Former Azerbaijan national champion and coach Grandmaster (GM) Eltaj Safarli kicked off the Dubai Open Chess Tournament with a quick victory against Greek GM Efstratios Grivas in the first round. Safarli, born in Baku like Garry Kasparov, outplayed Grivas in just 30 moves, forcing him to resign after a blunder on move 26. Meanwhile, the tournament’s top-seed Teimour Radjabov was held to a draw by IM Giorgi Sibashvili, despite a significant rating difference.
Other top seeds who secured wins in the tournament include teenage second-seed GM Raunak Sadhwani, sixth-seed GM Velimir Ivić, and 10th-seed S.P. Sethuraman. Sadhwani dismantled FM Reja Neer Manon’s Caro-Kann Defense, Ivić showcased tactical brilliance to defeat WGM Govhar Beydullayeva, and Sethuraman displayed mastery of the London System in his win against Seyed Kian Poormosavi. However, fifth-seed GM Jakhongir Vakhidov suffered a surprising loss to Wang Yanbin, an untitled Chinese player in the endgame.
The Dubai Open Chess Tournament is set to continue with the second round on Sunday at 5pm. The event has attracted top chess players from around the world, with exciting matchups and surprising results already in the early rounds. With strong performances from Safarli, Sadhwani, Ivić, and Sethuraman, the tournament promises to deliver intense competition and strategic battles in the days ahead. Chess enthusiasts can follow the action live and witness the thrilling encounters between top players in the prestigious event.
The Dubai Chess and Culture Club is hosting the tournament, with the support of the UAE Chess Federation and prominent figures in the chess community. Players from different countries are showcasing their skills and competing for top honors in one of the most renowned chess events in the region. As Safarli and other top seeds aim to maintain their winning momentum, spectators can expect clashes of creativity and precision on the chessboard, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the game.
The presence of former champions, rising stars, and experienced coaches adds to the excitement of the Dubai Open Chess Tournament, creating a vibrant atmosphere for players and fans alike. With Safarli’s impressive start and notable results from other top contenders, the competition is expected to intensify as the tournament progresses. As chess enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming rounds, the event promises thrilling encounters, strategic battles, and unforgettable moments on the board. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the Dubai Open Chess Tournament as the world-class competition unfolds.
