Event 6: Daniel Yong Chen-I Memorial Malaysia Chess Challenge
Event Details
Event Name: Daniel Yong Chen-I Memorial Malaysia Chess Challenge
Dates: This event will take place from September 15th to 21st, 2025
Venue: All events of the 20th Malaysian Chess Festival, including this challenge, will be held at the KL Gateway Mall, Lot L3.01 & 02, 2, Jalan Kerinchi, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. It is easily accessible via the LRT Kelana Jaya Line (KJ19) at KL Gateway-Universiti station
Organizer: The event is organized by the DAT Chess Centre (DATCC)
Target Audience & Eligibility: This is a 9-round individual tournament specifically designed for players rated below FIDE Rtg 2000 as per the September 2025 rating list. Players who have crossed the 2000 Rating Barrier at any time after 2024 are strictly not allowed to participate in this section.
Tournament Format
Rounds: 9 rounds individual tournament
Time Control: 90 minutes per game + 30 seconds increment from move 1
Pairing System: The Swiss Manager Program will be utilized for pairings
FIDE Rated: Yes - The tournament will adhere to FIDE rules and regulations
Schedule
September 15th (Monday): Arrival, Players Meeting (13:00), Round 1 (15:00)
September 16th (Tuesday): Malaysia Day!! Free Day!! (The DTCN Malaysia Day Age Group event also runs from 12:00-18:00 on this day)
September 17th (Wednesday): Round 2 (09:00), Round 3 (15:00)
September 18th (Thursday): Round 4 (09:00), Round 5 (15:00)
September 19th (Friday): Round 6 (15:00)
September 20th (Saturday): Round 7 (09:00), Round 8 (15:00)
September 21st (Sunday): Round 9 (09:00), Festival Blitz (14:00), Prize Giving (17:00)
September 22nd (Monday): Departure
Entry Fees & Registration
FIDE Rated Below 2000: RM 250
FIDE Unrated: RM 300
Early Bird Discount: A 10% discount applies if entry fees are paid on or before August 1st, 2025
Closing Date: Tournament entry fees must be paid before the closing date on September 1st, 2025
Late Registration: Entries submitted after the closing date will be charged double the fee
No Refunds: Once paid, no refunds will be issued
General Rules & Conditions
All mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly banned from the tournament hall
Players without a FIDE ID will not be accepted
All officials and players are expected to be smartly attired in the playing hall
The Organizer reserves the right to reject any entry
Accommodation & Payment
Accommodation: All players are required to budget for their own board, lodging, and transportation needs. Room rates are US$ 55 per room per day on a twin-sharing basis
Bank Account for Payment: Payments can be made to DAT Chess Centre - Maybank Current Account: 5145 9822 0396, Jalan Bunus, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - SWIFT: MBBEMYKL
Total Prize Fund: RM 15,000
Prize Breakdown
Open Section Cash Prizes (in RM)
Place
Prize (RM)
1st
2,500 + Challenge Trophy
2nd
2,000
3rd
1,500
4th
800
5th
600
6th - 7th
300 each
8th - 10th
200 each
FIDE Rating Prizes (Malaysian citizens only)
1800 - 1600 Rating Category
Place
Prize (RM)
1st
800
2nd
500
3rd
300
4th
150
5th
100
1599 - 1400 Rating Category
Place
Prize (RM)
1st
600
2nd
400
3rd
200
4th
100
5th
50
Unrated Category
Place
Prize (RM)
1st
300
2nd
200
3rd
100
4th
50
General Prize Conditions
Participants are entitled to only one prize (the larger amount)
Where prize values are the same, the Open Prizes will take precedence over the Special Prizes
All prize winners will also receive medals and certificates
Context: This event is a part of the 20th Malaysian Chess Festival 2025, which is recognized as the region's longest-running international open. The festival, and events like this challenge, are considered a critical catalyst for local chess development in Malaysia.
