Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Asian Individual Chess Championships for Men and Women – Masters Section will be held at Danat Al Ain Resort from May 6-16, 2025.
Jointly organised by Al Ain Chess Club and the UAE Chess Federation, under the supervision of both the Asian and International Chess Federations, the event is considered the largest in the history of Asian chess.
Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, stated that hosting the championship in Al Ain reflects the UAE’s position as a leading hub for mind sports, and embodies the leadership’s vision of supporting international intellectual and sports activities.
Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation, Hisham Al Taher, explained that the championship serves as a platform to discover new champions and qualify them for the 2025 World Cup.
Participation will see more than 600 male and female players from 38 Asian countries, and a record 284 players in the Classical Championship, compared to just 142 in the 2022 edition in India.
The men’s section features 178 players — a 93.4 percent increase from previous numbers and the women’s section includes 106 players — an 85.6 percent increase.
The UAE is represented by eight players, most notably Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman, ranked 7th in Asia.
The tournament comprises nine classical rounds, with a special Blitz Championship on 10 May 2025.
The minimum rating requirement is 2,000 for men, 1,800 for women and will see a total prize fund of Dh300,000 ($80,000), awarded in full and tax-free.
Official FIDE ratings as of May 1, 2025 will be used and for the first time, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology will be implemented in chess to ensure fairness in disputed situations.
Al Taher said, “We promise a championship worthy of Asia, filled with excitement, top-tier organisation, and sportsmanship, a true milestone in the history of chess.”
