AEON MALL SHAH ALAM & MCF NATIONAL OPEN TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

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AEON MALL SHAH ALAM & MCF NATIONAL OPEN TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

PMX Trophy (FIDE Rated Event)

ORGANIZED BY THE MALAYSIAN CHESS FEDERATION (MCF)

From the 29th of May to the 1st of June 2026 at AEON Mall Shah Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor.

For more information, please contact: Whatapp: +6011.62624377.

INTRODUCTION

The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) hereby invites all chess players and teams to participate at the third edition of the National Open Team Chess Championship 2026 – The Prime Minister’s Trophy, to be held from the 29th of May until the 1st of June 2026 at AEON Mall Shah Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor. Hosted by AEON Mall Shah Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, the event will be played over 7 rounds Swiss using the Standard Time Control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment – a continued effort by MCF to popularize an Open Team event using the standard longer time control format. The total cash prize offered is RM 30,000 with the winning team set to earn RM6,000 for their effort. Additional prizes for various categories are also offered to the best teams in their respective class. Teams must have a minimum of four (4) players with an option to include one(1) reserve player. Open Teams are allowed to field no more than two foreign player – titled or otherwise, as there is no rating limit set for each team in the tournament. However, teams vying for the category prizes will not be allowed to field a foreign player to qualify for the prizes.

1. ELIGIBILITY

1.1. Team Eligibility

1.1.1. The tournament is opened to all players and teams in Malaysia including foreign players who are keen to be part of the event.

1.1.2. An Open Team can be made up fully of foreign players of any strength – either as reserves or as main board players.

1.2. Player Eligibility

1.2.1. All players are required to have a valid FIDE ID as this is a FIDE Rated event.

1.2.2. All Malaysian players must have a valid MCF ID.

2. TEAM COMPOSITION

2.1. Each team must register a minimum of four (4) main players as the main line up, with an option to field one (1) player as reserve.

2.2. There is no maximum average rating for a team imposed in this tournament.

3. TEAM DEFINITIONS

3.1. Open Team

3.1.1. An Open Team with either Malaysians or foreign Nationals in its lineup.

3.2. State Team

3.2.1. MCF will only recognize state teams that are submitted and endorsed by the respective State Affiliate.

3.2.2. A State Affiliate is allowed to send as many teams as possible, however only two (2) state teams will be allowed to utilize the State Entry fee. The other teams – while they can still vie for the Best State Prize, will need to pay the Open Team entry.

3.2.3. All players representing a state team must be Malaysian citizens.

3.3. Schools

3.3.1. Primary School is where all the players are currently enrolled in the same school and are below the age of 12: Born on or after 1st January 2014.

3.3.2. Secondary School is where all the players are currently enrolled in the same school and are below the age of 18: Born on or after 1st January 2008.

3.3.3. A letter of confirmation from the school is mandatory. The names of all the players must be reflected in the letter.

3.4. Junior Teams

3.4.1. U12 Junior Team is where all the players in the team are below the age of 12: Born on or after 1st January 2014.

3.4.2. U18 Junior Team is where all the players in the team are below the age of 18: Born on or after 1st January 2008.

3.5. IPTA/IPTS/Colleges/Higher Learning Institutions

3.5.1. All players must be active/enroll students at the leaning institution.

3.5.2. A letter of confirmation from the Office of Students Affair/Registrar is mandatory. The names of all the players must be reflected in the letter.

3.6. Corporate/Government/Organization

3.6.1. All players must be active/current employees of the organization.

3.6.2. A letter of confirmation from the company’s HR and/or Manager is mandatory. The names of all the players must be reflected in the letter.

3.7. All Girls/Veterans/OKU Teams

3.7.1. All players must meet the said criteria to be eligible to earn prizes for their respective categories.

3.7.2. All players must be Malaysians.

3.7.3. For the Veteran’s Team, all players must have reached or will reach the age of 50 or older in 2026 (Born on or before 31st December 1976).

3.7.4. For the OKU Team, team members must provide OKU Card regardless of their special abilities/disabilities.

3.8. For school teams, corporate, government, organizations, IPTA/S, Colleges and Higher Learning Institutes, exceptions are given to the team to field as many foreign players provided that the foreign player is employed by or enrolled at the organization, and the player is based/residing in Malaysia.

4. ENTRY FEE

4.1. Entry Fee shall be as follows:

  • 4.1.1. Open Team: RM 700 – for an all-Malaysian Team. Add RM 100 – for each foreign player.
  • 4.1.2. State Team: RM 400 - Two (2) team maximum.
  • 4.1.3. Veteran/Women: RM 500.
  • 4.1.4. Government/Corporate: RM 500.
  • 4.1.5. IPTA/IPTS: RM 500.
  • 4.1.6. Junior/School Team: RM 400.
  • 4.1.7. All OKU Team: RM 300.

