Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher (left) and Hong Kong Chess Federation president K.K. Chan (second from right) with gold medalists of each category, from left: W2000 Enkhsaikhan Odmaa (MGL), U2000 Jan Cliffor Labog (PHI), U2300 Khishighat Ulziikhishig (MGL), U1700 Paul Christian Barroga (PHI), W1700 Yana Emilou De Vera (PHI) and W2300 Kristina Kim (KAZ) and Chief Arbiter Khusan Turdialiev of Uzbekistan.
Philippines topped the overall medal tally with four gold medals followed by Mongolia with three golds and Kazakhstan with one gold and two silver medals in the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong.
The tournament was organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation. Over a thousand players from 26 countries competed in the tournament held 1st-9th August.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Yana Emilou De Vera of the Philippines drew with compatriot Lila Alyssa Serina to finish alone in first with 7.5 points out of 9 rounds in the Women’s Under 1700. Adina Baideldinova of Kazakhstan beat UA Disha of India to place second with 7 points. Serina placed third with 6.5 points and higher tie break.
In the Women’s Under 2000, Enkhsaikhan Odmaa of Mongolia beat Chen Yunqi of China while WFM Allanney Jia Doroy of the Philippines beat WCM Angel Ruth Nugroho of Indonesia to tie at 7 points each. Odmaa won gold by tie break over Doroy who got silver. Chowdhury Diya of India beat Jiran Floravie Cutiyog of the Philippines to finished third with 6 points.
WCM Kritina Kim of Kazakhstan drew with Giecel Pacubat of the Philippines to finish alone in first with 6.5 points in the Women’s Under 2300. Li Xinyu of China beat Xia Xuejing of Hong Kong to place second with 6 points while WFM Mukherjee Bristy of India beat WFM Park Sunwoo of Korea to place third with 5.5 points and the better tie break.
Paul Christia Barroga of the Philippines drew with compatriot Mark Vincent Nuella in the 9th round to top with the Under-1700 category with an impressive 8 points. Filipino Emir Gamis drew with Bonuonuo Gong of China to place second with 7.5 points. Dion Carlos Francis Cortes, also of the Philippines, beat compatriot Jireh Dan Jaimie Cutiyog to place third with 7 points and the highest tie break.
Jan Clifford Labog of the Philippines beat Egor Vlad Lovakov of Russia in the 9th round to finish alone in first with a commanding 8 points in the Under 2000 division. Xu Wei of China beat Jhulo Goloran of the Philippines to place second with 7.5 points. FM Nurasyi Zhumabek of Kazakhstan placed third with 7 points.
FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia drew with China’s Wei Yuyang in the 9th round of the Under-2300 division to finish in first alone with 7.5 points. Filipino FM Roel Abelgas beat compatriot FM Christian Mark Daluz to place second with 7 points. FM Alekhine Nouri of the Philippines drew with FM Ganbat Tenguundalai of Mongolia to place third with 6.5 points and the better tie break.
It’s a tight race for the crown after the penultimate round of the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong. The tournament is organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation. Over a thousand players from 26 countries are competing in the tournament until 9th August.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Yana Emilou De Vera of the Philippines beat Wu Yuetong in the 8th round to lead the Women’s U1700 alone with 7 points with four players following at 6 points each. Yana faces compatriot Lila Alyssa Serina who is also aiming for a medal finish.
Odmaa Enkhsaikhan of Mongolia beat Chowdhury Diya of India in the 8th round while Allaney Jia Doroy of the Philippines beat Jiang Xintian of China to tie for the Women’s U-2000 lead at 6 points each. Enkhsaikhan faces Chen Yungi of China while Doroy matches with Angel Ruth Nugroho of Indonesia in the crucial final round.
Kazakh Kristina Kim drew with Xia Xuejing of China in the 8th round to maintain solo lead with 6 points in the Women’s Under-2300. Kim faces potential spoiler Giecel Pacubat in the final 9th round. WFM Li Xinyu of China is in second slot with 5 points.
In the men’s division, Paul Christian Barroga of the Philippines beat compatriot Djon Cortes to maintain solo lead with 7.5 points in the U-1700 category. He faces third running Filipino Mark Nuella in the 9th round.
