The Peninsula
Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, continues its collaboration with Qatar Chess Association (QCA) in the second edition of Stay Home Online Chess Tournament held over the weekend. This is part of AAB’s CSR initiative to promote strategic thinking in the community as well as develop the community through sports.
Following the success of the first edition, the second edition was held to sustain the chess community’s awareness on the importance of social distancing measures while at the same time connecting chess players around the world. More than 2,000 participants consisting 48 Grandmasters (GM) and renowned International Masters (IM), FIDE Masters (FM) and Women GMs, CMs and IMs came together from all over the world.
Raja Harshit (India) secured first place; Sanal Vahap (Turkey) came second while Matthias Bluebaum (Germany) came third. Rauf Mamedov (Azerbaijan) secured fourth place; Andrew Tang (USA) came fifth and Shyngys Kyzy, Aizharkyn (Kyrgyzstan) got Best Female prize.
First place winner, 18-year old Raja Harshit from Pune is racing his way towards becoming India’s next Grandmaster. Meanwhile, aside from the over-all winners, top three resident players were also recognised.
Abdulrahim Al Mahyo (Syria) won Best Resident first prize, Pimentel Eugene (Philippines) won Best Resident second prize and Loyola Rolenson (Philippines) won Best Resident third Prize.
Mohammed Al Sayed won Best Qatari (Male) prize, Kholoud Al Khulaifi won Best Qatari (Female) prize, Ali Al Saadi won Best Qatari (U20) prize, Abdullah Al Homaid Best Qatari (U14) while Layan Al Qassabi Best Qatari (U12) prize.
The third edition of Stay Home Online Chess Tournament in collaboration with QCA will be held on April 24, 2020. To register, interested participants should visit the social media platform such as Instagram and Facebook of both QCA and AAB Qatar.
Stay Home Online Chess is not merely a tournament but also a statement that we all contribute to the flattening of the curve by finding ways to become creative and more productive as we observe and maintain social distancing. It is a tribute to the frontliners in the battle against the spread of coronavirus which includes not only the medical and healthcare practitioners, the providers of basic needs amongst others, but more importantly those who stay at home and support the government’s effort of flattening the curve during its fight against coronavirus.