Qatar’s Husain Aziz (L) and India’s Arjun Erigaisi (R)
Doha: India’s World No: 4 Arjun Erigaisi leads a stellar field of 300 players as the fourth edition of the Qatar Masters begins at Aspire Zone Hall in Doha today.
The prestigious tournament, organised by the Qatar Chess Association (QCA) and offering a prize pool of $108,000, will continue until December 12.
Speaking at the Torch Hotel yesterday, QCA President Mohammed Al Mudhahka yesterday expressed confidence in hosting another hugely successful tournament, emphasising Aspire Zone’s world-class facilities will play a key role in achieving the same.
“The Federation aims to deliver an exceptional edition of the tournament with outstanding technical levels. We are thrilled to welcome the International Chess Federation, players, coaches, and delegations from around the world,” Al Mudhahka said.
The competition, which follows the Swiss system across nine rounds, has drawn participants from 25 countries, including 43 grandmasters and six female grandmasters.
Top seed Erigaisi leads India’s charge which includes the representation of 110 players in the Doha event, while other notable participants include Uzbekistan defending champion Nodirbek Yakubboev, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov who came second last year.
Iranian grandmasters Parham Maghsoudlou and Amin Tabatabaei will also vie for top honours.
Among the prominent Arab is Qatar’s international grandmaster Husain Aziz who is ranked 104 in the tournament, while top Arab player Salem Abdulrahman of the UAE, ranked 18th, makes his debut appearance in the Qatar Open.
Joining Abdulrahman are compatriots Omar Noman (ranked 108) and Omran Al Hosani (135), Egypt’s Adham Fawzy (39), Mohamed Ezzat (110), David George Samir (132), and Wafaa Hamed (92).
Other Arab participants include Morocco’s Mohamed Tayseer (100), Syria’s Mazen Fandi (128), and Lebanon’s Akram Khedr (136). Running parallel to the main event, the Qatar Masters Open B tournament will feature 153 players from 40 countries, including 13 Arab nations.
Players ranked below 2300 points will compete in the B Tournament under the Swiss system.
With the first move set for 4:00 PM today, organisers are optimistic about delivering a memorable event that highlights Qatar’s presence in global sport once again.
