The Malaysian Open 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling and highly competitive tournament! Leading the pack with 4.5 points is IM Poh Yu Tian with GM Nguyen Duc Hoa.. The Vietnamese players are also making a strong impression, with GM Nguyen Duc Hoa and GM Nguyen Van Huy both securing spots in the top four, highlighting the prowess of Vietnamese chess.

The diversity of the tournament is also interesting, with participants from Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Singapore, China, and Australia. Even with the brutal clashes there is still international representation for the event. Young talents like FM Chan Kim Yew and FM Lye Lik Zang from Malaysia are making their mark, promising a bright future for chess in Malaysia.

It’s also encouraging to see women making their presence felt in the top 20, with WGM Priyanka Nutakki and WGM Gomes Mary Ann demonstrating the growing strength of women in competitive chess. 

The competition remains tight, with many players having 3.5 or 4 points, making the next few rounds crucial in determining the final standings.

Top 20 after 5 rounds so far: