18-year-old Malaysian Wins Zone 3.3 Zonal

Eighteen-year-old Yeoh Li Tian of Malaysia was the surprise winner of the Zone 3.3 Zonal Championship held 24 February to 6 March 2017 in Tagaytay City, Philippines. WIM Vo Thi Kim Phung of Vietnam came from behind to win the women’s division.

Yeoh and second place GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam shall represent the Zone in the World Cup this September in Tbilisi, Georgia. The top two finished in a tie with 7 points each but Yeoh prevailed in the tie break. In third place is IM Oliver Dimakiling of the Philippines with 6 points in a tie with Liu Xiangyi of Singapore. The Filipino was ahead on tie break.

In the women’s division, Vo finished alone with 7 points followed by compatriot WGM Hoang Thi Bao Tram and Singaporean WIM Gong Qianyun with 6.5 points each. Vo advances in the Women’s World Championship cycle.

The event was organized by the City of Tagaytay under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation, National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission. Visit chess-results.com to download games. See photo album.


FIDE General Secretary Abraham Tolentino makes the ceremonial opening moves of the Zone 3.3 Zonal Championships between top seeds WGM Irene Sukandar of Indonesia and GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam. Looking on are, from left, Asian Chess Federation Executive Director Casto Abundo, Kristianus Liem of Indonesia, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Treasurer Red Dumk, GM Eugene Torre, GM Jayson Gonzales and Singapore coach GM Bong Villamayor.


Games were played at the Tagaytay International Convention Center


Yeoh Li Tian of Malaysia receives his trophy and prize. From left are National Chess Federation of the Philippines Treasurer Red Rumuk, GM Eugene Torre and Malaysian Chess Federation Secretary Greg Lau.


Top three women are, from left, champion Vo Thi Kim Phung of Vietnam, third placer WIM Gong Qianyun of Singapore and runner-up WGM Hoang Thi Bao Tram of Vietnam.


Zone President Dang Tat Thang of Vietnam with the two champions.


Trophy winners and officials