27-02-2025
Hamoud wins Oman Individual Chess Championship
Muscat, Feb 27
The Oman Chess Committee has successfully concluded the Oman Individual Chess Championship for Adults, which saw broad participation from 106 male and female players representing various clubs across the Sultanate of Oman. The tournament featured intense competition over nine rounds, played under the Swiss system.
The championship's awards ceremony was held at Al Amal Club, under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Jumaa al Riyami, Chairman of Nakhal Club, and was attended by members of the Oman Chess Committee (OCC), club representatives and the players' parents, who followed the tournament's proceedings over several days. After the final round, Dr Ahmed al Riyami and Muslim al Wadhahi, OCC member, honoured the top winners by awarding them medals, trophies, certificates of appreciation and cash prizes.
In the final standings, Hamoud al Busaidy from Salalah Club secured first place, accumulating 8 points, which earned him the gold medal, the championship trophy and a cash prize. Salem al Amri from Mirbat Club finished in second place with 7.30 points, claiming the silver medal and a cash prize. Meanwhile, Maneh al Kathiri from Salalah Club came third with 7 points, earning the bronze medal and a cash prize. Mohammed al Riyami, also from Salalah Club, finished in fourth place with 7 points, followed by Said Shamas from Salalah Club, who secured fifth place with the same score. In sixth place, Muslim al Amri from Salalah Club recorded 6.30 points, while Imad al Balushi from Nakhal Club finished in seventh place, also with 6.30 points.
RISING SIGNIFICANCE
The Oman Individual Chess Championship for Adults is one of the most important events on the Oman Chess Committee's agenda, providing players with a valuable opportunity to engage in high-level competitive matches that enhance their skills and experience. The tournament also enables participants to earn international rankings and titles, increasing their competitiveness and strengthening the status of chess in Oman.
Additionally, the tournament highlights the growing interest in chess within the country, with broad participation from various clubs, reflecting the increasing awareness of the intellectual and strategic benefits of the sport. Chess not only sharpens strategic thinking, but also improves concentration and decision-making skills.
At the conclusion of the championship, Muslim al Wadhahi emphasised the importance of continuously supporting outstanding players, nurturing their talents through training camps and international participation, allowing them to compete against the world's best players. He also praised the high level of performance showcased during the championship, reinforcing the technical committee's confidence in the players' ability to achieve honourable results in upcoming regional and international tournaments.
