MUSCAT: Oman's Hamood al Busaidy upset Fide player Sergey in the fourth round of the 2023 World Amateur Chess Championship in Muscat late on Sunday. With the victory in U-2000 category, Hamood was placed fourth in the overall category rankings with 3.5 points, trailing by 0.5 point from the top positions.
The fourth round commenced with the first move made by Fide President Arkady Dvorkovich.
The World Amateur Chess, organised by the Oman Chess Committee in coordination with the world chess body Fide, saw 194 matches till now featuring the participation of 394 ranked players representing 64 countries. They competed across three distinct categories: 1700, 2000 and 2300, for both men and women.
In the Open U-2300 category, Kazakhstan's Abilmansur shone as he won in the fourth round after a tough match against Maldives' Muhammed Shawaw. The match was distinguished by exceptional intellectual and tactical performance from both sides, but Abilmansur succeeded in securing the match points and emerging victorious. He topped the category with a total of four points.
Mongolia's Aldar was second in the same category with 3.5 points, as his match in the round ended in a draw with his team-mate Naranbold.
In the Open U-2000 category, Fide player Sebastian is leading with four points. He defeated Finland's Esa in the fourth round.
Afterward, Mongolia's Dashtogtokh came with the same point total. Behind them is Sri Lanka's Gamage, with same four points.
In the Open U-1700 category, Mongolia's Batnyam topped the overall standings with four points. This came after he managed to outperform his Indian competitor Anshu KR, in a highly competitive and calm match, securing his lead in the category. Following closely behind, India's Deepak holds the second position with the same score, and Sweden's Imani is also tied for the same points.
In the women's category under 1700, Mongolia's Naranbold topped the standings with four points after her victory over her team-mate Baldanjantsan in a round game. Following closely behind is Mongolia's Bat-Amgalan, also with four points.
The competition for the championship in this category is intensifying after this round.
Fide chief Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his positive impressions during his visit to the World Amateur Championship 2023.
He remarked that the event's venue provided excellent conditions for chess players, with spacious and comfortable facilities and good air quality. He commended the organisers for their dedicated efforts in ensuring top-notch amenities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the remarkable international participation, emphasising the high level of competition and the unique blend of sports and social aspects at the event. Dvorkovich concluded by praising the decision to host the championship in the region, foreseeing it as a positive step to encourage more participation in chess and expressing his excitement for future developments.
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