20th Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open : Going into the last round

 Chess-Results Server - Event 5

Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2025: Standings and Showdown Set for Final Round

As we head into the penultimate night at the KL Gateway Mall, anticipation reaches its peak—the 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open is set for a dramatic final round after eight grueling battles. The leaderboard is a testament to the strength and fighting spirit on display, with no less than FM Kavin Mohan (MAS) alone at the top after beating IM Kushagra Mohan in Round 8, clocking in 6.5/8, a half-point ahead of an international chasing pack.

The standings after 8 rounds give us a clear view of who's in contention for the title, podium, or last-minute breakout performances:

Rank	Name	FED	Title	Rating	Points
1	Kavin, Mohan	MAS	FM	2309	6.5
2	Nguyen, Van Huy	VIE	GM	2352	6
3	Bacojo, Mark Jay	PHI	FM	2326	6
4–15	Clustered at 5.5 pts: IM Zou Chen (CHN), IM Michael Concio Jr. (PHI), IM Kushagra Mohan (IND), Jin Ruijun (CHN), FM Winkelman Albert (AUS), IM Nguyen Quoc Hy (VIE), GM Nguyen Duc Hoa (VIE), IM Liu Xiangyi (SGP), Velarde Jerish John (PHI), WIM Aakanksha Hagawane (IND), IM Ronald Bancod (PHI), FM Wong Yinn Long (MAS)

All have 5.5/8 and are within striking distance if results go their way.

Key Final Round Pairings (Round 9, 21 Sept 2025, 09:00)

• Board 1: GM Nguyen Van Huy (6) vs FM Kavin Mohan (6.5)
  The clash that will decide who takes home the trophy. Kavin has White, while the Vietnamese top seed must win with Black to leapfrog into first.
• Board 2: FM Wong Yinn Long (5.5) vs FM Bacojo Mark Jay (6)
  Both still have slim podium hopes, especially if Board 1 draws.
• Board 3: Velarde Jerish John (5.5) vs GM Nguyen Duc Hoa (5.5)
  Veteran experience faces off with youthful ambition.
• Other Top Boards: Key spots for IM Kushagra Mohan, IM Michael Concio Jr., IM Zou Chen, and surging names like Jin Ruijun and Winkelman Albert—all in the mix on 5.5.
  Their pairings ensure a tense battle, as even a late surge can mean a place among the leaders.

Full pairings, live games, and results are available via chess-results and official streams. Check back here for closing coverage, post-mortems, and exclusive board-side photos throughout the final day!