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Gulf Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Giri wins Sharjah Masters Chess Championship
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports of the UAE, attended the closing ceremony of the 8th Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship. Organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the tournament featured 350 players from 60 countries. Dr. Falasi emphasized that the championship underscores the UAE's prominent position in the global sports arena, particularly in chess, a game that combines intellect, strategy, and talent. He stated, 'This tournament has solidified its status as a global platform attracting world champions and offering emerging talents the opportunity to gain experience and learn diverse playing styles at the highest levels.' He added, 'The significant participation and exceptional organization reflect the commitment of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club and the Sharjah Sports Council to advancing the sport and reinforcing Sharjah's role as an international hub for chess. The fruitful collaboration between various governmental and private entities contributed to delivering an outstanding edition by all standards.' He commended all efforts behind the tournament's success, affirming that the Ministry of Sports prioritizes supporting initiatives that enhance the UAE's stature in hosting global championships and preparing a generation of local champions capable of excelling internationally. The closing ceremony and awards presentation were attended by Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club and President of the Arab Chess Federation; Taryam Matar Taryam, President of the UAE Chess Federation; Essa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; and numerous sports figures. The event also featured the announcement of the winners of the Arab Chess Federation's Translation and Composition Award and the honoring of the award's jury committee. Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri clinched the Masters title after securing 7 points out of 9 rounds, marking the first time a European player has won the championship. Serbian Grandmaster Aleksandar Indjic and top-seeded Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov both scored 6.5 points, with Indjic taking second place and Abdusattorov finishing third on tiebreaks. Winners of the B and C categories were also honored during the ceremony. Sheikh Dr. Khalid expressed profound gratitude to Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his unwavering support of sports and athletes, and for his patronage of the championship. He also thanked Dr. Falasi for attending the closing ceremony, as well as Hazami and Taryam Matar Taryam for their continuous support of the clubs. He affirmed that the championship achieved numerous gains on technical, administrative, and organizational levels, attributing the professional organization to the dedicated efforts of the working team. The tournament left a significant impact on participating players, including those who secured top positions and those who attained international titles. Hazami noted, 'The championship showcased high-level performances and recorded unprecedented participation, with players from 60 countries, underscoring its global reputation. We take pride in organizing a tournament of such professional caliber and extend our gratitude to the club's management, led by Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi, and the organizing committee. Importantly, each edition of the championship reveals new talents and heralds the emergence of future stars.'
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Masters Chess C'ship off to perfect start
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the eighth edition of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship made perfect start on Saturday. Organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, the tournament features participation of 350 players from 60 countries, including 84 titled players with high international rankings. The championship carries a prize pruse of $75,000. The first round commenced on the top board in the presence of Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club and President of the Arab Chess Federation; Dr. Saif Salem Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation; Omran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Mohammed Al Mudhahka, President of the Qatar Chess Federation and Vice President of the Arab Chess Federation; Hussein Al Shamsi, former Secretary-General of the UAE Chess Federation; along with several prominent sports officials. While the higher-ranked players largely asserted their dominance, the first round also witnessed several surprising outcomes. Nineteen players secured victories, while 44 games concluded in draws. Among the notable outcomes was the draw between top seed Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan, 2022 World Rapid Chess Champion, and India's S.P. Sethuraman on the first board. Iran's Parham Maghsoodloo, third seed and former World Junior Champion, drew with Indian player Aditya Mittal on the third board. UAE national team player and Sharjah Club representative Salem Abdulrahman was defeated by China's Dai Changren, while Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, the second seed, claimed a win over Kazakhstan's Rinat Jumabayev on the second board. In the second tournament, for players rated under 2500, 59 competitors recorded wins in the opening round, while 23 games ended in draws. In the third tournament, featuring players rated between 1900 and 1400, there were 49 wins and 12 draws. Dr. Saif Salem Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the commencement of the eighth edition of the championship, which began in 2017 with just 50 participants and has grown steadily over the years to reach 350 players from 60 nations in the current edition. He remarked, 'The championship remains highly competitive and open to various outcomes. Sharjah has consistently demonstrated excellence in organizing this event with professionalism and distinction. The UAE Chess Federation remains committed to elevating the status of chess within the country, and this tournament serves as a global platform for intellectual competition and creative excellence among participants.' He further added, 'The presence of elite grandmasters across the various categories offers an invaluable opportunity for UAE players to engage, learn, and develop their skills, enhancing their capacity to compete at the highest levels.' He concluded by saying, 'The championship also contributes significantly to promoting the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah, not only through the participation of players from 60 nationalities but also through the global broadcast of the event. The generous prize fund has undoubtedly played a role in attracting top players, thereby elevating the tournament's global standing.'
