2026 “Pei Ling Cup” Day 1 Highlights: A Fierce Battle as “Fast Blade” Liu Zongze Edges Out A grade player Ng Yee Hong on Time Pressure
The 2026 “Pei Ling Cup” Lion City Xiangqi Individual Open roared to life on Friday night (January 16). With the first two rounds concluded, the atmosphere at the Singapore Xiangqi General Association is electric as players prepare for a grueling seven-round marathon on Saturday.
Feature Match: The Clock Strikes
The undisputed highlight of Round 2 was the highly anticipated clash between local favourite Ng Yee Hong, fresh off his dominant, near-perfect victory at the recent Braddell Heights Blitz Tournament, and the legendary special guest from China, Liu Zongze, known as the "Fast Blade."
The match began with deep strategic posturing. Ng Yee Hong (Red) employed the flexible Cross-Palace Cannon (过宫炮), while (Black) countered aggressively with the Horizontal Chariot (横车).
It was a tense tactical battle worthy of the occasion. However, as the mid-game transitioned into the endgame, the clock became Ng's toughest opponent. Having consumed much of his time navigating Liu's complex attacks, Ng was under severe time pressure.
In a heart-stopping finale, with less than 10 seconds remaining on his clock, Ng unfortunately blundered in a critical position. The experienced "Fast Blade" immediately seized the opportunity, converting the advantage into a victory. Despite the loss, Ng’s resilient performance under immense pressure against a master of Liu’s caliber was commendable.
Saturday’s Action and Special Seminar
Today, Saturday, January 17, sees the culmination of the tournament with Rounds 3 through 9 taking place throughout the day at the Bishan clubhouse.
Following the conclusion of the tournament and the prize presentation at 7:00 PM, don't miss the highlight of the weekend:
⭐ Special Seminar by Liu Zongze ⭐Time: 8:00 PM tonight Venue: Singapore Xiangqi General Association (Bishan) Liu will dissect the current trends in Chinese Xiangqi, share stories from his legendary career, and analyze key tournament games. Admission is free!
Follow Live
Unable to attend in person? You can follow the rest of the tournament action, including live streaming on the @sixgamedia YouTube channel.
Date and Time: Saturday, 11 October 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM GMT+08:00 Location: Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room, Basement, 1 Empress Pl, Singapore Cost: $10 refundable deposit Registration: Required Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Discover the ancient game of Xiangqi (Chinese chess) with Lim Kwan How, President of the Singapore Xiangqi General Association and Secretary-General of the Asian Xiangqi Federation. In this engaging workshop, you’ll explore the rich history of Xiangqi, learn the basics of the game, and challenge yourself with puzzles to test your wits!
Note: The session will be conducted primarily in Mandarin with some English explanations.
About the Event
Join us for an immersive experience into the world of Xiangqi, a strategic board game with deep cultural roots. Lim Kwan How, a renowned expert, will guide you through:
The history and cultural significance of Xiangqi
Fundamental rules and strategies
Interactive puzzles to sharpen your skills
This workshop is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike who want to connect with the heritage of this timeless game.
About the Singapore Xiangqi General Association
Established in 1934, the Singapore Xiangqi General Association has been a cornerstone in promoting Xiangqi locally and internationally. The Association hosted the Southeast Asian Xiangqi Championship in 1968, which paved the way for the founding of the Asian Xiangqi Federation in 1978. As a founding member, the Association continues to foster enthusiasm for Xiangqi, enhance players’ skills, and promote the game’s global reach.
About Lim Kwan How
Lim Kwan How (林关浩) is a respected figure in the Xiangqi community. As President of the Singapore Xiangqi General Association and Secretary-General of the Asian Xiangqi Federation, he has extensively researched the origins of Xiangqi and authored publications on its history in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Event Details
Category: Arts / Culture, Heritage Classes, Workshops, History Seminars
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room, Basement
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn Xiangqi and connect with its vibrant community! Share this event with friends and join us for an evening of strategy and culture.
