Muscat, Jan 16
The Muscat Nights International Chess Championship got off to a strong and competitive start, featuring 270 players from 35 countries, as one of the region’s leading international tournaments listed on the Fide calendar. The championship runs until January 23 and is hosted at Al Amal Club.
The opening round of the championship witnessed highly competitive and challenging encounters, with some matches lasting for long hours before their outcomes were decided whether in the Above 2000 rating category or the Under 2000 category. This came after the completion of all organisational and technical preparations ahead of the official start of the competition.
In the Above 2000 category, Egypt's Adham Kandil claimed a notable victory over Salem al Amri in a match marked by high concentration and effective control of critical moments. The clash between Syria's Mazen and India's Athraf ended in a draw after a balanced struggle. India’s Ayan recorded a deserved win over Yemen's Khaled Walid, while Uzbekistan’s Alisher defeated Indonesia’s Tracy, showing clear tactical superiority. Another Egyptian player, Adham Fawzy, also secured an important win against France’s Yanis, strengthening his bid for a strong overall position.
EXCITEMENT AND PARITY
Competition was equally intense in the Under 2000 category. Amer al Maashani achieved a valuable win over India’s Krishna, while Iran’s Mousavi overcame India’s Anish in a match that saw constant shifts in momentum. Omani players continued to make a positive impact, with Salem al Meshikhi defeating Italy’s Stefano, while the matches between Sudan’s Asim and Rashid al Balushi and between Mohammed al Saeedi and the UAE’s Shemma al Suwaidi, both ended in draws after tactically disciplined performances.
Meanwhile, Chinese player Xiangheng Zhou, currently based in Melbourne, Australia, said his participation in the Muscat championship was driven more by a desire for experience and discovery than by the pursuit of results. He explained that the event provided him with an opportunity to return to competitive chess after a long break, adding that his visit to Oman was primarily motivated by tourism, inspired by positive impressions shared by an Omani schoolmate.
Zhou praised the organisation and venue of the championship, noting that all aspects were running smoothly and to a high standard. He also highlighted the value of competing alongside internationally ranked players, describing the experience as enriching both technically and culturally; and adding that exposure to Arab culture had been a particularly rewarding aspect of his visit.
'IMPORTANT STEP'
Sharjah Cultural Chess Club head coach Hashem bin Khalid al Nuaimi said the club’s participation in the Muscat International Chess Championship is an important step in preparing players for the upcoming 2026 season, praising the high level of organisation and professionalism since the team’s arrival in Oman.
Al Nuaimi described the tournament as a well-rounded international event, featuring Open A, Open B and Blitz competitions, which provide strong technical and competitive value. He noted that Sharjah are competing with eight players from different age groups as part of their seasonal preparation programme.
He added that the championship offers valuable early-season exposure, especially with the participation of International Masters and Grandmasters, giving young players a rare opportunity to gain experience, compete against higher-rated opponents and work towards improving their international ratings.
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