JAPFA Chess Festival 2026 Officially Ends, Khuong Dau and Xeniya Crowned Champions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The JAPFA Chess Festival officially concluded on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Multipurpose Building, Senayan, Jakarta. The “Duel Match” titles went to International Master (IM) Khuong Dau and Women Grand Master (WGM) Xeniya Balabayeva.

Khuong Dau defeated Indonesia’s IM Satria Duta Cahaya with a commanding 8–2 score, while Xeniya overcame WIM Laysa Latifah by the same margin. Xeniya acknowledged the tough resistance from her opponent, noting that her ability to manage time pressure was decisive.

“This wasn’t the hardest match, but it was far from easy. I played better under time pressure, and that helped me collect more points,” she told reporters.

Balabayeva praised Indonesia’s chess tradition, especially among women players, and expressed optimism about the future. “Indonesia has a strong history of senior women players. With tournaments like this, I believe the younger generation will grow stronger,” she said.

In the Open category, Fide Master Fabian Glen Mariano emerged champion despite tying on points with IM Gilbert Elroy Tarigan, who finished second. IM Arif Abdul Hafiz placed third with seven points. Fabian described the competition as more intense than previous editions, with the top standings decided only in the final round.

The festival also showcased promising young talents, particularly in the women’s division, signaling a positive step for Indonesia’s chess regeneration. PB Percasi Deputy Chairman Pandapotan Sinaga emphasized the importance of nurturing these rising stars.

“With these results, we will focus on building their training programs. Our hope is that the young women champions can one day succeed and continue the legacy of players like Laysa,” he said.

Final Rankings – JAPFA Chess Festival 2026

• Open: 1. FM Fabian Glen Mariano, 2. IM Gilbert Elroy Tarigan, 3. IM Arif Abdul Hafiz
• Senior Women: 1. WNM Veronica Jefany Sheryl Kichi Maka, 2. WNM Zilla Altofun Nisa, 3. Nafisah Hanun
• Veteran: 1. FM Johan Gunawan, 2. FM Maksum Firdaus, 3. NM Aris Tls
• U18: 1. Arya Prima, 2. Raja Ferdinand Abraham, 3. Agha Faiz Ramdhani
• U14: 1. AGM Jessen Michael Aiji Pranata, 2. I Kadek Dhanvant Keene Anggaswara, 3. Braveheart
• U10: 1. M. Nabil Muzakki, 2. Rafael Firhot Panjaitan, 3. Paulus Javerson Evangelino Antory
• Girls U18: 1. Danesh Syauqina Putri, 2. Alysha Putri Abdullah, 3. Salsabila
• Girls U14: 1. Chavi Alisha Egbert Dawn, 2. Nazla Haura Sakhi, 3. WNM Intan Berliyyan
• Girls U10: 1. Evelyn Tria Lienora, 2. Hauraa Radhwaa Zhaafira, 3. Bellvania Elysia
• Team: 1. Dinas Lingkungan Hidup DKI Jakarta, 2. PT Graha Duta Bangsa, 3. BTS 207 Jakarta Barat
• Blitz: 1. IM Arif Abdul Hafiz, 2. FM Zacky Dhiaulhaq, 3. IM Yosep Taher.

(Diffa Sephiawardhani)