Asian Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2026

Men & Women 27th to 31st July 2026 ★ Hong Kong

Organised by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited Funded by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government — Leisure and Cultural Services Department

1. Invitation

To: All National Chess Federations in Asian Zones 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 & 3.8

The Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited (HKCCFL) is honored to invite chess players from all member federations of the Asian Chess Federation to participate in the Asian Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships (Men and Women) from 27th (arrival) to 31st July (departure) 2026.

2. Eligibility & Participation

Each Federation from FIDE Zones 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 can register as many players as they wish.

3. Playing Venue

The playing venue shall be at the TWGHs Tungpo in King Fuk St, San Po Kong, Kowloon.

Location on Google Map — https://maps.app.goo.gl/7wEr9MD7mfcEt5f16

4. Participation and Conditions

4.1a) The entry fees of the MEN & WOMEN categories shall be as follows:

• a) Players with international titles GM, IM, WGM and WIM – free entry
• b) FIDE rated players – HK$1,200

Please note: the organizing committee reserves the right to decline entries.

4.1b) Accreditation fees for accompanying persons HKD 200.

Note: Unrated Hong Kong players without FIDE ID need to pay an additional HK$550 for issuing the HKG FIDE ID. Participants from other countries who do not have a FIDE ID need to apply for their FIDE ID at their country's respective federations. A valid FIDE ID is strictly required for participation.

4.2) Interested players can register online at https://asianrbc2026.hkchessevent.com/ and follow the instructions as stated. A confirmation email will be sent to those successful applicants. Foreign entries must make payment on or before 22nd July 2026; those preferring this option must inform the federation in advance by email to [email protected].

Local entries pay direct by FPS or bank transfer (see online form).

4.3) The deadline for registration is 12 noon, 1st July 2026. No more registrations will be accepted after this deadline unless they pay the late surcharge of HKD400.

However, organisers reserve the right to refuse or decline any registrations without giving a reason. NO REFUNDS will be given if any player does not attend the event.

4.4) The list of all participants will be published on our website from 1st June 2026. This acts as confirmation for participation and anyone not on this list will be excluded.

4.5) IMPORTANT NOTICE: Players who did not attend player's meeting at 1:30 pm on 23rd July 2026 shall not be paired.

5. Travel conditions

There are MTR, public buses and mini buses available from all points of Kowloon and Hong Kong to the venue. Taxi fares are quite reasonable. Please allow ample time to reach the playing venue as traffic conditions in Hong Kong are among the busiest in the world. (see 3. Playing Venue for directions)

6. Accommodation

Participants are advised to book early to avoid high walk-in prices prevalent in Hong Kong. Special rates are possible if booked well in advance.

7. Tournament Format

7.1) The tournament will be played using the Swiss System:

• Rapid – 11 rounds
• Blitz – 13 rounds

7.2) Rate of play will be:

• Rapid – 15 minutes for the whole game plus 10 seconds increment starting from move 1
• Blitz – 3 minutes for the whole game plus 2 seconds increment starting from move 1

7.3) The latest rules and regulations of FIDE shall apply.

7.4) The zero-start tolerance rule shall not apply. Expiry of time on the clock is a loss.

7.5) 2 defaults/no shows shall be deemed as withdrawal from the tournament.

7.6) No shows will not be paired for the next round unless they sign a declaration.

8. Playing hall - dress code

8.1) All players must wear smart casual or formal when in the tournament hall.

8.2) All players and audience in the tournament hall must adhere to the rules put forward by the arbiters. Otherwise, they may be asked to leave the tournament hall.

8.3) All forms of electronic equipment are not allowed within the playing hall. Players should not bring them into the playing area. There is a depository at the entrance before the metal detectors, for all electronic devices.

9. Schedule

10. Prizes Money

11. Tiebreak system

11.1) Winners are determined by number of points scored. In case of a tie, the following tie breaks will apply:

a) Direct Encounter (only if all tied players have played each other)

b) Greater number of wins (forfeits counted)

c) Buchholz Cut 1

d) Performance (rating)

e) Drawing of lots or similar method (e.g. 2 game Blitz match)

NOTE: there must be a tiebreak for those with highest points.

11.2) Every prize winner, though eligible for multiple prizes, can only be entitled to 1 cash prize.

12. Technical Delegate, Chief Arbiter and Appeals

12.1) The Asian Chess Federation President will nominate the Technical Delegate, Chief Arbiter, as well as the necessary assistant arbiters and other officials.

12.2) The Chairman of the Appeals Committee shall be nominated by the Asian Chess Federation President in consultation with the organizing federation. The Committee shall be composed of three members and two reserves, all from different Federations, chosen from among the representatives of national federations present.

12.3) Protests must be submitted in writing to the Chairman of the Appeals Committee within fifteen minutes after completion of the relevant playing session. A protest shall be submitted with an accompanying fee of HKD1,500. If the protest is upheld, the protest fee will be returned, otherwise it shall be forfeited to the organizing committee.

12.4) The decision of the Appeals Committee is final, binding and takes effect immediately.

13. Contact information of the Organizing Committee

Website: https://asianrbc2026.hkchessevent.com/

All entries please contact:

• Geoffrey Kao — 📱 +852 96836082 · +86 13818973842
• 📧 [email protected]

Appeals Committee: This shall be declared before the tournament starts. The appeal form will be posted at the venue.

TUNGPO, Hong Kong

Address: No.2, Tsat Po Street, San Po Kong, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon

The TWGHs TungPo Centre is located in San Po Kong, at the junction of Tsat Po Street, Sam Chuk Street, and King Fuk Street. This four-story building spans an area of 10,090 square meters and is strategically positioned in a prime, easily accessible location. It is also integrated with the government's signature project, "Energizing Kowloon East."

TWGHs TungPo aspires to be an iconic hub dedicated to nurturing young people by fostering creativity, innovation, and diverse learning experiences. Its state-of-the-art facilities support youth development through arts and culture, digital and social technology, and sports and healthy living.

To equip young individuals with a global perspective, the centre serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, guidance, and resources with both local and international youth. Regular exchange activities are organized to promote social impact, while various skills training programs help prepare them for lifelong career success.

Designed to provide multiple pathways for youth to lead meaningful lives, the building is thoughtfully customized to empower the next generation with the tools and experiences they need to thrive.