MUSCAT: The fight for the medals began to shape up after the sixth round of the 2023 World Amateur Chess Championship, organised by the Oman Chess Committee in cooperation with Fide, from November 2 to 11.
The top of the standings has been clarified to some extent, but with three challenging rounds remaining, nothing has been decided yet.
The ceremonial first move of Round 6 was made by Ahmed bin Mohammed al Hamidi, Mayor of Muscat, at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The highlights of the sixth round’s results are as follows:
Kazakhstan’s Abilmansur Abdilkhair still leads the under-2300 category thanks to a sixth consecutive win, this time against India’s Indrajeet Mahindrakar, in a game that lasted over three hours. Abdilkhair enjoys a perfect 6 out of 6 score, while Victor Arce Benito from Spain is in second place with one point less.
In the under-2000 category, Mongolia’s Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan succeeded in beating R Sham from India in a closely contested fight and is the sole leader with 6 points, one point ahead of the closest pursuer, Indora Punit (India).
Aleksandr Martynov is the sole and flawless leader of the under-1700 category, after defeating his main rival for the top spot, Hamed Imani Lasaki (Sweden), in an intense fight. This win maintained Martynov’s 100 per cent score (6 points) and kept him ahead of the pack, which is led by the Mongolia’s Ganbat Danzanjunai with 5.5 points.
Finally, in the women’s under-1700 category, Mongolian Bat-Amgalan Anujin won a remarkable tactical clash against Binoj Shybi, thus earning her sixth win and entrenching herself in first place in the standings, one point ahead of her teammate Baldanjantsan Khuslenzaya.
Chief guest Ahmed al Hamidi expressed his great satisfaction with the level of organisation and hosting of the world chess tournament.
He emphasised the importance of this tournament and its positive impact on promoting the Sultanate of Oman and boosting the players’ confidence. He also expressed the municipality’s continuous support for chess and the addition of new facilities in the city.
Al Hamidi praised the efforts of the organising team and emphasised that hosting a world-class tournament at this level enhances Oman’s s reputation and attracts players from around the world. He also highlighted the significance of the municipality’s support for sports events.
He also commended the tourist programme prepared by the organising committee for players and participants, stating that it plays an essential role in introducing Oman, its history, culture, and important natural and tourist sites. Sports serve as a significant gateway for tourism promotion, and hosting tournaments of this magnitude contributes to enhancing this aspect.
He concluded by expressing their desire to host more chess events and promote the game in Oman, emphasising the important role of sports in promoting tourism and introducing the country’s history and culture.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Hamidi, Mayor of Muscat, makes the ceremonial first move of Round 6.
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