MUSCAT: The Oman national chess team is gearing up to compete in the Gulf Rapid Chess Championship, set to take place in Kuwait on December 1 and 2. Hosted by the Kuwait Mind Sports Association and supervised by the International and Asian Chess Federations, the tournament will feature intense competition in the 2200 category for men and the 2000 category for girls.
The Oman Chess Committee looks forward to presenting a commendable performance enabling the Omani players to achieve advanced positions in the first Gulf championship. The tournament adopts a rapid classic system with nine rounds, each lasting 10 minutes, with a three-second increment. The tournament provides an opportunity for Omani players to improve their international rankings and engage in fair competition for championship positions.
Headed by Musallam al Wadahi, the national team comprises 13 players.
Anwar al Issaee will represent the girls' team, while the men's category will see strong participation from Salem al Amri, Hamoud al Busaidy, Fahim al Maqbali, Rashid al Balushi, Manaa al Kathiri, Munaif Bait Saeed, Hamdan al Hanai, Saif al Harasi, Kamal al Hanai, Saeed al Maamari, Mazen al Hanzali and Ali al Maamari.
Around 120 players from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in addition to Iraq and Yemen, are participating in the championship.
Beyond the competition, the event will host the General Assembly of the Gulf Chess Federation, bringing together presidents and representatives of Gulf chess federations.
This championship serves as a valuable opportunity for Omani players to enhance their international rankings, further showcasing the growing prominence of chess in the region.
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