Chess Competition 2.0 Concludes: Yao Zhigao Wins the Championship

(Miri, 8th) The Miri Xiangqi Association held the “2025 Xiangqi Challenge 2.0” at Fuli Hua Chaxiang, Miri. This challenge limited participation to just 8 players, on a first-come-first-served basis. This time, the participants were Li Guo'an, Lai Yunlai, Xie Jiayou, Chen Zhenye, Huang Zhihao, Lin Shiqiang, Yao Zhigao, and Qiu Dekai; the oldest was 62 years old, and the youngest was 12.
This is the second time the Miri Xiangqi Association has organized such a challenge, with the primary aim to promote and elevate the local Xiangqi (Chinese chess) skills in Miri, foster friendship among enthusiasts, and bring more energy to the association. The association's president, Huang Xinzhuang, stated that this year they have organized three tournaments in total, including two large-scale challenge matches. This style of challenge only allows 8 players per session so everyone can learn from and interact with each other more closely.

Secretary-General Huang Yixi also mentioned that the association will continue to organize more competitions in hopes of attracting more Xiangqi enthusiasts to take part. The association also plans to hold a Group A challenge match next year, divided into Group A and Group B. In these challenge matches, 8 players are split into Group A and Group B for round-robin play. The top two of each group advance to cross-group semi-finals, with the winners then meeting in the final. Players who reach the finals will not be eligible to participate in the next Group B challenge.
The association's president, Huang Xinzhuang, also thanked Fuli Hua Chaxiang for providing the venue sponsorship, which ensured the event ran smoothly. In addition, the association welcomes anyone interested in sponsoring venues for future events to contact Secretary Huang Yixi at 016-8664155 for discussion.
The results of the 2025 Xiangqi Challenge 2.0 are as follows:
Champion: Yao Zhigao
Runner-up: Xie Jiayou
Third Place: Li Guo'an & Huang Zhihao