The fourth edition of the Qatar Masters Open is set to take place from December 2 to December 13 at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Organized by the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), the tournament will feature an impressive lineup of world-renowned players. This event has previously been held in 2014, 2015, and 2023, and this year’s edition promises to be just as exciting.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association, revealed that the tournament will host 100 players from 25 different countries, competing for a total prize pool of $108,000. Registration for the event is closing soon, and top-ranked players such as Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Parham Maghsoodloo, and Dommaraju Gukesh are set to participate.
The tournament will also see the participation of prominent female players such as India’s Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal. Qatar will be represented by Grandmaster Hussein Aziz, while UAE champion Salem Abdulrahman, who was the Best Arab Player in the previous edition, will make his fourth appearance in the tournament. Egyptian player Adham Fawzy has also confirmed his participation.
However, World Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway will not be participating in this year’s event due to scheduling conflicts with other international tournaments. The absence of some top-ranked players can be attributed to the World Championship taking place in Singapore at the same time as the Qatar Masters Open.
Despite the absence of certain players, the Qatar Chess Association is confident that the fourth edition of the Qatar Masters Open will be a success. With a strong lineup of players from around the world, including top-ranked individuals and promising young talents, the tournament is expected to be highly competitive and entertaining for chess enthusiasts and fans alike. The event promises to showcase the diversity and talent within the global chess community.
As the organizing committee finalizes preparations for the tournament, chess enthusiasts and fans can look forward to witnessing some exciting matches and intense competition at Aspire Zone in Doha. The Qatar Masters Open has established itself as a prestigious event on the international chess calendar, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be no exception. With a total prize pool of $108,000, the stakes are high, and players will be vying for the top spot and the chance to claim victory in this highly anticipated chess tournament.
In conclusion, the fourth edition of the Qatar Masters Open is set to bring together a diverse group of players from around the world to compete in a thrilling display of chess skill and strategy. With top-ranked players, up-and-coming talent, and prominent female players in the mix, the tournament promises to be a showcase of the best that the global chess community has to offer. Chess fans can expect exciting matches, intense competition, and a celebration of the game in its purest form at Aspire Zone in Doha.