The Qatar national chess team achieved a strong performance at the recent Arab Chess Championship held in Kuwait, securing a total of two gold medals and one bronze. The championship, which concluded this week, saw participation from 87 players representing 18 Arab nations. Qatar’s success highlights the growing strength of chess in the country and its increasing prominence in the regional sporting landscape.
Qatar Dominates at the Arab Chess Championship
Zhu Chen was the standout performer for Qatar, winning gold in both the women’s rapid and blitz competitions. Her victories underscore her skill and dedication to the game. This success comes as Qatar continues to invest in developing its chess program and supporting its athletes.
Women’s Rapid Results
In the women’s rapid event, Chen finished with an impressive 8.5 points out of nine rounds, comfortably ahead of her competitors. Jordan’s Ruba Al Qudah secured the silver medal with 6.5 points, while Wafia Darwish Al Maamari of the UAE took bronze with six points. The competition was fierce, with Bushra Al Shaibi of Jordan and Amani Al Azmi of Kuwait also finishing with six points but being placed lower due to tiebreak scores.
Women’s Blitz and Open Blitz
Chen continued her winning streak in the women’s blitz, achieving a perfect score of 9 points from 9 rounds. Al Qudah once again claimed the silver medal with 7 points, and Algeria’s Lina Nasr earned the bronze with 6.5 points. Meanwhile, in the open blitz competition, Qatar’s International Master Hussein Aziz earned a bronze medal, tying with other players on seven points and ultimately securing his place through tiebreak criteria.
The open rapid event saw Aziz finish 16th with 4.5 points, and Hamad Al Kuwari placed 19th with the same score. These results demonstrate the depth of talent within the Qatari team, even if they didn’t reach the top of the podium in the open categories. The championship provided valuable experience for both players.
Qatar Chess Federation President Mohammed Al Mudahka, who also serves as Vice President of the Arab Chess Federation, emphasized the importance of the championship for fostering collaboration and growth within the Arab chess community. He noted the diverse playing styles encountered by the Qatari team, offering a valuable learning opportunity for all participants. According to Al Mudahka, strong partnerships between national federations are crucial for promoting chess and expanding its reach across all age groups.
Al Mudahka further stated that the Arab Chess Federation is committed to supporting initiatives that develop the game and create a unified environment for excellence. This commitment reflects the ambitions of Arab nations to elevate their standing in the world of chess. The event itself was considered a significant milestone in the development of the sport and the strengthening of relationships between participating countries.
The success of the Qatari team at the Arab Chess Championship is expected to further boost interest in chess within the country. This could lead to increased participation in local tournaments and a greater focus on developing young talent. Relatedly, the event showcased the growing popularity of competitive mind sports in the region. The Qatari team’s performance also highlights the effectiveness of the nation’s sports development programs, which are increasingly focused on niche sports like competitive games.
Looking ahead, the Arab Chess Federation is planning further events to continue promoting the game throughout the region. Details regarding the next championship, including the location and dates, are expected to be announced in the coming months. The federation will likely focus on increasing participation from underrepresented countries and providing more opportunities for young players to compete at the international level. The continued growth of chess in the Arab world will depend on sustained investment and collaboration.
