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GM Ma Qun

China

Born on November 09, 1991, in Shandong

Elo std: 2630
Rapid: 2617
Blitz: 2614

GMT: –
MTO: –
 
Biography
Ma Qun is a Chinese chess Grandmaster (GM) born on November 9, 1991, in Shandong, China. Recognized for his strong performances in team events and open tournaments, Ma has established himself as one of China’s notable chess players. Below is a detailed overview of his biography and chess successes.
Ma Qun hails from Shandong Province, a region in eastern China known for its cultural and historical significance, though not specifically a chess powerhouse. Details about his early life and introduction to chess are sparse, but like many Chinese grandmasters, he likely began playing at a young age within China’s growing chess infrastructure, which has flourished since the late 20th century with state support and the influence of players like Xie Jun. Ma’s career trajectory suggests he received formal training through chess academies or clubs, common pathways for Chinese talents aiming for international success.
His rise in the chess world coincided with China’s increasing prominence in global chess, particularly after the country began producing multiple grandmasters and excelling in team competitions. Ma earned his Grandmaster title in 2013, marking his entry into the elite tier of chess players. Beyond his competitive career, little is publicly known about his personal life or pursuits outside chess, as he tends to maintain a low profile compared to some of his more media-savvy peers.
Chess Successes
Ma Qun’s chess career is distinguished by a blend of individual achievements and significant contributions to team events, showcasing his versatility and reliability:
  • Early Achievements: Ma’s talent became evident as he climbed the ranks in Chinese chess circles, though specific junior titles are not widely documented. His breakthrough came with his pursuit of the GM title, which he achieved at age 21.
  • Grandmaster Title: Ma was awarded the Grandmaster title by FIDE in 2013, following the completion of three GM norms and reaching the required 2500 Elo rating. His norms were earned through strong performances in international tournaments, though exact events are not always specified in public records.
  • Asian Nations Cup 2014: One of Ma’s standout achievements came at the Asian Nations Cup in Tabriz, Iran, where he played for the gold-medal-winning Chinese team. On Board 4, he delivered a perfect score of 7/7, winning all seven games and earning an individual gold medal. This performance underscored his ability to perform under pressure in team settings.
  • Hastings International Chess Congress 2013-2014: Ma tied for first place at the 89th Hastings Congress in January 2014, alongside Mikheil Mchedlishvili (the eventual winner on tiebreak), Igor Khenkin, Mark Hebden, Jakhongir Vakhidov, Justin Sarkar, and Jovica Radovanovic. He finished third on countback with a score of 7/9, demonstrating his competitiveness in a strong field.
  • Asian University Chess Championship 2015: Ma won the silver medal at the inaugural Asian University Chess Championship in Beijing, further highlighting his consistency in regional events.
  • New Zealand Open 2016: In January 2016, Ma shared second place with Ju Wenjun and Nigel Short at the New Zealand Open in Devonport, scoring 7/9. This result placed him just behind the winner, Zhao Yuanhe, in a tournament featuring international talent.
  • Sants Open 2016: Later in 2016, Ma triumphed at the International Open of Sants, Hostafrancs, and La Bordeta in Barcelona, winning a playoff after tying for first with 8/10. This victory solidified his reputation in European open tournaments.
  • Chinese Rapid Championship 2019: Ma claimed first place at the 2019 Chinese Rapid Tournament, showcasing his strength in faster time controls and adding a national title to his resume.
Ma Qun’s playing style is characterized by solid preparation and adaptability, excelling in both classical and rapid formats. His perfect score at the 2014 Asian Nations Cup and consistent top finishes in open tournaments reflect his tactical sharpness and resilience. While he has not yet broken into the global super-elite (e.g., 2700+ Elo), his contributions to Chinese chess—particularly in team successes—and his steady tournament record mark him as a reliable and accomplished grandmaster. His participation in events like the 2025 Prague Challengers (where he placed 4th) suggests he remains active and competitive, with potential for further growth.