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Robert Mania (third from left) receives his champion’s trophy in the 10th edition of Kamatyas FIDE rated invitational rapid chess tournament last September 23 and 24, 2023. From left are IM Roderick Nava (Co-Founder, Kamatyas Chess Club), Engr. Deo Vehemente, Robert Mania (Champion), Mc Dominique Lagula (2nd), IM Joel Banawa (3rd), NM David Almirol (Co-Founder, Kamatyas Chess Club)

CAUAYAN CITY—San Pablo, Isabela’s newest chess sensation Robert Mania scored a crucial win over Santa Maria, Bulacan ace Ricky Echala in the ninth and final round to claim the championship of the 10th edition of Kamatyas FIDE rated invitational rapid chess tournament dubbed as “David’s Gambit” held at the FLDY Coliseum, Rizal Avenue in Cauayan City, Isabela last September 23 and 24, 2023.

After losing to International Master Joel Banawa of Alicia, Isabela in the eighth round, Mania bounced back with aplomb to down Echala in his last assignment.

That was all Mania needed to nail the title with the highest output of 8.0 points. He pocketed P30,000 for his efforts courtesy of International Master Roderick Nava and National Master David Almirol, both co-founders of the organizing Kamatyas Chess Club.
Mania, one of the top players of PCAP’s Cagayan Kings also won his match against Aian Ganpher Esquivel, Rye Symon Canlas, Arnel Manguira, AFM Yosef Immanuel Morada, IM Daniel Quizon, FM Mark Jay Bacojo and Lordwin Espiritu.

Mc Dominique Lagula of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya finished in second place with the same 8.0 points.
Lagula settled for the second place honors by virtue of a lower tie-breaker against eventual winner Mania.
Lagula received P10,000 for his efforts.
He beat former solo leader IM Banawa in the last round.
IM Banawa, on the other hand, finished with 7.5 points, the same score of FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo of Dasmariñas City, Cavite, who brought down Jan Clifford Labog of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.
IM Banawa and FM Bacojo got P7,000 and P5,000 for winding up third and fourth, respectively.
Rounding up the top ten who received P2,000 each were Espiritu (5th), Anwar Cabugatan (6th), Lionel Cerezo (7th), Sheralvin Garcia (8th), Romark Ramones (9th) and Labog (10th).

Isabela United Chess Association President Cyrus Galanza was named top Cauayan chess player while Sheralvin Garcia got the top lady award.
“The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,” said International Master Roderick Nava, co-founder of the organizing Kamatyas Chess Club. – Marlon Bernardino-

Final Standings: (Nine Rounds Swiss System)
8.0 points—Robert Mania, Mc Dominique Lagula
7.5 points—IM Joel Banawa, FM Mark Jay Bacojo
7.0 points—Lordwin Espiritu, Anwar Cabugatan, Lionel Cerezo, Sheralvin Garcia, Romark Ramones, Jan Clifford Labog, Ricky Echala, Daniel Tagufa
6.5 points— AGM Marfed Sanchez, Jake Tumaliuan, IM Daniel Quizon, Kid Chester Asuncion

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher (center) opening the Asian Games individual chess championship on top board between GM Hou Yifan of China (right) and WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego of the Philippines (left) assisted by Technical Delegate Bharat Singh of India (second from right) and other officials.

GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan and Wei Yi of China share the lead with 3.5 points after 4 rounds of the men’s Asian Games individual chess championship in Hangzhou, China. GM Hou Yifan grabbed solo lead in the women’s division with a perfect score of 4 points in as many rounds.

Visit http://hagoc.asianchess.com/ for links to live games and photo gallery.

Asian Chess Federation Events Director IA Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh (in suit) supervising the Men’s playing hall.

GM Abdusattorov beat GM Amin Tabatabei of Iran in round 3 and drew with compatriot GM Javokhir Sindarov in round 4 to share the lead with Wei Yi of China. The Chinese GM came from behind to tie for the lead after beating IM Susal Da Silva of Sri Lanka in round 3 and IM Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan in round 4. Five players follow close behind with 3 points each.

Former women’s world champion Hou Yifan of China (right) vs GM Koneru Humpy of India in round 4.

GM Hou Yifan of China beat Indian GMs Harika Dronavalli and Koneru Humpy in rounds 3 and 4, respectively, to grab solo lead with a perfect score of 4 points in as many rounds. GM Zhu Jiner of China and IM Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan follow in second slot with 3.5 points each followed by GM Zhansaya Abdumalik of Kazakhstan and WIM Umida Omonova of Uzbekistan with 3 points apiece.

