KUCHING: Over 120 players and around 150 spectators from across Malaysia are set to take part in the first-ever rapid chess tournament, the Kuching Chess Rapid Open 2025.
The event, organised by the newly established Persatuan Catur Bahagian Kuching (PCBK) in conjunction with the WAK Festival, will take place at AEON Mall Kuching on October 19, offering a full day of competitive play, prizes and community engagement.
The tournament has already drawn participants from Sarawak, Penang, Johor, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
The tournament features eight categories, namely Open, Under-18, Under-12, Women, Veteran, Persons with Disabilities (OKU), Government Servants and Youngest Rising Stars, with players competing for over RM4,000 in cash prizes as well as trophies and certificates.
Kota Sentosa Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin, will officiate the opening ceremony as Guest of Honour, while the closing and prize presentation will be led by Yusuf Abdul Wahab, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Manis and Patron of PCBK.
“Through this tournament, we aim not only to promote chess as a competitive sport but also to nurture strategic thinking, discipline, and community spirit.
“The strong response from players across Malaysia shows that Kuching has great potential to become a hub for chess development,” said Chuang Kuang Hong, the president of PCBK.
Registration is still open at a nominal fee of RM20, and interested players can register by scanning the QR code on the event poster or directly contacting the organisers, Jim Lasang at 011-2668 2604, or Yip Chin Chin at 012-408 6026.
