The Penang Chess Festival 2024, taking place from December 23 to 29, promises to be a highly competitive and well-attended event. With a total of 91 players from 18 different federations, the Open section of the tournament features some of the best chess players from around the world. Singapore stands as the second-largest participating nation with 21 players.
Among the 17 titled players in the Open section, the competition is set to be intense. The titled players include 9 International Masters (IM), 1 Woman International Master (WIM), 3 FIDE Masters (FM), 2 Woman FIDE Masters (WFM), and 2 Candidate Masters (CM). The large pool of titled players ensures that the tournament will feature high-level strategic battles, making it a must-watch for chess enthusiasts.
In addition to the Open section, the tournament also includes the Challenger section, which has 111 participants from 14 different countries. This increases the total number of players to around 200, further showcasing the event’s international appeal. The competition will be held at the spacious KDU UOW University College, which will house both the Open and Challenger sections. The venue’s ample space will allow for a comfortable playing environment for all participants.
Penang’s own rising star, International Master (IM) Poh Yu Tian, is the first seed in the Open section, adding an extra layer of local pride to the event. The Penang Chess Festival also includes two other exciting events: the Penang Blitz and the Penang Team League, providing a varied chess experience for both participants and spectators alike.
This year’s festival is shaping up to be an exciting spectacle, with top players, a spacious venue, and a diverse range of events, making it an event not to be missed.
