KUCHING: The Seventh UNIMAS International Open Chess Championship 2025 (FIDE Rated Rapid) has once again showcased Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) strong commitment to promoting the game of chess as a competitive and inclusive sport.
The two-day tournament, organised by the UNIMAS Chess Club in collaboration with the Sarawak Chess Association, attracted 120 players from various backgrounds, including university and school students, government officers, veterans, and persons with disabilities, as well as international participants.
Representative of the UNIMAS Student Affairs and Alumni Office (PHEPA), Zambari Baijuri, said the annual championship has become an important platform to raise the profile of chess in Malaysia and provide valuable exposure for players at different levels.
“I am truly excited and proud of the organisation of this seventh international-level chess championship by the UNIMAS Chess Club.
“This tournament is one of the approaches to elevate the sport of chess in Malaysia and bring it to greater heights in the future,” he said at the closing of the championship held at The Spring Shopping Mall here today.
Zambari praised the organising committee for their dedication and teamwork, noting that the event not only fostered competition but also strengthened the chess community.
“Such tournaments are the best avenue to nurture a sporting culture among participants from all walks of life. They allow players to share tactics, learn new techniques, and gain valuable experience that enhances their understanding of the game,” he added.
He also expressed his support for continuing chess development efforts at UNIMAS and across Sarawak, describing the game as a rapidly growing sport globally.
“Chess is increasingly popular among Malaysians and millions of players worldwide. This culture of chess should be nurtured among our people.
“Continuous tournaments like this will help produce more competitive and skilled chess players, especially at UNIMAS and in Sarawak,” he said.
Malaysia’s Chan Kim Yew clinched first place in the championship, taking home a cash prize of RM3,000 and a certificate.
Second and third places were secured by Indonesian players, Arief Rahman and Muhammad Kamalsyah, who received RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively, along with certificates.
In the Under-18 category, Benedict Lim Kuan Xun claimed first place, followed by Daniel Chieng Kai Zhe in second, and Muhammad Adnin Nuaym Helmy in third.
For the Under-12 category, Jonas Lee Sze Hao won first place, while Anis Daniella Jupineh and Ethan Loo Yi Xian took second and third places respectively.
In the Higher Learning Institution (IPT) category, Azrul Aziman won first place, with Amir Muqqri Mohd Saprin and Brilliant Chiew Zhi Cheng finishing second and third.
Special awards were also presented to outstanding participants: Best Girl – Ainnur Asyikin Jupineh; Best Veteran – Mohd Saprin Sabri; Best OKU (Person with Disabilities) – Termizi Yusuf; Best UNIMAS Player – Zahirul Izzat Nafiz Zamrul Faizad; Best Unrated Player – Edwin Ricardo Vincent (Indonesia); and Best Persatuan Catur Negeri Sarawak (PCNS) Player – Nurazizul Hisham Nuzulfikar Razeef.
Players competed under the FIDE Rapid format and Swiss pairing system for a total prize pool of RM10,740.
