After a three-year break, a consequence of the global COVID-19 pandemic in region that has reacted conservatively, the longstanding ASEAN Age Group Championships has now resumed. The 21st ASEAN+ Age-Group Championship is currently being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 17th-26th June 2023, and has attracted 328 players from 15 countries. As in the previous 20 editions, direct titles are awarded in standard chess, and is also played in rapid and blitz formats.The categories are from under 8 to under 20, both boys and girls, and also has a seniors event, and this year ASEAN chess is being showcased on 23rd June as an exhibition sport. Photo: Prin Laohawirapap
Thailand’s young national champion and No.1 ranked player leads representatives from all participating countries in the pledge for Fairplay | Photo: Prin Laohawirapap
New Zealand’s Bob Gibbons might be the most enthusiastic Anti-Cheating arbiter!
Officials and Guests at the Opening Ceremony are GM Artur Yusupov, IA Takis Nikolopoulos and wife, ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC) President Ignatius Leong and ACC Deputy Presidents Sahapol Nakvavich and Maung Maung Lwin who are also respectively Chief Organiser and Chief Arbiter while also Presidents of the Thailand Chess Association and Myanmar Chess Federation
Three rounds have so far been played, and as always, regional powerhouse Vietnam are the team with the players to beat.
In the current rankings, Vietnam has the top three players in Open U-8, Open U-10, Open U-16, and Open U-18. The top two players in Open U-12 (Singapore has third place), the second place in Open U-14 (Indonesia holds the first and third places), and the third place in Open U-20 (Philippines is in first place and Thailand second place).
Girls U-8 and U-10 combined has Philippines is first place with Vietnam in second and third, Girls U-12 and U-14 combined and Girls U-16 has Vietnam in first and third places with the Philippines in second place, and both Girls U-18 and Girls U-20 have Vietnam holding first, second, and third places.
Seniors 50 and 65 combined has the Philippines in first place, Myanmar in second place, and New Zealand in third place.
The Chief Arbiter is happy that play is underway
Full details on standings and pairings together with links to live games can be found here.
ASEAN Chess Confederation-European Chess Union Chess Symposium is being concurrently organised and started on 19th June 2023 with the Trainers Workshop conducted by GM Artur Yusupov.
Ignatius Leong introducing GM Artur Yusupov
GM Artur Yusupov leading the discussion on “Chess Talent”
About the Author
Peter Long is an FM, FIDE Trainer, International Organizer, International Arbiter and a man who has been powering chess in Malaysia and countries nearby with his efforts over the years. He has been part of the FIDE previously as the Secretary of Trainers' Commission.
