Latest news with #KjellMadland
Khaleej Times
02-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Rouda AlSerkal scores a hat trick at Norway Chess Open
Rouda AlSerkal may have suffered a few heartbreaking defeats, but the 15-year-old UAE chess prodigy bounced back with exhilarating performances to finish her maiden Norway Chess Open campaign in style at Stavanger. The first Woman Grandmaster from the UAE, Rouda showed maturity that belied her young age, ending the tournament with a hat trick of wins after losing her first game to Swedish Grandmaster Platon Galperin. In one of the most challenging events, the teenager suffered three more losses and managed two draws in the next rounds before finding her feet as she finished the event with a flourish. A former world youth champion, Rouda registered her first win of the tournament against Sigur H. Myny of Norway before winning back-to-back games against Mauro Pivi of Italy and France's Franck Gouanelle. Three wins, two draws and four losses may not sound like a great tournament for an experienced campaigner. But for Rouda, an emerging talent, this was an experience that would help her add more weapons to her game. 'It was a learning experience more than anything else,' Rouda said. 'And I'm proud I stayed with it. Ending with three wins felt really special – I feel like I'm still leaving stronger than I arrived although I could have done much better.' Kjell Madland, Tournament founder, showered Rouda with high praise for her courageous performance. 'It is exactly the kind of story that reinforces Norway Chess as a truly global platform,' Madland said. 'To have young talents like Rouda travel all the way from the UAE to compete at this level adds richness and reach to what we're building here in Stavanger.'
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Chess: UAE star Rouda Alserkal makes history in Norway
Rising UAE star Rouda Alserkal made history on Tuesday by making her debut at the Norway Chess Open tournament. The 15-year-old, who became the UAE's first Women Grand Master (WGM) early this year, marked a new era for Emirati female chess players with her maiden appearance at the prestigious Norwegian chess tournament. Rouda put up a spirited display against her Ukrainian opponent Platon Galperin on Tuesday, but her efforts were not enough as Galperin recorded a 1-0 victory. 'It is sad not to start with a win,' Rouda said. 'But it was also incredibly valuable. Playing at this level is intense, and I know I'll grow from this.' While winning and losing is part of the sport, Rouda's participation in the high-profile event will give her invaluable experience as she looks to improve her game. 'It's been an incredible journey for me so far – one tournament at a time, learning from every game and gradually improving,' she said. 'Playing at an event like Norway Chess, alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, is a great experience. It shows how far I've come, and how much more there is to learn and achieve.' Rouda had already put the UAE on the world chess map by becoming the youngest player to earn the Women Grand Master title. 'She's breaking barriers that we didn't even know existed,' said Kjell Madland, Founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. 'For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category at one of the world's top tournaments—it's inspirational. The significance of Rouda's journey stretches beyond sport.' Madland also felt Rouda's success will inspire more Emirati girls to chase their dreams in life. 'I am confident her courage and skill are paving the way for a new generation of Emirati girls who now see a future for themselves on the international stage — not just in chess, but in any field they choose,' Madland said. Rouda is now expected to face more top-level opponents in the next rounds. 'I'm just getting started,' she said. 'It's an honour to be here, and I'm going to fight hard every game.'
