MUSCAT: In a thrilling display of strategic prowess and skill, Yemen’s Abdullah al Qadimi emerged winner of the inaugural preparatory tournament leading up to the World Amateur Chess Championship, which will be hosted by Oman in November.
The preparatory tournament, which followed the classic chess system of 7 rounds lasting 60 minutes each, witnessed intense competition with an additional 10 seconds granted for each move. Over 100 local players, as well as participants from various countries residing in the Sultanate of Oman, showcased their strategic acumen in the training halls of the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Bausher from September 21 to 23.
Shortly following the final round of competitions, international referee Ruqaya bint Abdullah al Balushiyah, crowned the deserving winners. Abdullah al Qadimi, hailing from Yemen, secured the first place after accumulating six points. Bansi Ashraf from India claimed the second spot, also accumulating six points. The podium was completed by Medhat Magdy from Egypt in third place and Banuj Shui from India in fourth place.
Emerson Nabon clinched the fifth spot, while Oman player Hamoud al Busaidy achieved the sixth position with five and a half points. Saeed al Maamari, another Oman national team player, came in seventh place with five and a half points, followed by Ali al Maamari in eighth place with five points.
Notably, the tournament witnessed an impressive turnout of more than 40 national players from Oman, including prominent figures such as Mohammad al Saeedi, Mohammad al Amri, Ahmed al Rahbi, Hamoud al Busaidy, Mana al Kathiri, Muslim al Amri, Amin al Ansi, Rashid al Jabri, and Salim al Amri.
The national team players, Anat al Issaya, Rawan al Balushi, Kawthar al Maamari, Hour al Shukaili, Al Anoud al Ghafri, and Youmna al Nadabi, also showcased their skills and participated fervently in the tournament.
The preparatory tournament served as a vital platform for fostering fair competition among players, elevating the technical prowess of national team players, and striving for advanced positions in the international classification. The event also facilitated invaluable opportunities for interaction, experience gathering, and practical implementation of the training received under the guidance of the team’s technical staff.
The ultimate objective is to enhance the players’ capabilities and prepare them effectively to represent the Sultanate of Oman in the upcoming World Amateur Championship. The Oman Chess Committee is dedicated to involving the largest possible number of Omani players to empower them in securing enhanced international classifications and titles.
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