4.2. All payments are to be credited to MCF Bank Account at PERSEKUTUAN CATUR MALAYSIA – CIMB (8000649725).

5. BOARD ORDER

5.1. The board order used for Registration shall be considered as the official board order submitted by teams for the tournament.

5.2. Any changes made after the 25th of May 2026 – either change in board order, or a change(s) of the team members/players, will incur a fee of RM50 per change.

5.3. No changes can be made once Round 1 started on 29th May 2026.

6. REGISTRATION

6.1. To register, please go to https://forms.gle/y7WAyYUBkNVP5P3LA.

6.2. Team participation for this event is limited to 60 Teams due to space constraints. Registration of teams beyond this number shall be subjected to space availability and logistics.

6.3. The list of teams participating in the event shall be published on MCF website before 27th May 2025.

7. MCF RIGHTS TO REFUSE ENTRY

7.1. MCF reserves the right to reject any application by any player and/or team without providing any reasons whatsoever.

7.2. If a team’s registration is rejected, MCF will refund the application fee in its entirety.

7.3. If only a player (or more) has been rejected by MCF, the team is allowed to replace the player provided it does not breach item 2 and item 3 in this regulation.

7.4. MCF will only accept entries that are received and recorded using the Official Registration portal complete with the necessary Proof of Payment and Letter of Confirmation (where applicable). Registration via any other channels shall not be accepted nor entertained.

8. CLOSING DATE

8.1. Closing date to register is 22nd May 2026 (Friday).

8.2. Entries received after this date will only be accepted based on organizer’s discretion depending on space and equipment availability. An additional payment of RM200 per team will be imposed as penalties for late registration.

8.3. No entries will be accepted after 27th May 2026.

9. EVENT FORMAT

9.1. The current FIDE Laws of Chess will be enforced throughout the competition.

9.2. This is a FIDE and MCF Rated event and results for this competition shall be calculated for FIDE Rating and MCF Rating purposes.

9.3. Overview of Event Format

  • Eligibility: Open
  • Type: Team Event
  • Team Composition: Four (4) Main Players, One (1) Reserves – if any
  • Discipline: Standard Event
  • Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds (Note: Recording the move is compulsory)
  • Category: A single open event with various categories
  • System of Play: Swiss System
  • Number of Rounds: 7 Rounds
  • Pairing Software: Swiss Manager (Note: Pairing is based on Match Point)

9.4. Tie Break

  1. Match Point (3, 1, 0)
  2. Game/Players Point (1, ½ , 0)
  3. Direct Encounter

Note: The remaining tie breaks will follow FIDE’s recommendation and to be shared during the players’ briefing.

9.5. As this is a team event played using the team format, each player board order must be maintained throughout the competition. Player(s) seated in the wrong order, and any board order impacted by the error, will automatically lose a point for the affected board.

10. REFUND POLICY

10.1. Only 50% of the entry fee shall be refunded if a team decides to withdraw before the closing date.

10.2. No request for refunds will be entertained once the closing date has lapsed.

11. SCHEDULE

11.1. Event schedule is as follows:

DAYDATESDAYTIMEAGENDA
Day 1 29 May, 26 Fri All Morning Confirmation of Registration
2:30pmPlayers' Briefing
2:45pmOpening Ceremony
3:00pmRound 1
Day 2 30 May, 26 Sat 8:30am Round 2
2:00pmRound 3
Day 3 31 May, 26 Sun 8:30am Round 4
2:00pmRound 5
Day 4 1 Jun, 26 Mon 8:30am Round 6
2:00pmRound 7
6:00pmClosing and Prize Giving Ceremony
6:30pmRefreshment (VVIP)
7:00pmDeparture

11.2. The organizer reserves the right to amend or change the playing schedule.

12. PRIZES

12.1. The total cash prize offered to all winners is RM 30,000.

12.2. The breakdown of the prize fund offered to the winners is as follows:

OPEN CATEGORY/ALL

  • Champion: RM 6,000 + Trophy + Gold Medal + Certificate.
  • Runner Up: RM 3,000 + Silver Medal + Certificate.
  • Third: RM 2,000 + Bronze Medal + Certificate.
  • Fourth to Eighth: RM 1,000 + Certificate (each).

STATE TEAMS *

  • Best State Team: RM 2,500 + Gold Medal + Certificate.
  • Runner Up State Team: RM 1,500 + Silver Medal + Certificate.
  • Third State Team: RM 1,000 + Bronze Medal + Certificate.

CATEGORY PRIZES **

All Women’s/Veterans Team (50+), Junior (U18), Junior (U12), Secondary School (U18), Primary School (U12), IPTA/IPTS, Company/Government

  • Best Teams: RM 750 + Gold Medals + Certificates.
  • 2nd Best Team: RM 500 + Certificates.
  • Best All OKU Team: RM 600 + Gold Medal + Certificate.
  • 2nd Best OKU Team: RM 400 + Certificates.

