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(Team Singapore's Chess Players Tin Jingyao and Gong Qianyun. Photo Credit : Singapore Chess Federation) 

 

By Raj Kumar

 

Less than a month ago, 3 fans of Chess donated some $180,000 to the Singapore Chess Federation (SCF). In addition, the Government matched dollar-for-dollar via the One Team Singapore Fund and pledged another $180,000. These funds will be used for youth development programmes, competing overseas etc. (Watch interview below for more info)

It's almost 20 years since Chess made its debut at the regional games. 2003 Hanoi was the very 1st time, and it's now come full circle, with Hanoi the home of the current biennial games! Back in Manila 2019, Singapore scored a historic gold contributed by our Woman Grandmaster Gong Qianyun. And accompanying him to Vietnam,  is our 21 year old debutant and International Master Tin Jingyao.

Sport Singapore, just 2 days prior to the team's departure to Hanoi, sat down with both Qianyun and Jingyao. On a zoom per-taped interview and addressing several topics about the team's preparations, SportSG's Raj Kumar also discussed on the current community chess scene as well as the challenges which our athletes went through during the 2-year period of safe management measures. (See Interview Below)

 

Both Jingyao and Qianyun are currently (as of 12 May) into Round 5 of the Standard Chess event in Hanoi. 

 

The 31st SEA Games is held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 12 to 23 May 2022. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (FacebookInstagramTikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.