China’s Schnappi Krokodil team claimed the top spot at the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship, held in Hong Kong. The tournament, organized by the Hong Kong Chess Federation, Asian Chess Federation, and International Chess Federation (FIDE), featured over 200 players from 20 regions and 34 teams.
Schnappi Krokkodil, led by a lineup of Chinese players Xu Xiangyu, Bai Jinshi, Li Di, Zhao Yuanhe, Zhao Shengxin, Mao Yingzhou and Du Yuxin, secured the championship title and a cash prize of HK$100,000. Their strategic play saw them overcome strong teams from Indonesia, Russia, and other Asian countries.
Indonesia’s Jabar Juara finished second, followed by Russia’s The Formula of Chess in third. Shanghai Chess and Card Sports Management Center, represented by Ju Wenjun, a four-time Women’s World Chess Championship champion and Ni Hua, former world champion and national women’s team head coach, took fourth place. The Red Pseudodragon, an emerging Asian team featuring players from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand, placed fifth after a hard-fought series of matches.
The tournament saw tough competition among many of the world’s top chess players, including over 50 FIDE titleholders. Team Sky, composed of players from Hong Kong and mainland China, won the U1800 division. Hong Kong’s young chess talents, including Lam Chun Yung Samuel, Fan Wenxi, and Poon Pak Yu, aged between 11 and 14, earned individual board awards.
With a USD30,000 prize pool and top players from across Asia, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship has become a key event in the region. China’s performance continues to highlight the nation’s strength in chess on the international stage.
As part of its community outreach, the event partnered with Heep Hong Society and The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education to organize chess workshops and guided tours aimed at introducing students to the sport. Led by expert instructors, the sessions provided a structured introduction to chess for young learners.
The event also featured a “World Champion Meet and Greet” with former Chinese world champion Ni Hua. Participants had the opportunity to interact with and play against the renowned chess master, further enhancing the event’s engagement with the local community.