NOTES:

  • State Teams: All prizes will be offered if there are more than 5 State Teams taking part, only two prizes if there are 4 to 5 State Teams taking part, and only the top prize if there are only 3 State Teams taking part.
  • Best Category: All prizes will be offered if there are 4 or more teams taking part per category. Only the top prizes will be offered if there are less than 4 teams taking part in the category.
  • Condition: Team must score at least 50% Game Points to win a prize i.e. 14 points. No prizes will be offered if there is only 2 teams vying for a category.

12.3. Board Prizes

  • Best Board 1 to Board 5: Gold Medal.
  • 2nd Best Board 1 to Board 5: Silver Medal.
  • 3rd Best Board 1 to Board 5: Bronze Medal.

Note: There are no cash prizes offered for Board winners.

12.4. All prize funds will be transferred online to the Team Captain’s or Team Manager’s Accounts within one(1) week after the event concludes. No cash transaction will be entertained nor distributed at the event.

13. APPEALS COMMITTEE

13.1. An Appeals Committee – made up of 5 members and 2 reserves, shall be appointed before the start of the tournament during the team captain’s briefing.

13.2. Any protests made against the decision of the Chief Arbiter, or his assistants must be submitted in writing (and signed by the player filing the appeal) and handed over personally to the Chairman of the Appeals Committee within 30 minutes after the completion of the disputed game. The appeal must include an appeal fee of RM500 as deposit. If the appeal is granted, the sum shall be returned immediately. If the appeal is refused, the deposit shall be forfeited to MCF.

14. FINANCIAL AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

All players including all managers, coaches, administrators, teachers, parents, accompanying officials, friends and supporters shall be responsible for their own cost and safety before, during, after and throughout the duration of the event.

The Malaysian Chess Federation, AEON Mall Shah Alam, all the relevant Management Teams, the Organizing Team, event officials, and any other persons involved or acting on behalf of the organizer, shall not be held responsible for any issues, or dissatisfaction, including financial loss or injuries or fatalities, that may happen to any player or person before, during, after and throughout the duration of the event.

15. HEALTH MATTERS

15.1. Players / Accompanying Persons / Supporters / Visitors showing signs of being ill or unwell, will be requested to leave the tournament hall immediately to seek medical attention. In circumstances where the player will need to forfeit the game, the Arbiter will have the right to award the win to the player’s opponent.

15.2. All costs involving the player’s medical checkup and assessment, including the need for medication and/or follow-up, shall be borne personally by each of the person(s) involved.

15.3. While the use of face mask will not be enforced, players are allowed to wear a face mask during play. However, the Arbiter/Organizer has the right to request for the face mask to be removed for identification and/or security purposes. Failure to comply may result in the player being forfeited or expelled from the tournament.

15.4. To minimize uncontrolled gathering of crowds – and where possible, all notice including team pairings for all rounds, shall be made available online. Important notices shall be announced by the Arbiter/Organizer between rounds.

16. OTHERS

16.1. Players must dress presentably – smart casual, with proper shoes. Wearing attire that reflects corporate colors, uniforms, formal attire, school attire, etc. are highly recommended. Slippers, skimpy/ revealing clothing, offensive wordings on t-shirts, shorts and miniskirts are not allowed to be worn. The Arbiter/Organizer has the right to instruct players to remove/change their attire prior to entering the playing hall.

16.2. The Arbiter/Organizer/MCF has the right to cancel, forfeit, remove and expel any player or team found to be in breach of any rules and regulations set. This includes creating disturbances, displaying unsportsmanlike conduct, or if they are found guilty of cheating or attempting to cheat, or fixing games during the championship that can bring the tournament, MCF and the sports of chess into disrepute.

16.3. Withdrawing from Tournament
Teams/Players wanting to withdraw from the tournament are required to officially write to the Chief Arbiter/Organizer and state the reason for the withdrawal. Teams with less than four (4) players due to the withdrawal of a player(s), are allowed to continue in the tournament, but are not allowed to replace the vacant spot with a new player. The team is allowed to complete the tournament but will forfeit one(1) point for the vacant board at each of the remaining rounds. If a team has only two players or less remaining players in the tournament, the team shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the tournament, and no refund shall be entertained.

16.4. For situations/incidences not covered by the Rules and Regulations mentioned, it will be referred to the Tournament Director, Organizer, Arbiter and Sponsors for a decision to be made. All decisions and interpretations are deemed as final.

17. EVENT OFFICIALS

  • Tournament Director: Najib Abdul Wahab (AO / FA)
  • Chief Arbiter: Syawal Aqmar Shahrir Ariff
  • Deputy Arbiter: TBA
  • Pairing Arbiter: TBA
  • Email address: mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org, inquiries@malaysiachess.org, ischani10@gmail.com, syawal.chessworks@gmail.com
  • Website: www.malaysiachess.org
  • FB Page: www.facebook.com/malaysianchessfederation

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