The Asian Chess Federation held an online FIDE International Organizers Seminar under the auspices of FIDE and the Events Commission 7 to 10 October 2023. The event was supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.

Nineteen (19) persons participated from seventeen (17) countries: Bhutan,
Brunei Darussalam, India, Iran, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Tajikistan, United Arab
Emirates and United States of America.

Renowned speakers were Events Commission Honorary Chairman Ozgur Solakoglu of Turkey, FIDE Arbiters Commission Counsellor Abdulrahim Mahd of the United Arab Emirates, Asian Chess Federation, Asian Chess Federation Events Director Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh of Iran and Asian Chess Federation Executive Director Casto Abundo of the Philippines.

The session was attended by Yana Sidorchuk, Secretary of the FIDE Events
Commission who spoke at the opening about educating more organizers and
thanked participants for their interest.

See report IO-Seminar-Zoom_ACF_report.pdf (fide.com)

Three men share the lead with perfect scores while five women tie for the lead in the women’s division of the 19th Asian Games Chess Championship in Hangzhou, China. The Asian Games individual chess championship is a 9-round Swiss System tournament. Time control is Rapid chess: 25 Minutes + 10 Second increment from Move 1.

Thirty four men from 19 countries are competing in the men’s division, namely Bangladesh, China, Hong kong, Indonesia, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Mongolia, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kuwait, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka.

GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan (above left) and Amin Tabatabaei of Iran (above center), and IM Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan (above right) are tied with 2 points after two rounds. Ten players trail with 1.5 points each.

Visit Asian Games official site. Watch live games of Women

https://view.livechesscloud.com#a6e77449-5633-4639-835d-2550695b9551

and Men

https://view.livechesscloud.com/#7119b4e7-1990-41fd-8c91-9a5632502186

In the women’s division, five players share the lead with 2 points after as many rounds followed by five players with 1.5 points each, GMs Hou Yifan and Zhu Jiner of China, Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli of India, and WINM Umida Omonova of Uzbekistan.

Thirty women from 17 countries are competing in the women’s division, namely China, Hongkong, Indonesia, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Philipines, Qatar, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Iran Kuwait and Singapore.

 

At the #19thAsianGames Opening Ceremony, we were honoured by addresses from Mr. Raja Randhir Singh, Acting President of the Olympic Council of Asia; Mr. Gao Zhidan, President of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou Organising Committee & Chinese Olympic Committee; and Mr. Wang Hao, President of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou Organising Committee & Governor of Zhejiang Province.

Arbiters and Officials, from left, Anantharanm (IND), Khatere Azizi (IRI), Gopakumar (IND), Kaussar Bauyrzhan (KAZ), Nguyen Anh Thu (VIE), Hamid Majid (MAS), Vasanth (IND), Chinese Asst., Dang Tat Thang (VIE) and Dina Chen (TPE). A number of Arbiters are not in photo.

The Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championships were held 7-16 September 2023 in Jamshedpur, India.The event was supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.

The culmination of the Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023 unfolded with an air of anticipation, as Manish Kumar, Secretary of All Jharkhand Chess Association, made the ceremonial first move to kickstart the final round.

The matches of the coveted championship took place between September 8 to 15 at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, India. A total of 121 players from seven countries will participate, which includes 58 girls and 63 boys. The countries include Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Russia, Indonesia, Nepal and India. In photo above are all medalists with dignitaries. See opening coverage.

The event was organized by the All India Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and to download games. This tournament was held under the expert supervision of Dharmendra Kumar serving as the Chief Arbiter. Assisting him were Deepak Kumar and Aprajita Gochhikar, entrusted with the roles of Deputy Chief Arbiters, along with IA Jayant Kumar Bhuyan, IA Vishal Kumar Minz, and FA Chandan Kumar Prasad as match arbiters.

In the Girls Category, Board 1 witnessed a gripping clash between Bommini Mounika Akshaya and Tejaswini G. Tejaswini opted for the King’s Indian defence with the black pieces against Bommini’s Queen’s Pawn opening. After an intense battle, Tejaswini managed to secure a comfortable draw, thus clinching the title of Tata Steel Asian Junior Girls Champion with an outstanding score of 7.5 out of 9. This victory not only earned her the championship title but also catapulted her to the prestigious title of Woman International Master (WIM), achieving the required 2000-ranking benchmark.

Asian Girl’s Champion Tejaswini G receiving prizes from Mr. Avneesh Guota , VP , TQM, Tata Steel.

