Kavin Mohan clear first at 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2025
FM Kavin Mohan (MAS) scored an unbeaten 7/9 to win 20th Dato Arthur Tan Open, part of the 20th Malaysian Chess Festival 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Seven players scored 6.5/9 each. Out of them, IM Chen Zou (CHN) and GM Van Huy Nguyen (VIE) secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes were - US$ 3000, $2000 and $1000. Andrew Ooi (Gila Chess), blogger who covered all 20 editions of this festival, writes about this event along with the photographs shot by him. Photo: Andrew Ooi
Kavin Mohan creates history: Crowned Champion at the 20th Dato’ Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2025
The Malaysian Chess Festival has historically experienced variable success in attracting top-tier grandmasters across its different editions. Notably, the tournament has served as a platform for emerging talent, hosting several players who later achieved world-class status, including Wesley So, Gukesh D, Alireza Firouzja, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov during their formative competitive years. This year's edition presents an opportunity for one local player who may be one of the hidden talents to succeed on the international stage.
14-year-old FM Kavin Mohan captured the crown at the 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open held at KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur, on September 21st, 2025. With an unbeaten score of 7/9 points, Kavin not only became the second Malaysian to win this prestigious event after Poh Yu Tian's breakthrough in 2024 but also earned his second International Master norm in a meteoric rise as he just earned his first IM norm as well as his FIDE Master (FM) title last month.
The Malaysian Open, a marquee event within the Malaysian Chess Festival, attracted over 80 players from across Asia and beyond, featuring Grandmasters, International Masters, and rising stars from countries including China, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Australia, and Uzbekistan. The moderately strong field was headlined by top seeds such as GM Nguyen Van Huy (VIE), IM Zou Chen (CHN), and IM Kushagra Mohan.
Leading the pack into the final round, Kavin locked down a vital draw against the formidable GM Nguyen Van Huy, ensuring he maintained a half-point edge over his nearest challengers. His unbeaten run included five wins and four draws.
Among the key encounters was Kavin's win against IM Kushagra Mohan from India, a crucial and unexpected victory. Additionally, strong showings against fellow Malaysian FMs such as Wong Yinn Long and Lye Lik Zang pushed him to the top of the standings.
Spotlight on Indian Players
India is no stranger to the festival with GM Parimarjan Negi winning the event in 2012 and many other titled players have since participated. This year, Indian participants comprise:
| Player | Title | Points | Rank Range |
| IM Kushagra Mohan | IM | 5.5 | 11th |
| WIM Aakanksha Hagawane | WIM | 5.5 | Top 20 |
| GM Laxman R R | GM | 5.5 | Top 20 |
| IM Karthik Rajaa | IM | 5.5 | Top 20 |
| CM Gireman Ja | CM | 5.5 | Top 20 |
IM Kushagra Mohan stayed competitive until the late rounds. WIM Aakanksha Hagawane impressed with wins over higher-rated opponents.
Women and Juniors Making Their Mark
The Malaysian Open continued its tradition of encouraging gender diversity and youth participation. Standout women players included WIM Aakanksha Hagawane, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna (PHI), and WFM Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva (UZB), all of whom contributed to a vibrant leaderboard presence.
New faces like China's Jin Ruijun impressed and earned an IM-norm.
FM Kavin Mohan Youngest DATMO Champ
Kavin's victory is historic on multiple fronts: he is the youngest champion in the Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open (DATMO) history and the first Malaysian to follow Poh Yu Tian in winning the title consecutively. His performance secured his second IM-norm, just weeks after achieving the first, marking a rapid step towards the coveted IM title.
Legacy and Future Implications
The 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open represents a significant milestone for Malaysian chess. Threatened by closure because of lack of sponsors, this year's edition was challenging to say the least. IA Hamid Majid, encouraged by the strong support shown by the increased number of participants, has announced that there will be a 21st Malaysian Chess Festival next year.
Acknowledgments
With the tournament hall sponsored by KL Gateway Mall, the tournament benefited from strong local support, dedicated organizers and helpers. The Malaysian Chess Federation's vision has steadily transformed the festival into a key fixture on the Asian chess calendar.
Final standings
| Rk. | SNo | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | FM | Kavin, Mohan | MAS | 2309 | 7 | 0 | 46 | 50 | |
| 2 | 3 | IM | Zou, Chen | CHN | 2416 | 6,5 | 0 | 49 | 53,5 | |
| 3 | 7 | GM | Nguyen, Van Huy | VIE | 2352 | 6,5 | 0 | 47,5 | 51 | |
| 4 | 33 | Jin, Ruijun | CHN | 2079 | 6,5 | 0 | 47 | 49,5 | ||
| 5 | 5 | IM | Concio, Michael Jr. | PHI | 2409 | 6,5 | 0 | 46,5 | 51 | |
| 6 | 12 | FM | Winkelman, Albert | AUS | 2324 | 6,5 | 0 | 46,5 | 51 | |
| 7 | 4 | IM | Nguyen, Quoc Hy | VIE | 2413 | 6,5 | 0 | 45 | 49,5 | |
| 8 | 6 | FM | Wong, Yinn Long | MAS | 2356 | 6,5 | 0 | 39,5 | 43 | |
| 9 | 11 | FM | Bacojo, Mark Jay | PHI | 2326 | 6 | 0 | 45,5 | 50 | |
| 10 | 27 | Velarde, Jerish John | PHI | 2110 | 6 | 0 | 44,5 | 48,5 |
Links
Malaysian Chess Festival: Blog and fb page
About the Author
Andrew Ooi (GilaChess) has been a blogger for the Malaysian Chess Festival for all 20 editions.
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