Qatari Chess Team Shines at Inaugural Fujairah Championship

Doha, Qatar: The Qatari national chess team is competing in the inaugural Fujairah World Chess Championship, which commenced on August 28 and runs until September 2, 2023, in Abu Dhabi. This significant event has attracted nearly 600 players from 75 countries, showcasing their skills across three main categories.

Categories and Prize Pool

The championship features the **Superstar category**, designed for players rated 2560 and above, which includes 44 top-ranked international players. The second tier, the **Masters Championship**, is for competitors rated above 2200, boasting around 330 participants. Finally, the **Open Championship** caters to players below 2200. A total prize pool of $125,000 will be distributed among the highest achievers.

Representing Qatar in this prestigious event are several notable players, including Grandmaster Hussein Aziz, along with teammates Khaled Al-Jumaat, Hamad Al-Kuwari, Turki Al-Kuwari, Fahad Al-Mansouri, Ibrahim Al-Janahi, Saif Ahmed, Layan Al-Qassabi, and Rawda Al-Qassabi.

Referee and Training Initiatives

In conjunction with the championship, Qatari international referee Sarah Al Mohannadi is participating in the International Fair Play Arbitration Course, which will take place from August 28 to 31. This initiative underscores Qatar’s commitment to maintaining high standards in chess officiating and ethics.

Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association, expressed optimism about the performance of the Qatari team. He highlighted the tournament’s competitive caliber, noting that many participants are ranked among the world’s top 100 players. Al Mudahka praised the extensive preparation of the team and emphasized the importance of this event in raising Qatar’s profile in the international chess community.

He also commended the Fujairah Chess Club for its excellent organization of the event. Matches are being streamed live on the FIDE website and other major platforms, broadening access for fans and followers around the world. Al Mudahka extended his gratitude to Dr. Abdullah Al Barakat, Chairman of the Fujairah Chess Club, for the successful hosting of this championship.

The Fujairah World Chess Championship not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also represents a significant step in promoting chess as a competitive sport in the region. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Qatari team to see how they fare against a backdrop of formidable international competition.