FM Kavin Mohan Wins Malaysian Open

14 year old FM Kavin Mohan Claims the  20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open

It was a momentous Sunday evening in Kuala Lumpur, as Malaysia's own FM Kavin Mohan (born 2011) scripted chess history. At just 14, Kavin emerged victorious in the fiercely contested 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open — a signature event within the Malaysian Chess Festival — to become only the second homegrown champion after Poh Yu Tian's breakthrough in 2024.

A Star-Studded Final Round

Hosted at KL Gateway Mall and featuring 80+ players from across Asia and beyond, the nine-round Swiss-system event delivered drama at every turn. Kavin entered the final day with nerves of steel, holding the formidable GM Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam) to a vital draw that kept him half a point ahead at the top of the leaderboard. With an unbeaten 7.0/9 and a direct encounter tiebreak over his rivals, Kavin's consistency — six wins, three draws secured his first place.

International Podium: Asia's Best Collide

Flanking Kavin on the podium were IM Zou Chen (China) and GM Nguyen Van Huy — each finishing with 6.5 points from a string of strong final-round performances. 

Fourth-place Jin Ruijun (CHN, 2079) stunned many by outmaneuvering several higher seeds, while IM Concio Michael Jr. (PHI) and FM Winkelman Albert (AUS) joined the 6.5-point pack,.

Homegrown Heroes: Malaysian Talent Shines

Malaysia's chess depth came to the fore — FM Wong Yinn Long and FM Lye Lik Zang cracked the top ten with 6.5 and 5.5 points respectively, dispatching strong international masters and showing the new wave of Malaysian chess is here to stay. The event also tested top-seeded foreign visitors such as IM Kushagra Mohan (India), who finished with 5.5 points in a challenging field.

Women's Standouts and the Youth Wave

Prominent women's players — WIM Aakanksha Hagawane (IND), WGM Janelle Mae Frayna (PHI), WCM Salimova Asal and WFM Imomkuzieva Nilufarkhon (UZB) — all contributed to a gender-diverse leaderboard, while youth players made big leaps, setting the stage for an even brighter future.

The Legacy and What's Next

Kavin's victory, following Poh Yu Tian's triumph last year, marks a seismic shift for Malaysian chess. The Open, once dominated by foreign titled players, now boasts back-to-back local champions. With this new generation — inspired by legends like Yeoh Li Tian and buoyed by increasing youth participation — Malaysia's chess future is luminous.

On September 21, 2025, a nation dared to dream, stirred by the boldness of a 14-year-old. The message from Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia produces champions who fight — and win — at the highest level.

Final Standings Highlights (Top Finishers):

• FM Kavin Mohan (MAS): 7.0/9 (Champion)
• IM Zou Chen (CHN): 6.5/9
• GM Nguyen Van Huy (VIE): 6.5/9
• Jin Ruijun (CHN): 6.5/9
• IM Concio Michael Jr. (PHI): 6.5/9
• FM Winkelman Albert (AUS): 6.5/9
• FM Wong Yinn Long (MAS): 6.5/9
• FM Lye Lik Zang (MAS): 5.5/9
• IM Kushagra Mohan (IND): 5.5/9

Congratulations to FM Kavin Mohan, the champion of Malaysia! His triumph electrifies a festival that grows stronger each year, and his legacy will inspire many more prodigies to rise in the years to come.