Julia Vysotska, Latvian delegate of WFCC), Marjan Kovacevic, WFCC president, with Dr Abdulla Ali Aal Barket and Mohammad Alhallak at the opening ceremony of the 64th World Congress of Chess Composition.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Fujairah Chess and Culture Club will host the 5th Endurance Blitz tournament and the 20th International Solving Contest on January 20–21, 2024.

The groundbreaking chess-solving spectacle will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and in collaboration with the World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC).

The two-day gala at the Novotel Fujairah constitutes two events: a 9-round FIDE-rated Blitz tournament, called the Endurance tournament, on January 20, and the International Solving Contest the next day, on January 21.

Billed as the Fujairah Endurance Chess Solving Championship, the two-day meet offers an impressive prize pool of $35,500, with a groundbreaking allocation where more than half of the prize money will be awarded to the winners of the International Solving Contest. This move establishes an unprecedented benchmark in the history of chess-solving competitions, showcasing the commitment and innovation of the Fujairah Chess and Culture Club.

Chess enthusiasts and participants can anticipate a thrilling and competitive atmosphere as the Fujairah Chess and Culture Club continues to make strides in promoting chess at both the local and international levels.

The upcoming championship in January promises to be a grand celebration of chess-solving prowess, adding another chapter to the club's impressive legacy. Chess enthusiasts and participants alike are eagerly looking forward to this exciting event on the chess calendar.

The International Solving Contest (ISC) stands as a prestigious chess-solving competition, occurring annually on a Sunday at the end of January. This global event is organized under the auspices of the World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC), with the collaboration of its network of local coordinators worldwide. The ISC holds a significant role in promoting and popularizing chess composition and solving on an international scale.

One of the distinguishing features of the ISC is its inclusive nature, welcoming participants of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned experts. This inclusive approach extends to solvers from developing and underdeveloped countries, providing them with a platform to compete with the best in the world. This inclusivity is particularly noteworthy as it allows individuals who might face limitations in participating in events like the World or the European Solving Championship due to various constraints.

By facilitating a simultaneous chess-solving experience across the globe, the ISC contributes to the global chess community's growth and engagement. The competition serves as a bridge, connecting chess enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds and skill levels and fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation for the art of chess composition and problem-solving. Overall, the ISC plays a pivotal role in advancing the international reach and appeal of chess, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide and diverse audience.

The 19th edition of the International Solving Contest (ISC), held last year, underscored its global significance with an impressive participation of 601 solvers from 26 countries. Since its inception in 2005, the ISC has experienced remarkable growth, nearly tripling in size. This trend is expected to continue, fueled in part by the enticing financial incentives provided by the Fujairah Chess and Culture Club. Their commitment to promoting chess composition and solving is likely to attract an even larger and more diverse pool of participants in the upcoming editions of the event.

The Fujairah Chess and Culture Club's dedication to fostering chess extends beyond the ISC. In November 2022, the club hosted the 64th World Congress of Chess Composition (WCCC) and the 45th World Chess Solving Championship (WCSC).

Their active involvement in organizing these prestigious events highlights their significant role in the global chess community. The success of these endeavors is credited to individuals such as Dr. Abdulla Ali Aal Barket, the club president, in addition (WFCC)1st vice president. And IA/IO Mohammad Alhallak (WFCC) Secretary.

Through hosting international events and actively participating in chess-related committees, the Fujairah Chess and Culture Club has firmly established itself as a key player in the promotion and advancement of chess composition and solving on a global scale. Their contributions are not only recognized but also instrumental in shaping the landscape of competitive chess at an international level.