Kota Kinabalu: A total of 564 players from Sabah and outside the State competed in the Sabah Electricity Kaamatan Chess Festival 2026 held from May 1 to 3 at EPF Building.
The tournament featured categories including Open, Under-20 Boys, Under-20 Girls, Boys’ and Girls’ Secondary School Team events, Boys’ and Girls’ Primary School Team events, as well as Blitz chess.
The championship, jointly organised by Sabah Electricity and the Sabah Chess Association, was held for the fourth time since it was first introduced in 2023.
Sabah Chess Association President Muammar Julkarnain, in his closing speech, said the association plans to organise the tournament at international level next year.
He said Sabah’s junior players should continue improving their standard of play to ensure they are able to compete with participants from outside the State and abroad.
Meanwhile, EPF Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan Deputy Director Peter @ Awg Damit Mahmud, in officiating the tournament, said EPF remains open to cooperation in ensuring the venue facilities are maintained at the best level.
He also expressed surprise at the strong participation from players from the Philippines, Brunei and various parts of Sabah.
In the Open category, Nelson Villanueva from the Philippines emerged champion, followed by Kenneth Lo Wei Jun and Muhd Saifullah Al Murishi in second and third place respectively.
The Under-20 Boys category was won by Nor Hadif Nor Azman, while Muhd Haikal Syafwan Hajan and Md. Danish Zaqwan Md. Hadi finished second and third respectively.
Izz Aflah Wardina Hilyadi won the Under-20 Girls category, ahead of Anis Daniella Jupineh and Ivory Ann Jason Jouil.
In the Boys’ Primary School Team category, JRR Team emerged champions, while Buayan Branspark Strategist won the Girls’ Primary School Team category.
The Boys’ Secondary School Team category was won by Player Kampungan, while SMK St Paul Beaufort emerged champions in the Girls’ Secondary School Team category.
For the Blitz category, Awang Mohd Syafie Mohd Kifflee claimed the title, followed by Muhd Tirmidzi and Abdul Shukor Arajah in second and third place respectively.