Filipino Jan Clifford Labog beat compatriot Irwin Aton in the 8th round to maintain solo lead with 7 points in the Under-2000 division. He faces strong challenge from Russian Egor Vlad Lovakov in the final round.
Mongolian Khishigbat Ulziikhishig beat Russian Ekaterina Borisova in the 8th round to hold on to solo lead with 7 points. He faces Wei Yuyan of China in the 9th round.
After eight exciting rounds, the 2025 World Schools Team Championship wrapped up today in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. Set on the beautiful campus of Episcopal High School, the event brought together some of the most talented young chess players from around the world. Rising above the rest with a perfect score, Velammal MHS School from India claimed the gold medal, winning all eight of their matches.
With India continuing to make waves across all levels and formats of chess, this victory adds yet another title to the country’s growing collection. Velammal MHS is no stranger to success—former students include Grandmasters R. Praggnanandhaa and Leon Mendonca. So it came as little surprise when the team entered the final round with the top spot already secured.
The race for second place was much closer, with seven teams still in contention heading into the final round. Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics ultimately clinched the silver medal, finishing with the same number of match points as The Harker School (USA) but edging them out on tiebreaks. The Harker School earned a well-deserved third place, just ahead of Astana 2 RSPM, who narrowly missed the podium.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Top 10 Final Standings:
In addition to team honors, board medals were awarded to players who delivered outstanding individual performances. Three participants finished with perfect scores (8 out of 8)—a remarkable achievement: Imangali Akhilbay (KAZ – National School of Physics and Mathematics) on board two (pictured below, left), Edisa Berdibaeva (KGZ – School-Gymnasium No. 11, Karakol) on board three, and Pranav K. P. (IND – Velammal MHS School), who played reserve on board five.
After the final moves were played, players were treated to fun and educational excursions in Washington, D.C. They visited the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum —two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. With most teams heading home the next day, these outings were the perfect way to cap off their time in the U.S.
The week came to a close with a vibrant closing ceremony in the auditorium. The evening kicked off with music, audience engagement, and a warm welcome from the host, followed by the U.S. national anthem. David Hater, FIDE delegate and Executive Board Member of the U.S. Chess Federation, gave opening remarks before the FIDE anthem played.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich then took the stage to address the audience, extending his congratulations to the champions and gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success: “I want to start by congratulating the winners on their great result! Your success is well-deserved, and I hope you leave here with not only medals but also with experiences that will encourage you to achieve more in life. And to all the other teams and their coaches, thank you for the passion and sportsmanship you showed. You have all made this event into a true example of what chess is all about; sportsmanship, friendship, creativity and progress.”
A highlight reel followed, showing memorable moments from the week and drawing cheers as players spotted themselves and their teams on screen. Chief Arbiter Alex McFarlane then addressed the crowd, thanked the officials and arbiters, and confirmed everything was in order to begin the awards.
Board medals were handed out one by one, with FIDE Vice Presidents and officials joining the Chief Arbiter to present the honours. Tournament Director Nadzeya Krauchuk took the stage next and introduced a second video, this one capturing the off-the-board moments that defined the spirit of the event. (All videos and content can be found on the official FIDE YouTube channel).
Then came the big moment: the team awards. The top three schools were announced, with Velammal MHS School stepping onto the top of the podium as confetti filled the air and the Indian national anthem played. It was a joyful celebration of a week of dedication and hard work. Flags were raised, as FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich returned to the stage to officially declare the 2025 World Schools Team Championship closed.
As the curtain closes on this remarkable event, what remains are the connections, memories, and achievements shared by students from across the globe. The 2025 World Schools Team Championship will be remembered not only for its competitive excellence, but also for its message of unity, friendship, and the future of chess.
Written by Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Michal Walusza
Official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/
IM Kojima Shinya (in foreground) won the Japan Chess Classic 2025 held from July 18 to 21 in Sapporo, Japan.
This FIDE-rated Swiss tournament attracted 111 participants from 12 federations.
The tournament was jointly organized by the Japan Chess Federation and the Sapporo Chess Club, and took place at Kaderu 2.7, a convention center in central Sapporo.
One special highlight was the participation of a youth chess team from China, which brought great energy and joy to the event.