Board 2 in the Girls Category featured an impressive performance by Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Bristy Mukherjee, who faced the tournament’s top seed, Woman International Master (WIM) Nurgali Nazerke. Bristy employed the London System and secured a brilliant victory with the white pieces. This win propelled Bristy to an overall score of 7 out of 9, earning her the silver medal for India.

On Board 3 in the Girls Category, Mrudul Dehankar engaged in a complex battle against Salonika Saina in the Sicilian Najdorf. Despite Mrudul’s persistent efforts to secure a win, the game eventually ended in a draw.

Board 4 in the Girls Category saw India’s promising talent, Mrittika Mallick, securing a convincing win against her opponent from Kazakhstan.

In the Open Category, the top board featured a dynamic draw between FIDE Master Ayush Sharma and International Master Rohith Krishna S, with white pieces. This game, played in the Sicilian Four Knights, was highly intricate, with both sides having the upper hand at various points during the match.

Asian Junior Champion IM Grebnev Aleksey receiving prizes from Mr. Avneesh Guota , VP , TQM, Tata Steel.

On Board 2 of the Open section, Grebnev Aleksey delivered a dominating performance, securing a decisive win over Alekhya Mukhopadhyay with the white pieces. Aleksey’s strong performance against the King’s Indian defence propelled him to the top position with 7 out of 9 points, earning him the championship’s gold medal.

Board 3 in the open section witnessed FIDE Master Aswath S achieving a sensational victory over International Master Sambit Panda. Aswath’s remarkable performance secured a silver medal for India, with a score of 7 out of 9. Additionally, this victory marked Aswath’s elevation to the title of International Master, securing the final IM Norm.

On Board 4 in the open section, Ajay Santhosh Reddy held his ground against his higher-rated opponent, Manish Anto Cristiano, resulting in a balanced draw. After the culmination of 9 intense rounds:

In the Open Category of standard chess format:

1. IM Grebnev Aleksey (Gold)
2. FM Aswath S (Silver)
3. IM Rohith Krishna S (Bronze)

In the Girls Category of standard chess format:

1. Tejaswini G (Gold)
2. WCM Bristy Mukherjee (Silver)
3. WIM Bommini Mounika Akshaya (Bronze)

Gold medalists with their trophies and medals in Standard chess, Rapid and Blitz. 

Chess individual and team championships are official events in the 19th Asian Games 2022 (postponed from last year) from 20th September to 8th October 2023 (departure) in Hangzhou, Chess is a medal sport among 61 disciplines of 40 sports in 54 competition venues.

The tournaments will be played as 9-round Swiss System. Time control is Rapid chess (25 minutes + 10 second increments) for the individual event and Standard format (90 minutes + 30 second increments) for the team event.

The Sabah Chess Association (SCA) and the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and FIDE, invites National Chess Federations in the region to participate in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships 2023 scheduled from the 1^st of December to the 9^th of December 2023 at the Sabah Oriental Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Download Regulations – Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championship 2023 – FINAL (SOH)

Download Registration Form (Eastern Asian Juniors 2023)

The Hong Kong Chess Federation Limited (HKCFL) is honoured to invite chess players from all member federations of FIDE to participate in the Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship 2023 (FIDE rated with possible title norms) from the 23rd December 2023 (arrival) to the 29th December 2023 (departure).This event is organised by the Hong Kong Chess Federation Limited and the organising committee shall be its Board of Directors. The playing venue shall be at the Saint Benedict’s School in Choi Hung, Kowloon.

Download HK International Open 2023

Participants are advised to book early to avoid high walk-in prices prevalent in Hong Kong. Special rates are possible if booked well in advance. HOTEL ARRANGEMENT: Federation can offer special flat rates for the first 30 rooms booked at the Regal Oriental Hotel at HKD1,000 per night for 2 persons with breakfast. This offer expires 1st Dec 2023.

The Al Ain Chess Club on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), FIDE and UAE Chess Federation has the honor to invite all Asian National Chess Federations to participate in the 2023 Asian Youth Chess Championships and Asian Youth Rapid and Blitz Championships, which will be held from 12th (arrival) to 22nd (departure) December 2023 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Above and below are photos of the UAE University in Al Ain which hosted the World Youth Chess Championship. Team and individual trophies and medals for winners and e-Certificates for all participants shall be awarded at the 25th Asian Youth Chess Championship in Al Ain, UAE.

Direct Titles are at stake in each of the above age groups.

Download Regulations AYCC 2023. Registration portal will be announced soon.

Download General Information and Tour Info. Below are photos of the official hotel, the 5-star Danat Al Ain Resort.