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

Photos: KazChess

3rd Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities Slated December in Philippines

The City of Tagaytay, under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, is pleased to invite all National Federations in FIDE Zones 3.1 to 3.8 to participate in the 3rd Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities (Open/Women and Juniors/Girls) from 1st December (arrival) to 8th December 2025 (departure).

In photo are members of the Philippine Para Chess Association headed by IA James Infiesto (standing alone in rear holding flag).

Each Federation may register any number of participants for the tournament in the following categories:

  • 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).

Juniors and Girls shall not have reached the age of 20 before 1st January 2025 and come from a National Federation in Zones 3.1 to 3.8.

Championships shall be played in separate categories for Men, Women, Juniors and Girls. Where there are fewer than 10 players from at least 5 federations in a category, that category shall be merged with another.

Download Asian Chess Championship 2025 For Players With Disabilities Regs

Download Registration form 3rd Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities 2025

Winners crowned at FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championship 2025

For five days, Lima became the world’s chess capital. The Peruvian capital hosted the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, bringing together brightest young chess talents.

In an atmosphere of intensity and high expectations, the clock ticked as fast as the plays unfolded, demanding not only creativity from the players but also absolute composure under pressure. Many games were decided in mere minutes, offering spectators a mix of spectacle, drama, and brilliance.

The Peruvian audience responded with passion, filling the playing halls and proving that chess, in its most accelerated form, can be lived and celebrated with the energy of a true sporting event. Between draws, crushing victories, and heartbreaking defeats, Lima pulsed with the excitement of a discipline that allows no respite.

By the end of five intense days, it was clear that this World Championship not only crowned new champions but also established Peru as a prominent stage on the international chess calendar.

Below is the list of winners:

Girls – Rapid

  1. WGM Xeniya Balabayeva (KAZ) – 7
  2. WIM Afruza Khamdamova (UZB) – 6.5
  3. WFM Varvara Poliakova (FIDE) – 6.5

Final standings Girls – Rapid

Open – Rapid

  1. IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (UZB) – 7.5
  2. GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 7
  3. GM Denis Lazavik (FIDE) – 7

Final standings Open – Rapid

Girls – Blitz

  1. IM Eline Roebers (NED) – 12/13
  2. WIM Umida Omonova (UZB) – 9.5
  3. WFM Aliaksandra Tarasenka (FIDE) – 9

Eline Roebers delivered a commanding performance, clinching the title with a round to spare. The IM from the Netherlands scored an impressive 12/13, conceding just two draws.

Final standings Girls – Blitz

Open – Blitz

  1. GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 12/13
  2. GM Denis Lazavik (FIDE) – 11.5
  3. IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (UZB) –10

The competition turned in an exciting race of GMs Mukhiddin Madaminov and Denis Lazavik. The runner-up of the Open – Rapid, Mamadinov seized the lead in Round 9 and preserved it to the end, finishing a half-point ahead of Lazavik.

Final standings Open – Blitz

Text and photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar

Official website: fidewj2025.com/ 

From Winners crowned at FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championship 2025 – International Chess Federation

Wang Hao and Hou Yifan Triumph at 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China

Grandmasters Wang Hao and Hou Yifan emerged victorious in the Open and Women’s sections of the chess competition at the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China. The Jiangsu team won the team event, while Shandong and Hebei took silver and bronze, respectively.

The chess competition at the 15th National Games, the highest-level comprehensive multi-sport event in the country held every four years, took place in Shenzhen from September 23–28. It attracted the strongest local players, including former World Champions Ding Liren, Wei Yi, Yu Yangyi, Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, Hou Yifan, Lei Tingjie, and Zhu Jiner.

The event, played with a 25-minute plus 10-second increment time control, featured Open, Women’s, and Team sections and used a two-stage format: a round-robin preliminary stage followed by semifinals and finals contested by the top four players.

The preliminary stage of the Open section produced a minor sensation as seventh-seed Xu Yinglun qualified for the semifinals alongside Wang Hao, Ding Liren, and Xu Xiangyu, edging out higher-rated players Yu Yangyi and Lu Shanglei.

Both semifinals—Wang Hao vs. Xu Yinglun and Ding Liren vs. Xu Xiangyu—were tightly contested battles decided by tiebreaks. Wang Hao and Xu Xiangyu prevailed and advanced to the final. In the equally tense final, Wang Hao captured the title by winning the tiebreaker. Ding Liren defeated Xu Yinglun to claim the bronze medal.

In the Women’s event, the top-rated players—Hou Yifan, Zhu Jiner, Ju Wenjun, and Lei Tingjie—lived up to expectations and secured spots in the knockout stage. In the semifinals, Lei Tingjie defeated Ju Wenjun, while Hou Yifan prevailed over Zhu Jiner in a very close tiebreak.

Hou Yifan dominated the final, whitewashing Lei Tingjie 2-0 to claim the title. In the bronze medal match, Ju Wenjun beat Zhu Jiner in a tiebreak, completing the podium.

ACF and FIDE Ratify New Iraqi Chess Federation Statutes

The Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and International Chess Federation (FIDE) have ratified the new statutes of the Iraqi Chess Federation headed by President Dhafer, Abdul Ameer Madhloom.

In a letter dated 27 September 2025, Asian Chess Federation president Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan stated:

“Asian Chess Federation hereby ratifies the Statutes of Iraqi Chess Federation approved by the Iraqi Chess Federation General Assembly in a meeting held in Baghdad on 7 August 2025.”

The Statutes were approved by the Iraqi Chess Federation General Assembly in a meeting held in Baghdad on 7 August 2025. The meeting was honored by the online participation of Mr. Hisham Al Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation, who addressed the Assembly and expressed his support for the activities of the Iraqi Chess Federation.

In a letter dated 29 September 2025 from FIDE Legal Director Aleksandr Martynov, FIDE stated:

“In my capacity as the FIDE Legal Director, hereby gladly announce to you on behalf of FIDE, that the Internal Regulations of the Iraqi Chess Federation have been examined and as of the moment, FIDE sees no objections for its approval in Iraq and therefore, the regulations can be considered as ratified by FIDE.”