2 days ago
M'sia's top Xiang Qi players gather in Kuching for Cat City Cup national championship
Wee (third left) and Wong (fourth right) move the chess piece to symbolically open the event, while (from left) Liew, Tan, Ting, Jee, Wang and Chen look on. – Photo by Aileen Yap
KUCHING (Aug 7): Thirty of Malaysia's top Xiang Qi players have gathered in the state capital for the 23rd edition of the 'Cat City Cup' National Xiang Qi Master Championship and Cultural Exchange Series 2025.
The tournament kicked off following the first round of competition at the Imperial Hotel here today.
Officiating the event, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng praised the tournament's enduring legacy as a reflection of cultural pride and intellectual tradition.
'This tournament has stood the test of time for over two decades.
'It reflects the deep cultural significance of Xiang Qi (Chinese chess) and the commitment of our city to promoting and preserving traditional arts,' he said during the opening ceremony.
Wee highlighted that Xiang Qi is more than a battle of intellect — it also embodies mindset, strategy, and cultural refinement.
'It teaches us the importance of thinking ahead, knowing when to advance or retreat, and planning with foresight.
'These very principles resonate deeply with how we approach city governance and urban development.
'In shaping a better city, we too must strategise holistically, proceed steadily, and face challenges with calm and wisdom,' he said.
Sarawak Xiang Qi Association president Ting Chung Yii echoed this sentiment, describing Xiang Qi as a vessel of Chinese heritage and philosophy.
'Xiang Qi carries the wisdom of embodies strategy, perseverance, and moral character.
'The board may be small, but the ideas it contains are vast, reflecting the very essence of life's challenges,' Ting said.
(From left) Ting, Wee and Wong observe a match between two players. – Photo by Aileen Yap
Ting also emphasised the importance of the tournament's traditional Commander Ceremony, which marks the official start of the event and symbolises honour and responsibility for all participants.
'It reminds us that the true chess king is not only a victor in the game, but also a guardian of chess ethics and sportsmanship,' he said.
As host, the Sarawak Xiang Qi Association reaffirmed its commitment to a fair, professional, and culturally enriching tournament experience.
Ting expressed hope that the event would inspire more young people in Sarawak to take up Xiang Qi.
'We hope this national platform will encourage more youth in Sarawak to take up Xiang Qi.
'Promoting and developing local talent remains a core mission for our association,' he added.
Also present were Kuching Xiang Qi Association Jee Xin, Samarahan Xiang Qi Association chairman Chen Ling Wei, China Grand Master of Xiang Qi Wang Bin, Sarawak Xiang Qi Association chairman Thomas Wong, Samarahan Xiang Qi Association president Liew Sin Hua, and Chief Judge Tan Koong Hean. Cat City Cup Chinese chess Kuching Xiang Qi
