With the tournament reaching the half-way point, it is become clear that there is one group sweeping away all challengers. As well as bringing the largest group of players to the Championships, the Vietnamese are playing extremely well, on the top boards in almost every category. China are also doing well with only a few representatives, but the highly rated Philippine contingent is finding the going difficult.

Players from Thailand, the host nation, is gaining tremendous experience from the international exposure, but as yet their team results have not been spectacular. FM Jirapak Pitirotjirathon, assistant arbiter for the U10 Open group, is impressed with the behaviour of his wards. "They are very keen to help each other as well as the arbiters - behaving more like adults than children, and some of them have prepared very well for the tournament."

Chiangmai is proving popular as a venue, with visitors taking time out to explore the ancient city.

"The playing conditions are ideal for such a large group of young players," said Chief Arbiter IA Maung Maung Lwin. "With help from the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, the team of arbiters and hardworking support staff are making this a very successful event."

Some of the games are available for viewing at chess-results.com (http://www.chess-results.com/tnr103362.aspx?lan=1), and more pictures of the tournament can be found at the Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/571036186250625/)

Chief Arbiter IA Maung Maung Lwin