Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship 2025

&
Hong Kong International Challengers Chess Championship 2025
organised by the
The Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited

Funded by Hong Kong Special Administration Region Government

Leisure and Cultural Services Department

1. Invitation

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited (HKCCFL) is honoured to invite chess players from all
member federations of FIDE to participate in the Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship
2025 (FIDE rated with possible title norms) from the 23rd December 2025 (arrival) and with departure on
29th December 2025.

2. Organising committee

This event is organised by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited and the organising
committee shall be nominated by their Board of Directors.

3. Playing Venue

The playing venue shall be at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wanchai, Hong Kong. This area is a very
busy area, with MTR stations nearby and many facilities.
Location on Google Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxyDqViaH28UV4ce7

4. Participation and Conditions

4.1a) The entry fees of the OPEN event shall be as follows:

a) Players with international titles GM, IM, WGM and WIM – free entry
b) FIDE rated players 1800 and above - HK$1,500
c) All title players with FM, CM, WFM – HK$1,200

Please note: because there are possible title norms the organising committee reserves the right to
decline entries rated below 1800 who must appeal to the Organising Committee for inclusion.

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4.1b) The entry fees of the CHALLENGER event shall be as follows:
a) Players with over the board international titles NO ENTRY (except for WCM)
b) FIDE rated players 1800 to 1999 - HK$800
c) FIDE rated players 1799 and below - HK$1,200
c) Unrated chess players – HK$1,500.00

Note: Unrated Hong Kong players without FIDE ID need to pay additional HK$550 for issuing the HKG
FIDE ID. Participants from other countries who do not have a FIDE ID need to apply for their FIDE ID
at their country's respective federations. A valid FIDE ID is strictly required for participation.

4.2) Interested players can register online at http://2025.hongkongchessopen.com/ and follow the
instructions as stated. A confirmation email will be sent to those successful applicants.
Foreign entries must make payment on or before 22nd December 2025, those preferring this option
must inform the federation in advance by email to hkchessevent@gmail.com or
hkcfl@outlook.com.

Local entries pay direct to the federation by FPS or bank transfer (see online form)

4.3) The deadline for registration is 12 noon, 20th December 2025. No more registrations will be accepted
after this deadline. However, organisers reserve the right to refuse or decline any registrations without
giving a reason. NO REFUNDS will be given if any player does not attend the event.

4.4) The list of all participants will be published on our website from 1st November 2025. This acts as
confirmation for participation and anyone not on this list will be excluded.

4.5) IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Players who did not attend player’s meeting at 3:30pm on 23rd December 2025 shall not be paired.
Those arriving within 30 minutes shall be paired at the discretion of the Chief Arbiter.

5. Travel conditions

There are MTR, public buses and mini buses available from the all points of Kowloon and Hong Kong to
the venue. Taxi fares are quite reasonable. Please allow ample time to reach the playing venue as traffic
conditions in Hong Kong are among the busiest in the world. (see 3. Playing Venue for directions)

6. Accommodation

Participants are advised to book early to avoid high walk-in prices prevalent in Hong Kong. Special rates
are possible if booked well in advance.

Special conditions for GMs: Free accommodation in five (5) double sharing rooms from 22nd Dec 2025
to 29th Dec 2025. Priority shall be given to those grandmasters rated above 2550 for a single room.

7. Tournament Format

7.1) The tournament will be played using the Swiss System over 9 rounds.

7.2) Rate of play will be 90 minutes for the whole game plus 30 seconds increment starting from move 1

7.3) Title norms may be possible depending on the number of titled players.

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7.4) The latest rules and regulations of FIDE shall apply.

7.5) The zero-start tolerance rule shall not apply. Default time will be set at 30 minutes.

7.6) 2 defaults/no shows shall be deemed as withdrawal from the tournament.

7.7) No shows will not be paired for the next round unless they sign a declaration.

8. Playing hall - dress code

8.1) All players must wear smart casual or formal when in the tournament hall.

8.2) All players and audience in the tournament hall must adhere to the rules put forward by the arbiters.
Otherwise, they may be asked to leave the tournament hall.

8.3) All forms of electronic equipment are not allowed within the playing hall. Players should not
bring them into the playing area. There is a depository at the entrance before the metal detectors, for
all electronic devices.

9. Playing Schedule:

Date Day Time Programme

15:30 Players’ meeting
23rd Dec Tuesday
16:00 Round 1

10:00 Round 2
24th Dec Wednesday
16:00 Round 3

25th Dec Thursday 10:00 Round 4

10:00 Round 5
26th Dec Friday
16:00 Round 6

27th Dec Saturday 10:00 Round 7

28th Dec Sunday 10:00 Round 8

10:00 Round 9 (final)

29th Dec Monday
after last game Closing Ceremony

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10. Prizes

10.1)
OPEN CATEGORY
Rankings Prizes
st
1 Trophy+ HK$50,000
nd
2 Medal + HK$25,000
rd
3 Medal + HK$12,000
th
4 Medal + HK$8,000
th
5 Medal + HK$6,000
6th HK$5,000
th
7 HK$5,000
8th HK$3,000
th
9 HK$3,000
10th HK$3,000

10.2)
OPEN CATEGORY LOCAL PRIZES (HKG)
Category Prizes
Best HKG player overall Trophy
Best U-20 Trophy
Best U-16 Trophy
Best U-12 Trophy

10.3)
CHALLENGER PRIZES

Rankings Prizes

1st Trophy+ HK$6,000

2nd Medal + HK$4,000

3rd Medal + HK$3,000

4th Medal + HK$2,000

5th Medal + HK$1,000

6th HK$1,000
7th HK$1,000
8th HK$1,000

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11. Tiebreak system

11.1) Winners are determined by number of points scored. In case of a tie, the following tie breaks
will apply:

a) Direct Encounter (only if all tied players have played each other)

b) Greater number of wins as Black (forfeits NOT counted)

c) Buchholz Cut 1

d) Performance (rating)

e) Drawing of lots or similar method (e.g. 2 game Blitz match)

NOTE: there must be a tiebreak for those with highest points.

11.2) Every prize winner, though eligible for multiple prizes, can only be entitled to 1 cash prize.

12. Contact information of the Organizing Committee

IA,IO K.K. Chan For general inquiries:

Tournament Director Senior Arbiter IA Robin Lai +85290484818
WhatsApp: +85256283315 Email: laiking88@gmail.com
E-mail: kkchan.hkg@gmail.com
Mainland China entries please contact
Website: http://2025.hongkongchessopen.com Geoffrey Kao 13818973842
Email: hkchessevent@gmail.com
Appeals Committee:
This shall be declared before the tournament starts. The appeal form will be posted at the venue.

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