On the morning of 8 September, the 2018 Inaugural Lion City Wuliangye “Chu–Han Strategy” Chinese Chess Tournament successfully concluded at the Grand Pacific Hotel Singapore. The tournament was jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Baijiu Association and the Singapore Xiangqi Federation, with sponsorship and support from Microderme Aesthetics Pte Ltd, Crab Lao Song Restaurant, and Shu Yan Restaurant.
A total of 32 Chinese chess enthusiasts participated enthusiastically in the competition. Notably, the tournament reached full registration just one day after the Singapore Chinese Baijiu Association officially announced the registration date. More importantly, the prize money set a new record for Chinese chess tournaments previously held in Singapore.
An opening ceremony was held prior to the competition. Mr Chen Guohui, representative of the Singapore Chinese Baijiu Association, and Mr Huang Xiaohua, Vice President of the Singapore Xiangqi Federation, delivered opening speeches. Chief Arbiter and Secretary-General Mr Chen Maoran read out the competition rules.
▲From left: Mr Chen Guohui, representative of the Singapore Chinese Baijiu Association (left), and Mr Huang Xiaohua, Vice President of the Singapore Xiangqi Federation (right)
▲Chief Arbiter and Secretary-General Mr Chen Maoran (third from left) announcing the rules
The tournament adopted a seven-round Swiss-point system,
taking into account varying skill levels,
so that all players could actively participate.
With the chief arbiter’s announcement of “The match begins,”
the intense and thrilling chess battles officially commenced.
“Once a piece is placed, there is no regret — the outcome is set.”
Every move was a carefully considered decision. On site, players responded with great caution, as each move was crucial to securing victory.
On the compact chessboard, players advanced and retreated with strategy,
learning from one another through friendly competition
and progressing together.
After seven rounds of intense matches,
the Champion, Runner-up, and Third Place winners were determined.
▼▼▼
Champion
Liu Yihao demonstrated outstanding Grade-A rapid chess strength. Although he lost in the final round, he clinched the championship thanks to a higher tiebreak score.
▲ Mr Charles Oon, President of the Singapore Chinese Baijiu Association and Chairman of Singapore China Baijiu Pte Ltd, presenting the Champion’s prize. Congratulations on winning a cash prize of $888 and cash vouchers worth $200
(sponsored by Microderme Aesthetics Pte Ltd, Crab Lao Song Restaurant, and Shu Yan Restaurant)
Runner-up
Grandmaster Lu Guolong advanced steadily throughout the competition, securing second place.
▲Mr Charles Oon presenting the Runner-up’s prize. Congratulations on winning a cash prize of $688 and cash vouchers worth $100
(sponsored by Microderme Aesthetics Pte Ltd, Crab Lao Song Restaurant, and Shu Yan Restaurant)
Runner-up
Grandmaster Lu Guolong advanced steadily throughout the competition, securing second place.
▲Mr Charles Oon presenting the Runner-up’s prize. Congratulations on winning a cash prize of $688 and cash vouchers worth $100
(sponsored by Microderme Aesthetics Pte Ltd, Crab Lao Song Restaurant, and Shu Yan Restaurant)
Third Place
Li Kuimian, a Grade-A player, made a strong comeback and claimed third place.
▲Mr Charles Oon presenting the Third Place prize. Congratulations on winning a cash prize of $488 and cash vouchers worth $100
(sponsored by Microderme Aesthetics Pte Ltd, Crab Lao Song Restaurant, and Shu Yan Restaurant)
▲With sincere thanks to the two professional referees from the Singapore Xiangqi Federation,
Mr Yun Weilong presenting Certificates of Appreciation
With this, the 2018 Inaugural Lion City Wuliangye “Chu–Han Strategy” Chinese Chess Tournament came to a successful conclusion. Chinese chess, rooted in the historic rivalry between Chu and Han, embodies the essence of traditional culture with its long history and profound heritage. It entertains while promoting mental and physical well-being, cultivating both character and intellect.
This tournament aimed to build a platform for Chinese chess enthusiasts in Singapore to exchange skills, learn from one another, and further preserve and promote traditional Chinese culture.
