Oman age-group chess championship concludes in Muscat

MUSCAT: The Oman Individual Chess Championship for Age Groups 2026, organised by the Oman Chess Committee, concluded at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher after three days of strong competition and promising performances from young players representing different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

Held from April 9 to 11, the tournament attracted 151 male and female players and was conducted under the Swiss system over seven rounds, with a time control of 45 minutes for each player plus a 30-second increment per move. The format provided a balanced technical test, combining quick decision-making with accuracy and consistency across the rounds.

Winners and organisers pose for a group photo after the conclusion of the tournament.

The championship came to a close under the patronage of Eng Said bin Mohammed al Harthy, Director of Social Investment Programmes, with the final rounds producing intense battles for the top places as several standings were decided only in the closing stages of the competition.

In the under-8 category, Mohammed al Ghafri of Al Amerat Club claimed first place, while Mohammed al Maqbali of Salalah finished second and Salman Najwani of Salalah came third.

In the under-10 category, Sultan al Jabri of Nakhal secured the title, followed by Haitham al Ghafri of Al Amerat in second place and Ahmed al Jabri of Nakhal in third.

One of the champions receives his trophy during the award ceremony of the Oman Individual Chess Championship for Age Groups.

Majd al Riyami of Salalah won the under-12 title, with Yousef al Maawali of Masirah taking second place and Mamoon al Rubaie of Salalah finishing third.

In the under-14 division, Mohammed al Rahbi of Salalah took first place, while Mohammed al Balushi of Masirah came second and Abdulrahman al Jabri of Nakhal finished third.

The under-16 title went to Mohammed al Mahrouqi of Salalah, ahead of Ammar al Hatmi of Salalah in second place, while Shihab al Shibli of Nakhal claimed third.

Strong competition marked the closing rounds of the Oman age-group chess championship.

The final results underlined the strong presence of players from Salalah, Nakhal, Masirah and Al Amerat Club, reflecting the growing reach of the game across Oman and the continued efforts to identify and develop talent from an early age.

Muslim al Wadhahi, member of the Oman Chess Committee, said the championship delivered good technical standards and strong competition across all age categories, noting that the large turnout reflected the steady development of chess in Oman.

Young players show sharp focus during the Oman Individual Chess Championship for Age Groups at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

He said the committee places special importance on age-group competitions as they form the foundation for building future national teams capable of competing at higher levels. He added that such tournaments help sharpen players’ skills, strengthen their competitive experience and reveal more promising talent from across the governorates.

Al Wadhahi also said the Oman Chess Committee remains committed to implementing its plans and programmes aimed at expanding the game’s base and organising more events that contribute to raising technical standards and giving players broader opportunities to gain experience and prove themselves over the board.