Sharjah Masters Int’l Chess Championship launches 8th edition

Sharjah24: The eighth edition of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship kicked off last night. Organised by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the tournament features 350 male and female players from 60 countries. Among them are 84 internationally titled players. The total prize pool is $75,000.

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.