MUSCAT: The World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 competitions are set to commence on Thursday, November 2, and will be hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Oman Chess Committee (OCC), at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher from November 1 to 11. It will feature the participation of 427 players from 64 countries, including 356 male players and 71 female players.
The first round of the championship will begin on November 2 under the auspices of Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
The OCC revealed its readiness from all organisational, technical, and administrative aspects to host the most significant continental event, the World Amateur Chess Championship 2023. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, attended by OCC Chairman Ahmed bin Darwish al Balushi and various media outlets.
Ahmed al Balushi outlined the committee's commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. He emphasised that the initial rounds of the championship will be sponsored by partners and CEOs of sponsoring companies.
The presidents of Arab, Asian and International Chess federations will arrive in Muscat during the tournament, Al Balushi said.
The OCC chief disclosed that an array of special activities and tours have been meticulously designed to allow participants to explore the highlights of the Sultanate of Oman. These initiatives include an international coaching course conducted throughout the championship.
Furthermore, there will be daily activities tailored for schools and children in the morning to attract approximately 100 children daily and promote their interest in chess.
The championship will receive comprehensive coverage, both from local media and through live broadcasts on several official channels, including the International Chess Federation channel. To enhance the coverage and interaction with the championship, a dedicated YouTube channel has been launched. This channel will feature specialised commentators in Arabic and English, as well as technical experts and trainers from various teams to analyse the matches daily and highlight the top boards.
Elaborating on the championship's format, Al Balushi revealed that the tournament will adopt a Swiss system, encompassing 9 rounds, with each player allotted 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment for each move.
In conjunction with the main event, the OCC in cooperation with the Oman School Sports Association, will host the School Chess Festival on November 2. This festival targets more than 1,000 male and female students from first-grade classes representing nine educational directorates in various governorates, including Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi, Dhofar, Al Sharqiyah South, Al Sharqiyah North, Muscat, and Al Batinah North. The festival will be held at the directorate level, aiming to enhance national loyalty while encouraging chess practice for improving developmental and cognitive skills in students, stimulate creative and innovative thinking and promote a different and distinctive way of thinking. The festival in the governorates will include various accompanying events, including face painting, children's favourite performances, visual displays, plays, student shows and diverse competitions, all with the aim of introducing chess in a unique way.
THREE LEVELS
The competitions in the World Amateur Chess Championship are divided into three levels.
In the '1700' rating category, 270 players, including 210 male players, are participating. In the '2000' rating category, 74 players, including 96 male players, are taking part. In the '2300' rating category, 74 players, including 69 male players, will compete. The extensive participation of these numbers of players highlights Oman's reputation in hosting tournaments, and it reflects the wide interest and importance of this global championship.
Through hosting this championship, the OCC aims to enhance the chess community in the country by attracting more players and referees and encouraging new clubs to enter this intellectual and strategic game. They also aim to raise the international ranking of some of their players, contributing to the development and growth of chess in Oman.
The Oman Chess Committee is making every effort to provide a unique experience for participants and the audience and to strengthen its position as a leading global sports destination in the world of chess. The hosting of the championship in Oman is a culmination of the efforts made and reflects the confidence of the International Chess Federation in the capabilities of the OCC to organise and succeed in this global championship.
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