Sabah Electricity Kaamatan Chess Festival 2026: A Showcase of Talent and Competition in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Hosts Thrilling Sabah Electricity Kaamatan Chess Festival 2026

Kota Kinabalu, May 3, 2026 — The vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu buzzed with excitement as the Sabah Electricity Kaamatan Chess Festival 2026 unfolded from May 1 to 3 at the EPF Building, attracting a remarkable 564 players from Sabah and beyond. This year’s tournament showcased a diverse range of categories, including Open, Under-20 Boys, Under-20 Girls, and team events for both primary and secondary school students, as well as a fast-paced Blitz chess competition.

Jointly organized by Sabah Electricity and the Sabah Chess Association, the festival marked its fourth edition since its inception in 2023. The event not only highlighted local talent but also welcomed international participants, with players hailing from the Philippines, Brunei, and various regions of Sabah.

In his closing remarks, Sabah Chess Association President Muammar Julkarnain expressed his ambition to elevate the tournament to an international level next year. “Our junior players must continue to enhance their skills to compete effectively with participants from outside the State and abroad,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of nurturing local talent.

The tournament was officially opened by Peter @ Awg Damit Mahmud, Deputy Director of EPF Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. He expressed his delight at the strong turnout and reaffirmed EPF’s commitment to maintaining the venue’s facilities at the highest standards. “We are open to collaborations that will enhance the chess experience for all participants,” he stated.

The competition was fierce, with standout performances across all categories. In the Open category, Nelson Villanueva from the Philippines claimed the championship title, followed closely by Kenneth Lo Wei Jun and Muhd Saifullah Al Murishi in second and third place, respectively.

The Under-20 Boys category saw Nor Hadif Nor Azman take home the top prize, while Muhd Haikal Syafwan Hajan and Md. Danish Zaqwan Md. Hadi secured second and third places. In the Under-20 Girls category, Izz Aflah Wardina Hilyadi emerged victorious, with Anis Daniella Jupineh and Ivory Ann Jason Jouil following in her wake.

Team events also showcased impressive talent, with JRR Team winning the Boys’ Primary School Team category and Buayan Branspark Strategist taking the title for the Girls’ Primary School Team. In the secondary school categories, Player Kampungan triumphed in the Boys’ division, while SMK St Paul Beaufort claimed victory in the Girls’ division.

The Blitz category added an extra layer of excitement, with Awang Mohd Syafie Mohd Kifflee seizing the title, followed by Muhd Tirmidzi and Abdul Shukor Arajah in second and third place, respectively.

As the festival concluded, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and camaraderie, leaving participants and organizers alike eager for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better. The Sabah Electricity Kaamatan Chess Festival continues to be a pivotal platform for chess enthusiasts, fostering a love for the game and nurturing the next generation of chess champions.