Abdilkhair, Khuslenzaya in lead after seventh round in world chess

MUSCAT, NOV 9

Kazakhstan’s Abilmansur Abdilkhair, Mongolia’s Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan, Fide’s Aleksandr Martynov and Baldanjantsan Khuslenzaya from Mongolia led their respective categories after the seventh round of World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 in Muscat on Wednesday night.

The tournament will conclude on Friday evening after the ninth and final round with the top positions in various categories revealed.

The tournament is organised by the Oman Chess Committee in collaboration with Fide, taking place from November 2 to 11.

Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, will be the chief guest of the concluding award ceremony at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, attended by several dignitaries, deputies, and ambassadors from participating countries.

The seventh round’s first move was made by Amina Abdullah, Ambassador of Kenya to the Sultanate of Oman, and Her Highness Sayyida Hujaija bint Jaifer al Said.

The competition tables in the seventh round recorded a lot of excitement, suspense, and unexpected surprises in the results. Some players maintained their positions by winning in this round, while the positions of others changed due to losses or draws. The most notable results of the seventh round are as follows:

In the men’s under 2300, the intensity of the competition continued, and Kazakhstan’s Abilmansur Abdilkhair maintained his lead with 6.5 points. In the seventh round, he competed against Spaniard Victor Arce Benito in an exciting game where both players tried to display their strongest tactics, and the match ended in a draw, with the points being shared. Mongolia’s Naranbold Sodbilegt came in second with 5.5 points.

In the men’s under 2000, Mongolia’s Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan stood out remarkably as he took the lead with 7 points, distancing himself from his closest competitors by a margin of 1.5 points. In the seventh round, he faced the young Syrian player Mazen Fandi and managed to defeat him, earning the game points. India’s R Sham came in second.

In the men’s under 1700, Fide player Aleksandr Martynov leads with 7 points. In the seventh round, Martynov secured his seventh consecutive victory by defeating his team-mate Sergei Inyushkin. In second place is Ganbat Danzanjunai from Mongolia with 6.5 points.

In the women’s under 1700, the fierce competition for first place continues. Baldanjantsan Khuslenzaya from Mongolia has reclaimed the lead with 6 points after her victory in an exciting match against her team-mate Bat-Amgalan Anujin in the seventh round. Anujin is second with the same points.

BEST ORGANISATION

Amina Abdullah said: “I am delighted with the participation of Kenyan national team players in this championship hosted by the Sultanate of Oman. We are participating with a total of 14 players, both male and female. I commend the wide participation of players, totalling around 400 players representing 64 countries. This is an achievement for Oman and the organising committee, which managed to attract such large numbers due to the facilitations provided to players, including visa issuance, transportation, accommodation, and other aspects. The good reputation of this country and the beauty of its nature have motivated nations to participate.”

She added: “The organisation of the tournament is excellent, and the Kenyan team and other players feel happy to visit Oman and participate in this championship. I would like to thank the Oman Chess Committee and congratulate them on this work and achievement.”

HH Sayyida Hujaija al Said said: “I am proud of Oman hosting this international championship, confirming the confidence of the International Chess Federation in the country’s capabilities and high organisational skills. Hosting carries sporting, tourist, social, cultural, and economic dimensions, providing the participants with an opportunity to learn about Oman’s culture and convey that to their countries. She also praised the excellent organisation, describing the tournament venue as ideal and stating that the spacious playing hall provides great psychological comfort for competition and focused play.”