UAE's Al Serkal finishes strong in Norway Chess Open debut
The 15-year-old showed resilience after a difficult start, bouncing back from early losses to defeat Norway's Sigur H. Myny, Italy's Mauro Pivi, and France's Franck Gouanelle in her final three games.
'It was tough to start like that and then mentally recover,' Rouda said of her opening-round loss to Swedish Grand Master Platon Galperin. 'But I knew I had to regroup quickly.'
Her early rounds included two draws and four defeats, including a loss to Spain's Lucia Follana Albelda after a strong start with the Caro-Kann. Despite the setbacks, she made her way to victory.
'Eventually I just found my footing,' she said. 'I stopped overthinking, trusted my training and things began to click.'
Fresh off a strong campaign at the Asian Individual Women's Championship in Al Ain and a productive training block, Al Serkal entered the tournament with confidence.
As the first Emirati woman to compete in the GM category at the event, her performance marks a milestone for UAE chess.
'Ending with three wins felt really special,' Rouda said. 'I'm leaving stronger than I arrived, even if I could have done better.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Gulf Today
New Gunner Gyokeres could debut against Tottenham in Hong Kong
Viktor Gyokeres could make his Arsenal debut in the cauldron of a north London derby this week in front of 50,000 Hong Kong fans, manager Mikel Arteta said on Wednesday. The $67 million Swedish striker came through an open training session at Kai Tak Stadium, where Arsenal will take on Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday in the bitter rivals' first clash outside of the UK. Gyokeres joined up with Arsenal on their Asia tour only three days ago, after signing from Sporting Lisbon, but will get some time on the pitch if the club medical team think he is ready, said Arteta. He is playing fitness catch-up with his new teammates, though, who came through pre-season friendlies in Singapore last week against AC Milan and Newcastle. 'Yes, I understand he's only done today's session and yesterday, very little,' Arteta told reporters. 'We're going to assess tonight how he is, if the medical staff are happy as well with his condition to participate tomorrow night, it's a possibility. 'With the rest of the squad, everybody is OK.' The 27-year-old Gyokeres fired Sporting to the Portuguese championship last season with 39 goals and made global headlines when he netted a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City. The striker, who has chosen to wear the number 14 shirt made famous by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese side. He has joined Arsenal on a five-year deal which could cost the north London club up to $89 million with performance-related add-ons. His arrival took Arsenal's close-season spending to around $267 million. They have also signed defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Christian Norgaard and forward Noni Madueke. Arteta was clearly pleased at the business the club has carried out in the transfer window so far, as he seeks to be the first Arsenal manager to win the Premier League since Arsene Wenger in the 2003/04 season. 'I am extremely happy with the way that we have approached the window and how aggressive we've been,' said Arteta, who has finished runner-up in the Premier League for the past three seasons. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said he was excited to play with his fellow Scandinavian, Gyokeres, calling him 'a very complete' player. 'I think you've all seen what he's done in his career so far, especially the last season at Sporting, and the numbers speak for themselves,' Norwegian international Odegaard said. 'You know, he's physical, strong, fast, good finisher and intelligent as well. 'So I think he's a very complete striker,' said Odegaard. 'Really excited to have him with the team. And he's only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality and the energy and the willingness.' Meanwhile, New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted that a pre-season clash against Arsenal in Hong Kong would be his first 'great challenge' since taking charge and warned it would be 'more than a friendly'. 'It's a great challenge,' the Dane told reporters at 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, which is sold out for the match. 'Besides being our big rivals, and the first North London derby outside the UK, they are also, right now, one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately, in the world,' he said with a smile. 'Against Arsenal it's not only a friendly and we'll do everything we can to win.' Frank took over last month from Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite leading Tottenham to Europa League glory and ending a 17-year trophy drought. Tottenham have signed attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for $74 million, but have been thwarted in efforts to capture Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. Frank said he and the club were 'constantly talking about transfers' but 'that is something I would like to keep private'. 'In general I am happy with the squad. We're aware of where we maybe want to strengthen in general,' he said. Agencies
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
