Latest news with #InternationalMasters
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
350 players to compete in Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship
The eighth edition of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship has achieved a historic milestone, attracting a record-breaking 350 male and female players from 60 countries. This marks the highest number of participants in the tournament's history, reflecting its growing prestige and global appeal within the international chess community. The Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship will be held under the patroinage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The championship, organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, will be held from May 16 to 26. The Organizing Committee of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship has announced the closure of player registration. Topping the tournament's rankings is Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the 2021 World Rapid Chess Champion. He was also a member of Uzbekistan's national team that won the Chess Olympiad and currently holds a FIDE rating of 2771. Abdusattorov previously won the fifth edition of the Sharjah Masters in 2022. The championship features 156 titled players competing in the main tournament for participants rated above 2500, including 69 Grandmasters and 16 International Masters. In the secondary tournament, designated for players rated below 2500, the field includes 8 Grandmasters, 35 International Masters, and 28 FIDE Masters. Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee, chaired by Omran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, continues to hold meetings to finalise all organizational, administrative, and logistical arrangements in preparation for the arrival of the international participants. Al Nuaimi expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his continued support of sports and athletes, particularly in the field of chess, and for generous patronage of the tournament. He affirmed that the committee's continued efforts are focused on delivering an event that reflects the high standards of the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah, which has consistently excelled in hosting major international events. 'We take pride in our accumulated experience and the dedication of our national professionals,' he added. He further noted that the tournament enjoys global recognition, with many world champions keen to participate each year. 'We always strive to bring in the best and most competitive players to enhance the tournament's level, and the technical, administrative, and organizational benefits will undoubtedly be substantial,' he concluded.
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship set to begin on May 16
The Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club has announced the launch of the 8th edition of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship. The Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship is being organised annually under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 16 to May 26, 2025, attracting over 350 rated players from around the world, including numerous Grandmasters (GMs), International Masters (IMs), and titleholders. In its recent board meeting chaired by Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, the Club's Board of Directors confirmed the formation of the tournament organising committee. Imran Abdullah Al Nuaimi has been appointed as Chairman of the organizing committee, Abdullah Murad as tournament director, and Faisal Al Hammadi as chief arbiter and Head of the Technical Committee. Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi expressed his profound gratitude to Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his unwavering support of sports, especially chess, and his consistent patronage of the event. He emphasized that this prestigious backing places a significant responsibility on the organizers to maintain the championship's growing reputation on the international chess circuit, with Sharjah's name now resonating prominently across the global chess community. He further thanked the Sharjah Sports Council for its ongoing support, highlighting that hosting high-profile tournaments contributes immensely to the technical development of players, the administrative and organizational capacities of officials, and the nurturing of a highly skilled cadre of national arbiters and organizers. Sheikh Dr. Khalid also noted that this edition of the Sharjah Masters has witnessed an unprecedented response, with over 350 registered players to date, including a large number of Grandmasters, International Masters, and past champions. Registration remains open, and the remarkable turnout underscores the tournament's significant status within the FIDE-rated global chess calendar.
Arab Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah to patronize the third annual chess tournament in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: Under the patronage of Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Sabah, Honorary President of the Sea Club, the third annual chess tournament will take place from May 2nd to 3rd at Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Hall, located at the Kuwait Sea Sports Club. The competition will be held in the evening from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with the event concluding on the second day, followed by a closing ceremony to honor the winners and distribute cash prizes totaling approximately $70,000. In a statement to the press, tournament sponsor Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah shared that the tournament has attracted 14 Grandmasters (GMs) and 13 International Masters (IMs). He expressed excitement about the participation of both international players and local talent from Kuwait and other residents, highlighting the opportunity for players to compete alongside world-class champions and refine their skills. Khalaf Al-Azmi, head of the organizing and arbitration committees, emphasized that the tournament is officially recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and follows the Swiss system of nine rounds. He noted that the tournament is one of the premier international chess events, drawing widespread participation from both Kuwait and abroad. Al-Azmi also mentioned that Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah is committed to ensuring the event's success and to furthering Kuwait's dedication to the sport of chess. Al-Azmi concluded by reminding players that registration for the tournament remains open until 9:00 pm next Thursday.
