News taken from Jakarta Post (24/06/2007)

JAKARTA: Five members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to jointly hold an ASEAN chess grand prix and regional circuit tournament.

The Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) said in a media release the tournament would take place in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. The decision was made after an ASEAN Chess Confederation meeting in Pattaya, Thailand this week.

“The grand prix will be an open tournament for any player while the circuit will be reserved for invited players only… those who are tipped to win the event or earn high points,” said Percasi executive director Eka Putra Wirya.

The first grand prix will be held in the Philippines in November, and will feature two divisions — one for players with an elo rating above 2100 and another for players with an elo rating below 2100 and non-rated challengers.

The Indonesian leg will be held in Jakarta in January, and will feature three categories — grand masters; international masters; and women’s international masters. — JP