Results for the Open Section

20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship – Results

Chess history was made on September 21, 2025, when 14-year-old Kavin Mohan became the second Malaysian ever to win the storied Malaysian Chess Open, joining the elite company of Poh Yu Tian who accomplished the same feat just a year before. The victory marked not only a personal triumph, but also a major milestone in the evolution of Malaysian chess talent on the international stage.

The Making of a Malaysian Champion

Born in 2011, Kavin Mohan’s chess journey began in the bustling club scene of Kuala Lumpur, where precocious tacticians regularly measure up against some of Southeast Asia’s strongest competitors. Kavin’s rapid ascent is a testament to his relentless study, sharp tactical sense, and fierce determination—qualities that have made him a fan favorite long before his breakthrough victory this year.

A regular fixture at top local and regional tournaments, Kavin’s FIDE rating rapidly approached the 2300 mark by age 14. Known for his accuracy in the middlegame and inventive opening ideas, Kavin often tackled seasoned titled players with aplomb—displaying a maturity well beyond his years.

The 2025 Malaysian Chess Open: A New Chapter

The Malaysian Chess Open, a key fixture in the annual Malaysian Chess Festival, has historically been dominated by foreign grandmasters and international masters. In 2024, Poh Yu Tian stunned the field as the first Malaysian to clinch the title, raising hopes for local prodigies. In 2025, it was Kavin’s turn to rise to the occasion.

Kavin entered the event ranked among the country’s top juniors, competing in a star-studded lineup featuring former champions, experienced FMs, and emerging masters. The Open section was a fierce nine-round contest, but Kavin seized the initiative early: dispatching higher-rated opponents while demonstrating immaculate endgame technique. His penultimate round win against FM Lye Lik Zang was noted for a bold rook sacrifice—a game likely to be replayed in schools and clubs for years.

Here’s a game from the past Malaysian Chess Championship 2025.

His final score reflected a consistency rare for his age: unbeaten, with six wins and three draws. Notably, he concluded the event half a point clear of his nearest rivals, reminiscent of Poh Yu Tian’s historic result in 2024.

Style and Strengths

Kavin is celebrated for his versatility. He has:

• A deep opening repertoire tailored both for rapid and classical formats.
• Acute calculation ability, allowing him to thrive in sharp tactical melees.
• Calm under pressure—his clock management and nerves have carried him through multiple close endgames and critical rounds.

Spectators and grandmasters alike have praised his willingness to double down in complex positions, signaling a fearless attitude that is quickly becoming his signature.

Impact and Inspiration

With this victory, Kavin stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Poh Yu Tian as one of Malaysia’s brightest chess stars. His triumph is especially inspiring given the increasingly competitive field and the rapid progress of Malaysian juniors, echoing Yeoh Li Tian’s Grandmaster norm earlier in the year.

Kavin’s achievement has ignited a fresh wave of interest in chess at local clubs and schools, spurring calls for greater investment and support for youth chess initiatives.

Looking Ahead

At just 14, Kavin Mohan’s story is only beginning. The chess world watches eagerly as he prepares for more international outings and, possibly, a pursuit of the IM and GM titles. Malaysia’s chess future looks brighter, and on September 21, 2025, Kavin ensured that his countrymen dare to dream a little bigger.

The legacy of Poh Yu Tian and now Kavin Mohan signals an era of homegrown champions, inspiring a new generation eager to follow in their footsteps—on the chequered battlefields at home and beyond.