TimesLIVE
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
AB de Villiers leads SA Legends hoping for laughs and some wins
AB de Villiers, vision now fully restored, will lead the South African Legends team at the World Championships of Legends (WCL) in England in July, hoping to be competitive, looking forward to a few laughs and trying to win. De Villiers admitted his enthusiasm for the game was reignited by backyard matches with his sons — where he does more bowling than batting — and then a charity match at SuperSport Park recently against retired players from the Bulls rugby side. He made 100 off 26 balls in that match and by the time the organisers of the WCL called he was happy to add his name to a list of former stars who will participate in England, including Chris Gayle, Brett Lee, Alastair Cook and Shahid Afridi. 'I did a net session before that Bulls game and I enjoyed it so I wanted to get involved and create a competitive team,' said the now 41-year-old De Villiers. WCL Welcomes Kieron Pollard & DJ Bravo to West Indies Champions! The Caribbean flair is back—and it's going to be fire! Don't miss your chance to witness world-class cricketing action this July. @KieronPollard55 @DJBravo47 Book your tickets now: — World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) April 4, 2025 He needed eye surgery last year after battling with an ailment that had been causing him problems in the latter years of his playing days. 'I can definitely see better now,' he joked. 'There is no pressure on us, enjoyment comes first and to sneak a win would be nice.' The WCL, which held its inaugural tournament in the UK last year, is the brainchild of Harshit Tomar, a music producer from India, who said the idea for the tournament came from that country's greatest cricket legend. 'I got the idea during a conversation with Sachin Tendulkar. He said I should look into supporting a legends tournament because there were a lot of people who still wanted to see these great names of the past play.' The WCL differs from the International Masters tournament which took place in March and was won by the Indian team captained by Tendulkar. That tournament is for players aged 40 an over, while the WCL's age limit is 33, with the only stipulation being players who sign up can't be contracted to a national board. The South African WCL team includes Hardus Viljoen, who is still playing domestically, as is Aaron Phangiso and Wayne Parnell, who has just signed on to play for the KwaZulu-Natal-Inland Tuskers next season. Hashim Amla was named on Thursday as the latest addition to the squad. What a day to remember at SuperSport Park! 🥹 Our legends returned to the field, the vibes were unmatched, and the crowd brought the energy! 🙌💙 #TasteOfSSP — Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 13, 2025 Phangiso, 41, who played 21 ODIs and 16 T20 Internationals, didn't hesitate to sign up for the WCL. 'One of the things that motivated me to do this was showing off for my son. He missed out a lot when I was playing [for SA] because he was too young. For him to have an opportunity to see me play with these guys again and to see me play in the green and gold — and I know it's a bit different — for him see me in a jersey that says South Africa, I can't ask for better,' said the left-arm spinner. While Phangiso said yes immediately when called, Chris Morris admitted he was wary and initially answered 'no' when asked to join the team. 'Straight away I said no. In my head, the first thing I thought was, I'm not playing cricket ever again. But once I saw the names involved, I felt I've got to do this,' said Morris, who played four Tests, 42 ODIs and 23 T20Is for the Proteas. 'Most of these teammates are my friends and to go on tour with them again is unbelievable. As a commentator you see a different side of the game — but you wonder, can I still do it? 'Once I got the feeling of who will be there, the teammates I'd have and how the guys were feeling who are going, then the decision was a no-brainer for me.' The T20 tournament, which starts on July 18 and runs until August 2, will be played at four venues including Edgbaston and Headingley. SA Legends AB de Villiers (capt), Richard Levi, Sarel Erwee, Hashim Amla, Dane Vilas, Morne van Wyk, Wayne Parnell, Albie Morkel, Imran Tahir, Chris Morris, JJ Smuts, Aaron Phangiso, Wayne Parnell, Duanne Olivier, Hardus Viljoen.
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First Post
22-04-2025
- Sport
- First Post
'Everybody can beat Magnus Carlsen... he is not a computer: 10-year-old chess prodigy Ivan Kukushkin
Bulgarian chess prodigy Ivan Kukushkin made the bold statement after collecting his second win against an International Master in as many games at the Grenke Chess Freestyle Open, where world No 1 Magnus Carlsen has already been crowned champion with a round to spare. read more Magnus Carlsen sealed his victory at the Grenke Chess Freestyle Open with a round to spare while 10-year-old Ivan Kukushkin punched above his weight to defeat two International Masters. Image credit: Freestyle Chess/Screengrab of YouTube video by Smiling Pawn The 2025 Grenke Chess Freestyle Open got underway just four days after the conclusion of the Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour and enters its final day on Monday. The event has witnessed the participation of some of the biggest names in the chess world, from world No 1 and Paris Grand Slam winner Magnus Carlsen to Weissenhaus champion Vincent Keymer and runner-up Fabiano Caruana. Watch | Carlsen forces opponent to remove wrist watch before match at Grenke Chess Open Advertisement World No 4 Arjun Erigaisi, who had finished fifth in the French capital on Freestyle debut earlier this month, is also among those in action. As is controversial American Grandmaster Hans Niemann, who finally showed up for a Freestyle Chess event after abruptly withdrawing from the Paris Grand Slam without offering an explanation. Among the players in action at the event which is being hosted in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a 10-year-old chess prodigy Ivan Kukushkin who has a FIDE rating of 2030 and defeated a couple of International Masters – Germany's Georg Seul and Canada's Shiyam Thavandiran, in consecutive games at that. The Bulgarian had even pointed out an illegal rook move during his game against Thavandiran and had a wholesome reaction after defeating his higher-ranked opponent. Watch: 'I can beat Magnus', says 10-year-old prodigy And after his victory over Thavandiran in the fifth round of the event, young Ivan told ChessBase India that he was eyeing the top spot in the tournament, which to no one's suprise would eventually go to Carlsen with a round to spare on Sunday. 'Yeah, I know,' Kukushkin said when host Sagar Shah pointed out that Carlsen was also among those in action at the Grenke Open. 'I can beat Magnus. Everybody can beat Magnus. Magnus is the best in the world but he is not a computer. He can make mistakes,' the 10-year-old added, before pointing out a 'bad move' by Carlsen in his third-round meeting with Swedish GM Nils Grandelius. Advertisement Also Read | Meet 11-year-old Faustino Oro - nicknamed the 'Messi of Chess' Carlsen isn't by any means unbeatable, having lost his semi-final meeting against Keymer in the Weissenhaus Grand Slam and also suffering a defeat against Erigaisi in the round-robin stage in Paris. At the Grenke Chess Open, though, Carlsen has had a perfect campaign by winning all eight games so far. And on Monday, he will be looking to make an emphatic statement by complete a perfect 9.0.
