191 players compete in FAST Int’l Chess Championship

June 28, 2025 / 4:21 PM

Sharjah24: The FAST International Chess Championship has begun at the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club as part of the club’s annual tournament schedule. The event features 191 players representing 15 countries. After the first two rounds, 44 players are tied at the top with two points each. The championship follows a 7-round classical format and runs over three days.

Opening Ceremony Attended

The opening ceremony on the first board was attended by Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, a board member of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, alongside Eng. Fathi Jabr Afana, CEO of FAST Building Contracting, and other distinguished guests.

Continued Community Commitment

Eng. Fathi Afana expressed his pleasure at being present, highlighting FAST Group’s ongoing dedication to supporting sports and community chess initiatives as part of its social responsibility. He emphasised that chess, as a strategic mental sport, plays a vital role in character building, saying, "We are proud to support this championship and strive to help the UAE strengthen its position on the global sports stage."

Partnership Strength Highlighted

He expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, for the successful collaboration. He added, "The partnership between FAST Group and the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club showcases the strong synergy between the private sector and government institutions. It aligns with the leadership’s vision to support sports organisations and encourage all forms of sports across the UAE. This continued partnership has expanded to include tournaments carrying our group’s name, as well as backing major international events organised by the club."

Record Participation Celebrated

Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, board member of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, stated, "This championship has seen record-breaking participation and stands out as a key event on the club’s calendar. It offers many technical, organisational, and administrative advantages. Our main objective is to organise tournaments that enhance the skills of Emirati players, provide them with valuable experience, and boost their international rankings, ultimately supporting the growth of our national teams."