Commonwealth Chess Championship 2023/24 resumes in Melaka

The Commonwealth Chess Championship 2023/24, held at the Malacca International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, roared back to action today with round 7 after a well-deserved break on February 24.

Organized by the Malaysian Chess Federation and Persatuan Catur Melaka, the tournament kicked off on Tuesday, February 20, attracting a total of 107 players from around the Commonwealth. Among the participants, an impressive contingent of 85 players hails from India, accompanied by 58 from Sri Lanka, 21 from South Africa, and 11 from Maldives, all gathering to showcase their strategic prowess on the chessboard.

The championship received an auspicious start with its inauguration ceremony graced by YB Adam Adli Abd Halim, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, at the MITC Auditorium in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. A moment of lightheartedness ensued as the Deputy Minister engaged in a friendly game, exchanging moves with MCF President Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi, much to the delight of players and spectators from over 10 countries. The game concluded with a “diplomatic short draw,” evoking thunderous applause from the audience.

Notable figures grace the championship

Distinguished names dotting the tournament include Grandmaster (GM) Sethuraman S.P from India, FM Lim Zhuo Ren, the reigning 2023 Malaysian National Champion, and Tin Jingyao from Singapore, a six-time victor of the Singapore Chess Championship.

Reflecting on the event, Vicky Magu, Treasurer and Board Committee Member of the Commonwealth Chess Association, expressed excitement, stating, “I think it is a brilliant event. I think the Commonwealth is always exciting. We have a very diverse set of players here, representing 11 countries, and it is good to see old faces back again.”

In the intense competition of the Commonwealth Chess Championship Open 2023/2024, Indian players have showcased dominance, with the top 10 spots occupied by them after 6 rounds. Leading the pack is Grandmaster Lalith Babu, maintaining a narrow half-point lead with 5½ points out of a possible 6. Close behind are formidable contenders like GM Das Sayantan, GM Swapnil S. Dhopade, and GM Sethuraman S.P.

Commonwealth Blitz 2023/24

Anticipation mounts for the Closing and Prize Giving Ceremony slated for 7:30 pm on February 27th at the MITC Grand Ballroom, promising to honor the champions and their remarkable performances throughout the tournament.

Additionally, chess enthusiasts can gear up for the Commonwealth Blitz 2023/24 scheduled for February 27th, 2024, at MITC Ayer Keroh, Melaka. Open to players from Commonwealth countries, the blitz event offers an exhilarating opportunity to showcase rapid chess skills. With a prize fund of RM 10,000, including RM 2,000 for the Open Champion, participants can vie for victory across 11 rounds under a time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment.

All prize winners will be invited to attend the Closing Dinner commencing at 7:00 pm, graced by the esteemed presence of the Chief Minister of Melaka, adding prestige to the culmination of this esteemed championship. Registration for the Commonwealth Blitz closes at 11:59 pm on Monday, February 26th, 2024. Interested players can secure their participation by registering online.