Doha: The 6th round of Katara International Ramadan Open Chess Championship is set to commence on Tuesday until March 15 at the Hall of Building 15 in the Katara Cultural Village.
According to Qatar News Agency, with the participation of 90 male and female players from 22 countries, the competition comprises nine rounds using the Swiss system (60 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move). Commencing at 9:00 p.m., the round will feature the top four players engaging in direct confrontations on the primary tables, while those positioned from fifth to tenth will seek to make a comeback after setbacks in the first four rounds.
Indian player Syed Khidr leads the standings with 4 points, followed by Filipino player, Leola Robinson, with 3.5 points. Indian Ayyappan Balandan also has 3.5 points but trails due to tiebreakers, followed by compatriot Abel Sajan and Filipino Ryan Mendoza. Qatar’s Layan Al Qassabi remains in contention for the title, securing sixth place with 3.5 points, followed by teammate Irfan Mohamed Ferdous in eighth, also with 3.5 points, and Khalid Al Jummat in ninth with 3 points.
In match results, Al Jummat lost to leader Syed Khidr, while Al Qassabi drew with Filipino Ryan Mendoza, with Hamad Al Kuwari drawing with Indian Dhai Vessani, while Ibrahim Al Janahi defeated Indian Harish Kaverasu, Fahad Al Mansoori triumphed over Chinese Wang Yidu, and Khalid Al Yafai beat Mohamed Al Fateh. Rowda Al Qassabi drew with Mohamed Djerbi.
Executive Director of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), Hamad Al Tamimi, highlighted to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the tournament features intense competition between the players, stating that the primary tables showcase an intense showdown between the top six players. Al Tamimi hailed the results achieved by the Qatari teams throughout the first five rounds, emphasizing that QCA is committed to supporting all national players from both genders to upscale their expertise and achieve the best results. He lauded Katara’s efforts in supporting this tournament for many years.
Overall, the tournament is the most renowned one on the QCA’s agenda and is annually held during the holy month of Ramadan, thereby representing a significant catalyst for national teams that include all age groups.