Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian International Master (IM) Arif Abdul Hafiz won the 2025 Japan Chess Championship in Tokyo after topping the standings with 7.5 points out of nine rounds, the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tokyo confirmed Wednesday (24/9/2025).

“Congratulations to Arif Abdul Hafiz and the Indonesian chess team. This first-ever Japan Chess Championship marks history, and the victory brings pride to Indonesia. KBRI Tokyo will always support Indonesian talents competing in global arenas,” said Muhammad Al Aula, the Head of Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs at KBRI Tokyo, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Arif, rated 2386, sealed his triumph by defeating Japan’s FIDE Master Shou Otsuka (2329), finishing half a point ahead of Armenian Grandmaster Samvel Ter-Sahakyan (2611). With six wins and three draws, Arif also gained 55.6 rating points, pushing his FIDE rating to an estimated 2441 in October, an important step toward achieving Grandmaster norms.

Other Indonesians, GM Susanto Megaranto and CM Michael Owen, placed sixth and 19th, respectively.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)