Kazakhstan’s Abilmansur Abdilkhair (Open U-2300 category) and Mongolian players Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan (Open U-2000) and Ganbat Danzanjunai (Open U-1700) claimed the championships in the men’s section as the World Amateur Chess Championships concluded in Muscat on Friday.
In the women’s section, Mongolia’s Bat-Amgalan Anujin was supreme in the U-1700 category, while Kazakhstan’s Bauyrzhan Amash grabbed the U-2300 title.
Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, was the chief guest of the closing ceremony attended by several dignitaries, national chess federations’ officials, and ambassadors from participating countries at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
The tournament was marked by amazing battles throughout all rounds among 389 players representing 64 countries from all over the planet. This diverse line-up of participants added an atmosphere of artistic competition, where the young challenged the old and the old challenged the young in thrilling matches.
The tournament garnered widespread attention, and over the course, it witnessed significant participation from heads of national chess federations in Asia, Fide, and other international entities. Each round commenced with an inaugural move made by one of the distinguished attendees, including HH Sayyida Hujaija bint Jaifer al Said and Fide President Arkady Dvorkovich.
In the men’s U-2300, Abdilkhair delivered exceptional performance throughout the nine rounds, securing the first position with 8 points. In the final round, he faced Mongolia's Naranbold Sodbilegt in a tough match, where Abdilkhair dominated throughout, playing on the king's side, enabling him to win and earn the crucial match point. Following closely in the standings was India's Kartavya Anadkat with 7 points, securing the silver medal, and in third place was Egypt's Marco Fadi with 7 points.
Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan from Mongolia excelled in the U-2000 category, securing victories in all rounds. He particularly shone in the match against Alikhan Khazhatuly from Kazakhstan, a highly challenging encounter for both players. In a game where both players attempted to seize the points, Amarsaikhan ultimately emerged winner, clinching the category title with 9 points. In second place was India’s R Sham with 7.5 points, and the bronze medal was won by another Indian player, Ragavesh Velavaa, with 6.5 points.
In the U-1700 category, Danzanjunai excelled with 8 points. In the decisive confrontation with India’s Batra Deepak in the ninth round, the match was sensitive and challenging. It witnessed exciting clashes on the king's side, and the bishop's side, and high pressure in the centre. The Indian player's attempts to win the match to snatch the category title created intense pressure on Ganbat. The match ended in a draw due to time constraints, securing the title for Ganbat.
In second place was Vadim Pak from Kyrgyzstan with 7.5 points, and in third place - his compatriot Medet Dzhaparov with the same score.
In the women's U-1700, players from Mongolia dominated the top three positions. Anujin claimed the gold medal with 7.5 points after her victory in the ninth round against Wanjiru Kimani from Kenya. In the second position was her team-mate Tsogdelger Anudari with 7.5 points, and the third place was taken by Baldanjantsan Khuslenzaya with 7 points.
In the women’s U-2300, Arnash won the top spot with 5 points. Balandin Naymanova Patricia of Bulgaria came second with 5 points. While Lukina Aleksandra (Fide) won the bronze medal with 4.5 points.
At the closing ceremony, a visual presentation was delivered that encapsulated the days of the championship and its nine rounds, highlighting the most notable games and challenges faced by players in some exciting encounters.
RICH EXPERIENCE
Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain awarded the winners of all categories, as well as organising committee members and honoured the companies and supporting entities that contributed to the success of the championship. Dr Mahad was accompanied by the Fide Executive Director Victor Bologan and Oman Chess Committee Chairman Ahmed al Balushi to honour the winners and organisers.
Dr Mahad stated, "Naturally, there are numerous sports initiatives, and the Sultanate of Oman is capable of hosting global tournaments, whether at the amateur or professional level. The OCC efficiently organised this tournament, with the participation of around 400 players from 64 countries. This is a significant success for the committee and the game itself."
Baowain further said, "Sports is one of the crucial aspects supporting tourism, placing countries on the global tourism map. These games have followers from various continents, and when countries host such tournaments, players and followers begin searching for the hosting country. Consequently, the country's culture, history and civilisation are showcased. Therefore, hosting international tournaments contributes to tourism marketing, and world countries are keen on hosting tournaments to achieve these goals."
OCC chief Ahmed al Balushi, said: "Thanks to the collective efforts of all partners and organisers, we have successfully organised and hosted the tournament, described by participants as a brilliant success. The tournament attracted a large number of players, representing 64 countries, surpassing all previous editions. This greatly motivates us to host major international chess tournaments, and we are already preparing a file to host a world championship, which will be announced upon completion."
Al Balushi said that the tournament achieved many goals and dimensions, including the tourism aspect. Through this tournament, we managed to introduce participants to the history of the Sultanate of Oman and its civilisational achievements.
Al Balushi said the Omani players gained a lot, playing with many ranked players, and some managed to improve their international rankings. One of our players achieved the tenth position in his category, which is a commendable achievement for an Omani player.
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