Latest news with #SharjahCulturalChessClub
Observer
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Emad wins Bronze at Sharjah chess masters
MUSCAT: The Oman national chess team player Emad bin Said al Balushi has achieved a new milestone for Oman chess by winning the bronze medal in C category (allocated for players rated under 1900) of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship. The tournament was organised recently by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club. The event saw broad international participation, with 111 male and female players from 26 countries, representing some of the most promising names in the sport. The competition was held over nine rounds using the Swiss system. Al Balushi managed to secure third place on the podium among a competitive field of players from top-tier chess schools. The Oman Chess Committee stated that this achievement reflects the growing level of Omani players on the international stage and aligns with its goals to refine young talents through international exposure, helping improve international rankings and strengthen Oman's presence in global chess tournaments. Emad al Balushi during the competition Emad al Balushi expressed great joy at his accomplishment, saying "It was a very tough tournament, and I faced players from countries with long-standing chess traditions. There was a lot of pressure in the final rounds, but I focused on each match individually, stayed calm, and i was able to achieve positive results. This medal means a lot to me, and I consider it an important step in my sports career." Al Balushi added "I thank the Oman Chess Committee for their continuous support. I hope we get more opportunities to participate in international tournaments, as they help us grow and gain new experiences. My next ambition is to reach a 2000 international rating and compete for medals in even stronger tournaments." The Oman Chess Committee continues to support national talents through ongoing development plans, which include training camps, technical programs in cooperation with international coaches, and participation in both local and international rated tournaments. These efforts aim to prepare a new generation capable of representing the Sultanate in major competitions, in line with the goals of Oman's Vision 2040 for sports development.
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE's Salem climbs to second place at Sharjah Masters Chess Championship
The eighth edition of the Sharjah International Masters Chess Championship, organised by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will conclude on Sunday. The tournament has drawn significant global attention, bringing together 350 players from 60 countries, making it one of the most diverse and competitive events on the international chess calendar. Participants include a wide range of titled players — from grandmasters and international masters to emerging young talents — all vying for top honors in a highly charged and professional atmosphere. As the tournament approaches its conclusion, anticipation is building for the closing ceremony and awards presentation, which will take place immediately after the final round. Salem Abdulrahman, a player of UAE national team and member of the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, delivered a brilliant performance to secure a crucial victory that has propelled him to joint second place in the standings. Abdulrahman defeated Serbian Grandmaster Aleksandar Indjic in a tightly contested encounter, bringing his total score to 5 points and closing in on the tournament leader. The top of the leaderboard remains in the hands of Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, who continues to lead with 5.5 points following a strategic draw against Uzbekistan's top seed, Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Their match, played on the top board, was a highlight of the round — a tense battle between two elite competitors. Abdusattorov, the reigning World Rapid Champion and widely regarded as one of the top favorites to win the tournament, experienced a slight stumble in his campaign as he was held to a draw by Dutch Grandmaster Giri in a closely contested match on the top board. As a result, the Uzbek prodigy now finds himself in a five-way tie for second place with 5 points, joining a group of highly skilled and ambitious players all pushing hard for the top spot. Among those sharing second place is Abdulrahman. Also in that group is Shant Sargsyan of Armenia, who demonstrated remarkable form and composure in defeating Russian Grandmaster Ivan Zemliansky. Sargsyan's aggressive yet controlled style has made him one of the standout performers of the tournament so far, and his win was a clear signal of his intent to challenge for the title. Serbia's Velimir Ivic is another player in the mix, having continued his steady climb up the standings with a confident and technically sound victory over Chinese Grandmaster Dai Changren. Rounding out the group is Indjic, who despite his recent loss to Abdulrahman, remains firmly in contention thanks to his earlier string of strong performances. Daniel Norman, General Manager of Centro Sharjah Hotel, one of the tournament sponsors and the official hotel, along with Majd Qablan, Sales Manager, and Eli Abdo, Revenue Manager, attended the opening of the round on the first board. Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, Tournament Director, was also present. Additionally, Taryam Matar Taryam, President of the UAE Chess Federation, graced the event. During his visit, Taryam praised the tournament's achievements across all levels, particularly the technical progress made by players from various clubs, including national team members. He highlighted the invaluable experience gained through competing against diverse international playing styles and noted that hosting such prestigious events locally reduces the need for costly external training camps. He extended his gratitude to the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club's Board of Directors, led by Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, and the tournament organizing committee for their tireless efforts in delivering a highly professional and successful event. Taryam highlighted the rising prominence of chess in the UAE's sporting scene, pointing to the growing number of international tournaments hosted each year and the impressive participation of titled players as clear indicators of the game's expanding influence. Norman expressed his pleasure in supporting the tournament and opening the round, emphasizing that the presence of such a large and diverse group of players from around the world underscores the event's strength and global reach. He expressed pride in Centro Sharjah's role as an official sponsor and pledged continued support for the club's future chess events.
Sharjah 24
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Salem Abdulrahman closes in on Sharjah Chess Masters Title
Championship nears exciting conclusion The eighth edition of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship is set to conclude tomorrow evening. The tournament is organised by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This year's edition features 350 players from 60 countries, making it one of the region's most competitive chess events. Salem shines in sixth round Salem Abdulrahman impressed in the sixth round by defeating Serbian player Aleksandar Indžić, elevating his total score to 5 points. This puts him just half a point behind the current leader, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, who has 5.5 points after drawing with top-seeded Uzbek player Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Tightly contested leaderboard Salem shares second place with several top players, including Armenian Grandmaster Shant Sargsyan, Serbians Aleksandar Indžić and Velimir Ivic, and Uzbekistani star Abdusattorov. The tournament remains highly competitive as it enters its final stage. Tournament draws VIP attendance The sixth round drew attention from tournament sponsor representatives from Centro Sharjah Hotel and notable officials including Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, the tournament director. His Excellency Taryam Matar Taryam, President of the UAE Chess Federation, also attended, highlighting the event's national significance.
Sharjah 24
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
‘Sharjah Chess Masters' sees 9 players lead after round 3
First time This is the first time the championship has seen a player earn this title, after Mamedov achieved the final "norm" following the third round. Mamedov opened his campaign with a valuable victory in the first round over Ukrainian International Grandmaster Ihor Eduardovych Samunenkov. He drew in the second round against American Samuel Sevyan, and despite losing to Hungarian Adam Kozak, he still secured the title of International Grandmaster. Tournament lead The championship lead changed hands after the third round, with nine players competing for the lead with 2.5 points each. They were India's Visakh, Serbia's Aleksandar Indžić, Greece's Nikolas Theodorou, China's Dai Changren, the Netherlands' Anish Giri, Hungary's Adam Kozak, Belarus' Mihail Nikitenko, Uzbekistan's Ortik Nigmatov, and Russia's Ivan Zemlyansky. Twenty-three players were tied with two points each. Competitions The first table saw a draw between Indian Visakh and Serbian Alexander. This was repeated at the second table between Chinese Dai Changren and Iranian Parham Maghsoudlou. The first win came at the third table, with Dutchman Gerry winning the round against Indian Pranov Anand. At the fifth table, Salem Abdulrahman, a player for our national team and Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, drew with Chinese player Zhou Jiner. The round featured 20 draws. A distinguished attendance The opening ceremony at the first table was attended by Hisham Ali Al Taher, Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation; Faisal Khalid Al Nabooda, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Sharjah Cooperative Society; and Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, Tournament Director. Najla Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Girls Chess and Culture Club; and Faisal Al Hammadi, Head of the Technical and Referee Committee, inaugurated the third tournament for the 1900–1400 category.
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.