A particularly memorable moment came during the opening ceremony.
GM Anish Giri, who spent part of his childhood in Sapporo and once played at Kaderu 2.7 as a member of the Sapporo Chess Club, kindly sent a video message to congratulate the organizers on hosting the city’s first-ever FIDE-rated tournament.
The message was warmly received and greeted with loud applause from the participants.
IM Kojima Shinya delivered an impressive performance, scoring 6.5 out of 7 points.
Young talents also made a strong impression throughout the event.
Notable performances included Moritani Sho, who finished 4th with 5.5/7 points, and Matsunaga Toma, who secured 10th place with 5/7 points.
Their results highlighted the promising future of Japan’s emerging generation of chess players.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Japan Chess Federation
National Arbiter
Hiratsuka Yoshihiro (7006675)
Philippine players together with Kazakhstan and Mongolian players barged into the lead in the homestretch of the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong.
Yana Emilou De Vera of the Philippines leads alone with 6 points in the women’s Under-1700 division.
Filipina Allanney Jia Doroy is joined by Chowdhury Diya of India, Enkhsaikhan Odmaa of Mongolia and Chen Yunqi of China at 5 points apiece in the Women’s Under 2000.
Kazak Kristina Kim leads alone in the Women’s Under-2300 division with 5.5 points.
In the men’s division, Paul Christian Barroga of the Philippines is alone in the lead with 6.5 points in the Under-1700.
Filipino Jan Clifford Labog and Kazakh Nurasyi Zhumabek are tied for the lead at 6 points each in theUnder-2000.
Mongolian Khishigbat Ulziikhishig leads alone with 6 points in the Under-2300 division.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
The tournament is organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation. Over a thousand players from 26 countries are competing in the tournament until 9th August.
Solo leaders have emerged in most categories after six rounds of the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong. Paul Christian Bbarroga of the Phlippines leads alone with perfect six points in the Under 1700 category. FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia leads with 5.5 points in the U2300 category. Labog, Jan Clifford Labog of the Philippines leads the U2000 with 5.5 points.
In the women’s divisions, WFM Allanney Jia Doroy of the Philippines is in solo lead with 5 points in the Women;s U2000. WCM Kim Kristina of Kazakhstan leads the U2300 with 4.5 points.
The tournament is organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation. Over a thousand players from 26 countries are competing in the tournament until 9th August.
Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
In photo Champion FM Subrota Biswas receives his prize.| Photo: Bangladesh Chess Federation
FM Subrota Biswas scored 8/9 to win the GM Zia Memorial Rating 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Late GM Ziaur Rahman’s son – FM Zia Tahsin Tajwar (BAN) and IM Kushagra Mohan scored 7.5/9 each. They secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the tournament was Tk 500000. The top three prizes were Tk 150000, 100000 and 75000 each respectively. The seven-day nine round Rating Open tournament was organized by Tasmin Sultana and Bangladesh Chess Federation at Bangladesh Chess Federation in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 5th to 11th July 2025. Subrota faced all four IMs who took part in this event. He managed to beat three out of them and suffered only one loss. Photo: Bangladesh Chess Federation
A total of 66 players including four IMs and a WIM took part from various places all over Bangladesh, three from India and Nepal each. The seven-day nine round Rating Open tournament was organized by Tasmin Sultana and Bangladesh Chess Federation at Bangladesh Chess Federation in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 5th to 11th July 2025. The time control of the event was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
Visit chess-results.com
From Subrota Biswas clear first at GM Zia Memorial 2025, Kushagra Mohan third – ChessBase India
Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher (seated fourth from left), Hong Kong Chess Federation President K.K. Chan (center) and FIDE Treasurer Zhu Chen (fourth from right) with officials of the Asian Amateur Chess Championship. Chief Arbiter Khusan Turdialiev of Uzbekistan is seated second from left.
After four rounds, mostly Chinese, Kazakhs, Filipinos, an Indian, a Mongolian and from host Hong Kong lead their respective groups. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Asian Amateur Under 2000
Leaders have been trimmed down after three rounds of the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong. The tournament is being held in six groups for U1700, U2000 and U2300 for men and women. the tournament is organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation. Over a thousand players from 26 countries are competing in the tournament until 9th August.
