MUSCAT: The intensity of competition increased at the end of the fifth round of the 2023 World Amateur Chess Championship, organised by the Oman Chess Committee in collaboration with Fide and running until November 11. The round witnessed a strong and exciting competition among players from around the world, with the results determining the overall rankings, and some surprises were recorded during the round.
The fifth round started with the first move made by Aimen Ahmed al Hosni, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, in the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Bausher.
In the women’s under 1700, Mongolia’s Bat-Amgalan Anujin took lead after winning an exciting game against compatriot Naranbold Sodgerelt. Both players sought to win and secure first place in the category, but Bat-Amgalan Anujin managed to achieve victory and earn the match points. As a result, Bat-Amgalan Anujin secured first place with five points in the standings, followed by Naranbold Sodgerelt with four points.
In the men’s under 1700, Aleksandr Martynov of Fide earned a hard-fought victory against UAE’s Humaidan al Zaabi. With the win, Martynov took the lead in the category with five points, followed by Sweden’s Hamed Imani on same points.
In the men’s under 2000, Mongolia’s Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan topped the standings with five points, securing the lead by 0.5 point over his closest competitors. In the fifth round, Amarsaikhan beat Sri Lanka’s Desandhi Dhihansa in a match characterised by high-level tactics. Following him in the standings is Kazakhstan’s Alikhan Khazhatuly with 4.5 points.
In the men’s under 2300, Abilmansur Abdilkhair achieved his fifth victory and took the lead in the standings with five points. In this round, he faced Mongolian competitor Burentegsh Aldar to succeed in a tactical match. India’s Indrajeet Mahindrakar is second with 4.5 points.
Aimen al Hosni said that hosting international events of this kind enhances the global travel market and highlights the Sultanate of Oman’s role in attracting such events. He mentioned that he had witnessed many renowned international figures in this sport, which fills him with pride for having Omani representatives in these global tournaments and contributes to elevating them to this distinguished level.
Al Hosni added that these international events support companies seeking regular participation in such events, noting that all supporting companies aim to shine and spotlight their names in these important international arenas.
Omani player Omar al Harrasi said hosting the World Amateur Chess Championship is a great opportunity for the Omani players to participate and interact with international players. He explained that the participation of more than 80 Omani players would not have been possible if the championship had been held in a location other than Oman, as participating in foreign tournaments is costly and cannot be borne by the Omani Chess Committee’s budget. Therefore, hosting the championship is a golden opportunity for everyone to participate and compete to improve their international ranking.
He added: “It is my first international participation, and I find it a wonderful opportunity to test my classic chess skills and a personal challenge to elevate my level to the next stage by facing professional players and those with international rankings.”
In order to promote chess and enhance its culture, a daily programme for schools and children was initiated in the morning, attracting approximately 100 children daily. This programme includes miniature chess games, face painting, colouring, and several entertainment activities organised by the OCC in collaboration with the Oman School Sports Committee in the Muscat Governorate.
Aimen Ahmed al Hosni, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, makes the first move of Round 5.
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