British Showjumping honours Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza for outstanding contribution to sport
30 July 2025 22:10 LONDON (WAM)British Showjumping has awarded Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club, founder and owner of Al Shira'aa Arabians, for her exceptional contribution to the sport of showjumping in the United recognition by British Showjumping celebrates Sheikha Fatima's contributions and her influence in the UK, and highlights the enduring legacy of collaboration and excellence between the UAE and the international showjumping prestigious award was presented at Hickstead, home to one of the sport's most iconic and historic arenas, during the CSIO5 King George V Gold Cup, now part of the Al Shira'aa Tour, with UAE riders Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Abdullah Al and Edward Bunn, Directors of Hickstead, presented the award which was received on behalf of Sheikha Fatima by Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, representative of Sheikha Fatima, and Khaula Al Nuaimi, Head of Protocol for Sheikha a passionate advocate for the development of equestrian sport in the UAE and internationally, Sheikha Fatima extends her efforts to many aspects of the sport as an accomplished breeder with a base in the UK, in addition to her tangible and impactful role in developing Emirati riders and empowering them to compete on the global support also strengthens efforts to enhance British breeding by developing her own stallions, championing the AES studbook, and promoting the education and success of young her continued support and vision, Al Shira'aa has become a driving force in international showjumping, supporting young talent, sponsoring elite-level events, and fostering strong partnerships across the global equestrian community.'It is an honour to be recognised by British Showjumping. Our mission with Al Shira'aa has always been to elevate the sport and support riders in reaching their highest potential, wherever in the world they may be,' said Sheikha Al Shira'aa team delivered outstanding results in the King George V Gold Cup class. Omar Al Marzooqi, riding Enjoy De La Mure, claimed a phenomenal second place with an effortless double clear 0.86s behind the winner, while Abdulla Al Marri, aboard BBS McGreggor, secured a strong sixth place, further underlining the depth of talent within the Al Shira'aa stable. The Al Shira'aa Tour returned to Hickstead for the Al Shira'aa Young Horse Championships, a key fixture in the development of future stars, before heading to Turnier der Sieger, set against the picturesque backdrop of Munster Castle, Germany, for the CSI4* from August 21 - 24.
Sharjah 24
19 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Augmented reality transforms youth sports training
The workshop was presented by trainer Abdulrahman Al Amri, and received great interaction from participants who enjoyed an amazing digital experience that blends sports and technology. Combining entertainment and learning Through these unique workshops, Al Dhaid Club continues its journey of integrating technology with sports, providing training content that inspires participants and contributes to establishing the foundations of creativity and innovation within a comprehensive summer programme that combines entertainment and learning in a safe and stimulating environment for excellence. Introducing concepts of virtual and augmented reality The workshop, which was organised on Tuesday, began by introducing participants to the concepts of virtual and augmented reality and how to employ these modern technologies to develop sports exercises and hone physical and mental skills. Participants used augmented reality glasses to engage in interactive sessions in digital environments that simulate future training and sports arenas. Participants experienced an atmosphere of excitement and discovery, interacting with virtual content in a way that stimulated sensory and visual perception. This unique experience combined learning with enjoyment, and contributed to strengthening their understanding of the difference between the digital and real worlds through purposeful discussions and practical application. Keeping pace with digital transformation The workshop is part of Al Dhaid Club's vision to keep pace with digital transformations in the sports sector and instill the concepts of innovation and technology in the minds of the younger generation. This emphasises the importance of building future capabilities and enhancing national competencies in modern fields. A generation capable of interacting with technological changes For his part, His Excellency Humaid Abdullah Balsadriya Al Khatri, Vice Chairman of Al Dhaid Club's Board of Directors, emphasised that the workshop embodies the club's commitment to preparing a generation capable of interacting with technological changes in a sporting spirit. He noted that adopting augmented reality technologies in training programs is a qualitative step that opens new horizons for Emirati youth to discover their potential in a fun and innovative way. Al Khatri explained that these initiatives come with the support of the Sharjah Sports Council (SSC) and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote the concept of cognitive sports and prepare a conscious generation capable of excelling in the arenas of the future.
