Private Sector won the Sabah Chess Opening Year 2018 with 74.5 – 49.5 against former winner, Government Sector in the one-day event at the Oceanus Mall on 30th December 2017. This is an annual event organised by Sabah Chess Association and supported by Majlis Sukan Negeri Sabah as an opening year celebration. The event also saw 124 players from around the states attended.
Meanwhile in the Blitz event held at the same day saw Muhd Saifullah Al Murishi crowned as champion with 7 full point. Sulaiman Jamal and Charles Lucas won 2nd and 3rd place respectively. 40 players registered for the 7 rounds event with 3 minutes and 2 seconds time control.