Grandmaster Sivuk Vitaly is the defending champion as he last won the previous Johor Open in 2019 is sharing the lead going into the last round with Grandmaster Priasmoro Novendra. Both grandmasters have 6 and a half points after 8 rounds.
In clear 3rd place is Vietnamese GM Nguyen Duc Hoa who has 6 points. Following closely from 4th to 10 place respectively are IM Yeoh Li Tian, IM Harikrishnan A Ra, FM Banh Gia Huy, GM Barsov Alexei, GM Bui Vinh, FM Kurniawan Muhamad Agus and IM Sadikin Irwanto.