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Tournament Structure and Regulations

Categories of Play

The tournament features two categories:

1. Open category: Open to all players.
2. Challenger category: Restricted to players with a FIDE rating below 2000.

Playing System and Rules

Both the Open and Challenger categories will be played using the Swiss System over 9 rounds. The pairings will be determined using a Swiss Manager program.

• Time Control: Each player is accorded a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move.
• FIDE Rules: FIDE rules and regulations apply, and all results will be sent for FIDE rating calculations. Players must possess a FIDE ID to be accepted.
• Forfeiture: The Chief Arbiter will make relevant announcements five minutes before each round starts. If a player is not present within an hour after the round has begun, they shall lose by default.
• Conduct: Officials and players must be smartly attired at all times while in the playing hall.
• Mobile Phones: FIDE regulations strictly forbid players from having a mobile phone and/or other electronic means of communication in the playing venue, with the penalty being the automatic loss of the game.

Tournament Schedule

The 9 rounds for both categories are scheduled over six days:

Registration and Fees

Closing Date: Registration must be completed by 10 December 2025. Penalty: Registration and payment submitted after the closing date will incur the payment of double the entry fee stated. Online Registration: Registration and the list of players are available at www.PenangChess.com. Registration is finalized only after payment is made.

Entry Fees (RM):

Payment Options:

1. CIMB Bank A/C No. 8010241157 (PERSATUAN CATUR NEGERI PULAU PINANG), SWIFT Code: CIBBMYKL.
2. Tng E-wallet (60)12-4901822 (Lim Poay Sim).

Prizes (Monetary and Special)

Prizes are awarded in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).

Special Prizes:

Age Group Medals
Age Group medals are available only in the Challenger category for 1st–5th place in each group. The groups are U18B, U18G, U15B, U15G, U12B, U12G, U10B, U10G, U08B, and U08G.

Accommodation and Contact

Accommodation: Players are required to budget for their own board and lodgings, as well as transportation needs.

Provisions for Titled Players:
Hotel rooms (Check In: 18 Dec; Check Out: 24 Dec) are provided under specific conditions:

• GMs: A single room is provided for the first 5 GMs who register with a rating above 2,400.
• IMs: A twin sharing room is provided for the first 10 IMs who register with a rating above 2,300.

Contact Information

• Mr Lim Poay Sim: Tel: (60)12-490 1822, pslim159@gmail.com
• Mr Jonathan Chuah: Tel: (60)12-45 73263
• Mr Ooi Gim Ewe: Tel: (60)16-482 3595