Sharjah Masters Chess Championship Kicks Off with 350 Players
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the eighth edition of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship officially began this past Saturday. Organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, the event promises to be a world-class competition featuring 350 players from 60 countries, including 84 highly ranked titled players.
International Players Compete for $75,000 Prize Pool
The competition began with the first round on the top board, attended by prominent sports officials, including Sheikh Dr. Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club. The championship carries a prize purse of $75,000, attracting some of the brightest minds in the chess world. While higher-ranked players largely dominated the first round, there were several surprising outcomes, including a draw between the 2022 World Rapid Chess Champion, Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan, and India’s S.P. Sethuraman. 
Surprising Results and Competitive Spirit in the First Round
The opening round of the Sharjah Masters witnessed intense competition across all categories. In the first tournament, for players rated over 2500, nineteen victories were secured, while 44 games concluded in draws. Meanwhile, in the second tournament for players rated under 2500, 59 wins were recorded, with 23 games ending in draws. The third tournament, which included players rated between 1900 and 1400, saw 49 wins and 12 draws.
UAE’s national team player, Salem Abdulrahman, representing the Sharjah Chess Club, was defeated by China’s Dai Changren, while Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri triumphed over Kazakhstan’s Rinat Jumabayev. The event continues to provide plenty of excitement for chess enthusiasts worldwide.
Sharjah Masters Championship Grows in Popularity
Dr. Saif Salem Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the eighth edition of the Sharjah Masters. He highlighted how the event, which started in 2017 with only 50 participants, has grown exponentially over the years to attract 350 players from 60 countries. The tournament’s professionalism and distinction reflect Sharjah’s dedication to promoting chess on the global stage.
Dr. Lakhreibani emphasized that this event serves as a platform for intellectual competition and creative excellence. The championship allows UAE players to engage with elite grandmasters, enhancing their skills and preparing them for high-level competitions. He also noted that the global broadcast of the event significantly contributes to promoting the UAE and Sharjah as a hub for global chess talent.
Conclusion: A Global Platform for Chess Excellence
The Sharjah Masters Chess Championship continues to evolve as a significant chess event that brings together top-tier players from around the world. The tournament’s strong prize fund and global appeal ensure its place as one of the premier chess competitions. For fans and players alike, the championship offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience world-class competition, making it a must-watch event in the world of chess.
