Ulaanbaatar, April 23, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The Asian Zonal 3.3 Chess Championship, jointly organized by the Mongolian Chess Federation and the Asian Chess Federation, officially commenced in Ulaanbaatar on April 23, 2025. 

This marks the second time in six years that Mongolia is hosting the Asian Zonal 3.3 Chess Championship. A total of 110 players from seven countries are participating in the tournament: Mongolia, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Republic of Indonesia. Mongolia is represented by 42 players in the open category and 48 in the women’s category, while 21 players from abroad have registered to compete.

During the Opening Ceremony, Chief of Staff to the President of Mongolia and the President of the Mongolian Chess Federation Zandanshatar Gombojav noted, “It is noteworthy that Mongolia is hosting this tournament for the second time. More importantly, our chess players now have the valuable opportunity to compete for FIDE World Cup qualification on home ground. The sport of chess is advancing rapidly in our country. In a recent meeting with the President of the Asian Zonal 3.3, Grandmaster Utut Adianto, it was pointed out that while some countries with a population of nearly 300 million people have 10 grandmasters, Mongolia has 15 grandmasters while having a population of 3.4 million citizens. This clearly reflects the remarkable development and promising future of chess in Mongolia.”

Member of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia, Board Member of the Asian Chess Federation, President of the Asian Zonal 3.3, Grandmaster Utut Adianto said, "This tournament will be highly competitive, as only two players from the open section and one from the women’s category will qualify for the World Cup. From a regional perspective, Mongolia has shown tremendous progress in chess development. I recall that in 1982 Mongolia had no Grandmasters. But today, Mongolia has produced 15 Grandmasters. Legendary players like Myagmarsuren, Jigjidsuren, and Lkhagvasuren laid the foundation, while the new generation, including Gundavaa, carries it forward. 

At the 2023 Jakarta Zonal, the Champions were from Mongolia and Vietnam, showing how strong the region has become. I hope this event marks not just a renaissance but a rapid acceleration in progress. The organization has been outstanding. The Opening Ceremony was particularly impressive, showing Mongolia’s traditional culture and performance. Most importantly, the President of the Mongolian Chess Federation Mr. Zandanshatar, has a genuine passion for the game. Without such passion, the essential feeling and dedication required to grow the sport would not be possible. I extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event and express my anticipation for future tournaments."

Singaporean Grandmaster Tin Jingyao said, “It has been a very pleasant experience so far. The accommodation and playing venue are both excellent. Although I have not yet had the chance to explore outside the venue, I am looking forward to it. Naturally, I aim to win the tournament and qualify for the World Cup. I am taking it one game at a time and focusing on preparation. I have played against several Mongolian players, including during last year’s event, and I even lost to one of them. Mongolian players demonstrate great fighting spirit, and I look forward to facing them again, perhaps even avenging a past loss.”

Assistant Training Director of the Singaporean Chess Federation, Grandmaster, FIDE Trainer Andrey Kvon said, “Overall, the organization so far has been excellent. We have enjoyed everything from our arrival at the airport to this moment. Hopefully, we will also make some good moves on the board and secure a few medals. This is one of the most important tournaments of the year, as the winners qualify for the World Cup, which is why we approach this competition with utmost seriousness. Singapore always strives to send our strongest players. While we did not place in the top two during the last zonal, we are optimistic about our chances this time. I have been coaching the Singapore National Team for about three and a half years. Our top player, Tin Jingyao, and I began working together 12 years ago and have continued with some intervals over the years.”

The Championship, held every two years, serves as a qualifying event for the FIDE World Cup, with the top two players in the open category and the champion in the women’s category earning qualification. This highlights the significant stature and competitive importance of the tournament.