Yeoh Li Tian wins 1st Chess Hub - MCF GM IM Invitational 2025, creates history, Harshavardhan G B second
Shahid Ahmed·2 min read
IM Yeoh Li Tian (MAS) scored 7/9 to win 1st Chess Hub - MCF GM IM Invitational 2025. He not only won the tournament but also became the first Grandmaster of Malaysia by earning his final GM-norm. Former Asian Junior champion, IM Harshavardhan G B scored 6.5/9 to secure second place. His sole loss was against the eventual champion and GM Yeoh in the fifth round. GM Duc Hoa Nguyen (VIE) scored 6/9 to be placed third. The top three prizes were RM 10000 + trophy, 5000 and 3000 each.The seven-day nine round Rating Invitational tournament was organized by Malaysian Chess Federation and Chess Hub Sdn. Bhd. at Corus Hotel (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 28th July to 3rd August 2025. The tournament will forever be etched in the memory of Yeoh and all Malaysians as it witnessed history. Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
Champion - IM Yeoh Li Tian (MAS) 7/9 | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
The final moments when Malaysia got its first Grandmaster in the form of Yeoh Li Tian | Video: Malaysian Chess
Runner-up - IM Harshavardhan G B 6.5/9 | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
Second Runner-up - GM Duc Hoa Nguyen (VIE) 6/9 | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
CM Kavin Mohan won Best Malaysian prize and also scored an IM-norm | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
Malaysian Chess Federation President - Akhramsyah delivering his opening speech at the inauguration ceremony | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
Players in action | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
The venue and tournament hall - Corus Hotel (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
Chief Arbiter - IA Syawal Aqmar Shahrir Ariff (MAS) and Pairings Arbiter - FA Qi Hao Wong (MAS) | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
Deputy Chief Arbiter - IA Stefani Dian Cheri Tri Astuti (INA) and FA Qi Hao Wong (MAS) | Photo: Malaysian Chess Federation
A total of 26 players including 6 GMs, 8 IMs and 2 WIMs took part from seven countries across the world. The seven-day nine round Rating Invitational tournament was organized by Malaysian Chess Federation and Chess Hub Sdn. Bhd. at Corus Hotel (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 28th July to 3rd August 2025. The time control of the event was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
