Iranians clinch Open and women's titles

Muscat, Oct 5

Zahmati Sobhan from Iran bagged the Open title in the Asian Amateur Chess Championship with 8.5 points while his team-mate Fooladi Behrooz came in second position with 7.5 points.

In the women's category, Naderina Niki from Iran snatched the title as she achieved eight points while Rouda al Serkal from the UAE came second with 7.5 points. Wijesuriya GPY from Sri Lanka finished in third place with seven points.

The organising committee awarded some special prizes and awards to the best individual players.

Wadeem al Kalbani from UAE was named as the best player in the U-1900 rating while Indian Amulya Guruprasad was awarded the U-1800 rating player. Her team-mate Aditi Arun captured U-1700 rating player award while Layashukurova Altynai from Kyrgyzstan won the best amateur player award (non-ranked player).

Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najar, Minister of Social Development, was the chief guest in the concluding ceremony of the championship in presence of officials and dignitaries. After the conclusion of ninth round, the chief guest presented the trophies to the top winners.

“This is a major successful event in Oman and special thanks for Oman Chess Committee members as they worked hard to organise this Asian event in Muscat. Hosting of these events is a great opportunity for encouragement for all the players, coaches and umpires to show their best level. These events will build up on their experience and will give them better chance to impress at the international level. We are looking forward for Omani players to continue in registering top results in the regional and international events,” the chief guest said.

Hisham al Taher, Secretary-General of Asian Chess Federation, affirmed that this edition of Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Muscat is the best among all the previous editions. “We are very glad with the success of this championship which was held virtually in the previous year before having it in reality this year. This edition of the Asian Amateur chess registered a record in the number of players participated in the tournament from open and women categories.”

“We are working closely with Oman Chess Committee (OCC) since it was established before eight years ago and we are willing to organise some events in the near future,” he added.