Sharjah24: Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, stated that the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship proves its worth and superiority in the world year after year, owing to the growth it represents and the number and categories of participants, which include some of the best players in the world.

Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council and Chairman of the Emirates Bridge Committee, Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, officially opened the third round of the Fifth International Chess Masters Championship, which is organised by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club and patronised by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and will run until May 30.

Eighty male and female players from 48 countries compete for the tournament prizes totalling $60,000.