350 players to compete in Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship

The eighth edition of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship has achieved a historic milestone, attracting a record-breaking 350 male and female players from 60 countries. This marks the highest number of participants in the tournament’s history, reflecting its growing prestige and global appeal within the international chess community.

The Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship will be held under the patroinage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The championship, organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, will be held from May 16 to 26.

The Organizing Committee of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship has announced the closure of player registration.

Topping the tournament’s rankings is Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the 2021 World Rapid Chess Champion. He was also a member of Uzbekistan’s national team that won the Chess Olympiad and currently holds a FIDE rating of 2771. Abdusattorov previously won the fifth edition of the Sharjah Masters in 2022.

The championship features 156 titled players competing in the main tournament for participants rated above 2500, including 69 Grandmasters and 16 International Masters. In the secondary tournament, designated for players rated below 2500, the field includes 8 Grandmasters, 35 International Masters, and 28 FIDE Masters.

Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee, chaired by Omran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, continues to hold meetings to finalise all organizational, administrative, and logistical arrangements in preparation for the arrival of the international participants. Al Nuaimi expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his continued support of sports and athletes, particularly in the field of chess, and for generous patronage of the tournament.

He affirmed that the committee’s continued efforts are focused on delivering an event that reflects the high standards of the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah, which has consistently excelled in hosting major international events.

“We take pride in our accumulated experience and the dedication of our national professionals,” he added.

He further noted that the tournament enjoys global recognition, with many world champions keen to participate each year.

“We always strive to bring in the best and most competitive players to enhance the tournament’s level, and the technical, administrative, and organizational benefits will undoubtedly be substantial,” he concluded.