Uptown Mirdiff Ramadan Chess Cup

By UAE Chess Federation

The Ramadan Blitz Tournament was held on Friday, June 16th in Mirdiff Uptown Mall. Such places are not usual venue for the chess events but it must be said that the idea was really interesting. It was great opportunity to show our royal game to wider public and it worked perfectly. Big number of players (138) from 22 countries took part in the tournament and even much bigger number of spectators was observing the games. The top seed on the starting list was Salem Saleh, best UAE player. He played well throughout the event but in the 6th round he lost to Moldavian Viorel Iordachescu. This was Salem's only bad game in the tournament but unfortuantely it was enough to lose the chance for the first place. Finally UAE player was second with 7.5 points out of 9 games. Iordachescu took his chance and scored 8 points winning the first place. The bronze medal went to Uzbekistani Grandmaster Kayumov (7.5 points). The tournament was very well organized by UAE Chess Federation. Hopefully this will be regular event in chess calendar and we will have a chance to meet at the chess table soon!



Dr. Sarhan Al Muaini President of UAE Chess Federation said, “This event will become a catalyst for developing new talent and also provide upcoming juniors a chance to challenge titled players”.

The visitors and chess enthusiast were treated with many grandmaster clash in this event which attracted 136 chess players.

H.E Shiekh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla handed out the medals to the winners during the awarding ceremony. Saud Al Marzouqi, Executive Manager of UAE CF led the organizing team of the event, assisted by Uptown Mirdiff.

Best UAE male player: Othman Moosa

Best UAE female player: Wafia Al Maamari