The second edition of the Ramadan Blitz Chess Championship starts Thursday in Doha, Qatar, featuring 70 players. Organized by the Qatar Chess Association and the Doha Youth Center, the event aims to promote chess during Ramadan. It offers an internationally rated competition at the Friends of the Environment Center.
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Chess Association and the Doha Youth Center are hosting the second Ramadan Blitz Chess Championship, set to commence on Thursday at 9:00 PM at the Friends of the Environment Center. This edition follows the success of last year's tournament, particularly in participation levels, as noted by Hamad Al-Tamimi, Executive Director of the Qatar Chess Association.
The tournament will see 70 players compete in an internationally rated event designed to elevate chess in Qatar and provide a competitive platform during the holy month of Ramadan. It includes strong participation from internationally rated players, ensuring a high level of competition. The format follows the Swiss system across nine rounds, with a time control of three minutes per player plus two seconds per move.
Participation is open to all age groups holding a FIDE ID. Prizes include awards for the top five finishers, as well as special recognitions for the best male and female Qatari players, and the top Qatari performers in the under-16 and under-12 categories. These incentives aim to encourage local talent and support their development.
Al-Tamimi emphasized the association's commitment to fostering partnerships with various entities in Qatar and organizing multiple tournaments to promote chess culture within the community.