GEORGE TOWN, A total of 370 participants from 16 countries are competing in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships (EAYCC) 2024 at a leading hotel here. This is the first time Penang is hosting the annual event from July 12-21. It is organised for young players from the International Chess Federation (FIDE). State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the participating nations included China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Mongolia and Vietnam, with Malaysia sending 74 players. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, also the Tanjung Member of Parliament officiated the tournament, which was also attended by Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) president Akhramsyah Sanusi Junid and Penang Chess Association (PCA) president See Swee Sie. Gooi said the tournament has seven categories each for boys and girls, namely Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18 and Open. Those who finish in the top three positions of the Standard, Rap id and Blitz events will each receive a trophy, medal and e-certificate. "We also have a special award, the PMX Trophy for the best overall performance by a Malaysian. We have received the consent from the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to name it such,' said Gooi. Source: BERNAMA News Agency