TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The qualification for the 2025 Chess World Cup Zone 3.3 has officially concluded and was closed by the Chairman of the Mongolian Chess Federation, Gombojav Zandanshatar, at the Holiday Inn Ulan Bator, Mongolia, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 18.00 local time.
In the tournament, participants competed for two spots in the Chess World Cup for the men's group (Open Category) and one spot for the women's group. Seven countries participated, including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Mongolia. In this competition, the name of the Indonesian female chess player Shafira Devi Herfesa stood out.
Shafira Devi Herfesa Qualifies for the 2025 Chess World Cup Rounds
After going through 9 rounds, Shafira proved her skills in playing chess by emerging as the best in the competition and securing a seat for the 2025 Chess World Cup in India. In addition, Shafira also received a prize of US$1500.
Shafira is the second Indonesian female chess player to become a champion in the 3.3 Zone Chess World Cup Qualifying event. Previously, WGM Medina Warda Aulia became the 2019 Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Champion.
As reported by Antara, on September 19, 2024, Shafira is a chess player from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Previously, Shafira, born in 2008, won a gold medal at the National Sports Week (PON) Aceh-North Sumatra 2024 after collecting 6.5 points, leading by 2 points from her closest opponent.
Shafira secured six victories and one draw by defeating national chess player Irene K. Sukandar. Additionally, Shafira also won a gold medal at the ASEAN Junior Championship and became the champion of the U-19 Women's National Championship.
A Surprise for Indonesia in International Chess Competitions
The General Chairman of the Indonesian Chess Federation (Percasi), who is also the Chairman of FIDE Zone 3.3, GM Utut Adianto, expressed great pride in Shafira's achievement.
"We are grateful, because we already have the next generation (layer) to strengthen the Red and White team. Mission impossible accomplished. Becoming the Zone champion is extraordinary," said Utut Adianto, in a press release shared by Percasi on May 1, 2025.
In the 2025 Chess World Cup Qualification Zone 3.3, Indonesia sent four male chess players: GM Novendra Priasmoro, IM Yoseph Theofilus Taher, IM Nayaka Budi Darma, and FM Satria Duta Cahaya. Meanwhile, WIM Laysa Latifah and Shafira Devi Harfesa represented the Indonesian women's group.
Of the six players sent, Shafira is without a title with the lowest elo-rating, 1983. However, the chess player from Yogyakarta proved that her perseverance and patience in facing opponents with more experience than her successfully led her to qualify for the 2025 Chess World Cup.
Since the early rounds, 17-year-old Shafira had already caused a major surprise, starting with defeating senior Filipino chess player, WGM Janelle Frayna (2311), in the 54th move of the second round. Ultimately, Shafira defeated the top-ranked Mongolian player in the final round, WGM Munkhzul Turmunkh (2301).
Shafira expressed her joy at her achievement. "I am very happy," said Shafira when contacted by phone.
"This success is surprising and at the same time proud because Shafira, who had slim chances, managed to become a champion and secure a spot in the 2025 Chess World Cup," said Hendry Hendratno, the Manager of the Indonesian Chess Team.
Shafira shared her experience that all tournament opponents were equally tough, so she had to focus and concentrate during practice and matches. Out of 9 rounds, Shafira won 6, drew 2, and lost 1. Her calm demeanor during the games and precision in moving the chess pieces were the keys to her success. Shafira said that she prepared herself through daily practice and prayers.
According to GM Susanto Megaranto and IM Tirta Chandra, her coaches at the National Junior Training, Shafira is a young chess player with strong determination during matches. Shafira's coaches at the National Junior Training, "The Dream Team Reborn," view her as a chess player who always works hard to achieve the targets set by her coaches.
In the competition, the men's group winner was GM Tin Jingyao from Singapore, while the runner-up was the host country's chess player, IM Agibileg Uurtsaikh. Both players are entitled to participate in the 2025 Chess World Cup, held from October to November 2025 in New Delhi, India.
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