Fourth World Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships begins in Al Ain

Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, inaugurated the fourth edition of the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.

The competitions will continue in Al Ain until November 7.

Organised by Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club in cooperation with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the UAE Chess Federation, the championships is held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The event brings together 185 male and female players representing 40 countries, competing for four world titles.

The opening ceremony, held at Danat Al Ain Resort, featured welcome speeches and the symbolic first move on the two main boards.

It was attended by Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, Bernard Wanjala, President of the African Chess Confederation; Jose Antonio Carrillo, President of the American Chess Confederation; Hisham Al Taher, Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation; Holkar Taherjonova, President of the Central Asian Zone; and Ozgur Solakoglu, FIDE Technical Delegate.

Javier Ochoa, FIDE Honorary Vice President and President of the Spanish Chess Federation, delivered the address on behalf of FIDE, wishing all participants success in what promises to be a highly competitive championship.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa said the UAE continues, under its wise leadership, to strengthen its prominent international position as a host for major global events, while empowering Emirati men and women with competitive skills that enable them to raise the UAE flag at international sporting events.

He also expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region, for his continued support for sporting events and for strengthening Al Ain's position as a distinguished destination for hosting and organising various events.

He further thanked Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for sponsoring the championship and providing all the necessary requirements for its success and excellence.

Sheikh Sultan noted that the event coincides with Al Ain's selection as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026, offering visiting delegations and championship guests an opportunity to explore the city's heritage, landmarks and rich cultural and historical legacy.

In the Open category, five players share the lead with a perfect score of three points after securing three consecutive victories.

They are Russia's Artem Oskov, India's Pranav and Praneeth Vuppala, Kazakhstan's Satbek Akhmedinov, and Russia's Artem Stribuk.

In the Girls' category, three players share the lead with a maximum of three points each: Kazakhstan's Zarina Nurgaliyeva, Russia's Valeria Klimenova and Uzbekistan's Umida Omonova.

They are followed half a point behind by the Netherlands' Eline Roebers, Belarus' Alexandra Tarasenka, and Russia's Marina Kuznetsova and Margarita Bendik, setting the stage for exciting encounters in the upcoming rounds.

A total of 45 male and female players from the UAE are participating in the event.

Among the UAE participants, Hamad Issa Al Balushi and Hussein Ali Al Hammadi have each scored two points in the Open category, while Rawda Al Serkal has earned 1.5 points in the Girls' competition.

The Rapid Chess Championship will continue until November 4, featuring nine rounds. The Blitz Chess Championship will follow on November 5 and 6, with the four world titles still up for grabs.

This championship marks the third world-level event hosted by Al Ain and organised by the club. Previous events include the World Cities Chess Championship for the Sheikh Zayed Cup in 2012 and the World Youth Chess Championships in 2013.

The club has also hosted several major continental events, including the Asian Club Champions League in 2008 and 2016, the Asian Youth Chess Championships in 2007 and 2023, the Asian Individual Chess Championship for the Masters category in 2015 and 2025, and the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in 2024.

Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club continues to pursue its vision of becoming a "global community sports institution" by combining the hosting of major international events with competing for championship titles.

Among its most notable achievements are winning the Asian Club Champions League in 2008 and the World Rapid Team Chess Championship in 2024.