Sharjah 24
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Masters Int'l Chess Championship launches 8th edition
Distinguished Attendance Recorded Present at the opening round on the top board were Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club (SCCC) and President of the Arab Chess Federation, Dr. Saif Salem Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation, Imran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Tournament Organising Committee, Mohammed Al-Mudhahka, President of the Qatar Chess Federation and Vice President of the Arab Chess Federation, former Chess Federation Secretary-General Hussein Al Shamsi, and other notable sports figures. Second and Third Round In the second round (Under 2500 rating), 59 players won in the first round, while 23 matches ended in draws. In the third round, featuring players rated between 1900 and 1400, 49 matches ended in wins, and 12 concluded with draws. Remarkable Growth Highlighted Dr. Saif Salem Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi expressed his happiness with the launch of the tournament's eighth edition, which started in 2017 with only 50 players. The event has grown significantly and now attracts players from around the world, with 350 participants representing 60 countries this year. Open Competition Anticipated Al Nuaimi added that the championship remains highly competitive and unpredictable. Sharjah continues to organise this international event with high professionalism. He emphasised the UAE Chess Federation's ongoing efforts to elevate the status of chess nationwide. The tournament has become a global platform for intellectual competition, creativity, and thrilling challenges. Valuable Exposure Opportunity He further noted that the presence of grandmasters across tournament categories provides UAE players with valuable opportunities to gain experience, enhance intellectual engagement, and develop their competitive edge. This exposure supports their journey toward podium finishes at global events. Additionally, the tournament promotes the UAE by hosting players from diverse nationalities. He credited the tournament's large prize fund for attracting elite players, giving the event significant momentum.
Gulf Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Stage set for 8th Sharjah Chess Masters C'ship
The prestigious 8th Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship is set to take place from Saturday to May 26. To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, this highly anticipated event once again positions Sharjah as a key global hub for competitive chess. This year's championship will feature a remarkable turnout of 350 players representing 60 countries, highlighting the event's strong international appeal and diverse competitive field. Participants range from rising stars and national champions to seasoned grandmasters, all competing for top honors and valuable FIDE rating points. Sheikh Dr. Khaled bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club and President of the Arab Chess Federation, emphasized the tournament's significant global importance, particularly as it is officially accredited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). He noted that participants earn valuable points toward qualification for the Chess World Cup, which has greatly encouraged player participation. The registration process saw exceptionally high demand. He added, 'Initially, we expected around 260 players to participate, but due to the overwhelming turnout, we increased the number of participants. Even so, the waiting list remains very large. The presence of numerous titled players in the tournament enhances its competitive level and elevates its international prestige.' The top seed is World No. 6, GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov. He is joined by fellow 2700+ rated grandmasters GM Anish Giri and GM Parham Maghsoodloo. The field also includes fifteen players rated above 2600, such as GM Sam Sevian, GM Amin Tabatabaei, European champion GM Aleksandar Indjic, local favorite GM Salem Saleh, GM Leon Luke Mendonca, and GM Niko Theodorou. Rounding out the lineup are another 60 highly skilled and promising players, including GM Zhu Jiner—who recently dominated the FIDE Women's Grand Prix—rising star IM Faustino Oro, US prodigy GM Andy Woodward, and last year's Sharjah Challengers champion, IM Divya Deshmukh. Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman, a member of the UAE national chess team and a player for the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, will lead the UAE contingent in the tournament, which will see full participation from the national team. Among them are Woman Grandmaster Rouda Al Serkal, Arab Champion and player for the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club and the national team, as well as Omar Nouman, Omran Al Hosani, Ibrahim Sultan, and several other national team members. Additionally, a large number of players from chess clubs across the UAE will take part in the event. The organizing committee of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship, also increased in the prize fund for the tournament's eighth edition. This year's edition will feature a total prize pool of $75,000. Tournament Director Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi explained that the prize increase was prompted by the introduction of three competitive divisions: the main event for players rated above 2500, a second division for those rated below 2500, and a third division for players rated around 1400. Ensuring fairness and smooth conduct throughout the championship is a panel of 15 internationally accredited arbiters, led by FIDE official Faisal Al Hammadi in his role as Head Arbiter. He will be supported by Deputy Arbiter Salman Al Taher, both renowned for their expertise and dedication to upholding the highest standards of chess officiating.
