Kazakhstan, Mongolia players reign supreme at FIDE worlds

MUSCAT: Kazakhstan and Mongolia players dominated the FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 that concluded at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday.

Players from both the countries swept the six titles at stake – Open Under 2300, Under 2000 and Under 1700 in men and women categories.  The tournament showcased intense battles among 389 players representing 64 countries.

In the Open Under 2300 category, Kazakhstan’s Abilmansur Abdilkhair claimed the title with 8 points, dominating the final round against Mongolian player Naranbold Sodbilegt. Indian player Anadkat Kartavya secured the silver, while the bronze went to Egyptian player Marco Fadi (7 points each).

In the Open Under 2000, Mongolia’s Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan emerged victorious, securing gold with 9 points. Indian players R Sham and Velavaa Ragavesh took second and third place with 7.5 and 6.5 points, respectively.

Ganbat Danzanjunai from Mongolia clinched the Open Under 1700 title with 8 points, drawing a crucial match against India’s Deepak Batra. Kyrgyzstan’s Vadim Pak and Medet Dzhaparov took second and third place respectively, both with 7.5 points.

In the women Under 1700 category, Mongolian players dominated the top three positions. Bat-Amgalan Anujin secured the gold with 7.5 points, followed by Tsogdelger Anudari with 7.5 points and Baldanjantsan Khuslenzaya with 7 points.  In the women’s Under 2000, Badamkhand Norovsambuu from Mongolia came first with 6.5 points while Gamage Desandhi from Sri Lanka was second with 5.5 points. Iran’s Nadernia Niki won the bronze with 5 points.

The women’s Under 2300 category saw Bauryzhan Arnash of Kazakhstan clinch the top spot with 5 points, followed by Balandin Naymanova Patricia of Bulgaria with 5 points. Lukina Aleksandra (FIDE) won the bronze with 4.5 points.

The closing ceremony featured a visual presentation highlighting the championship’s nine rounds, showcasing the memorable games.

Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, was the chief guest and awarded winners. He lauded the organising committee’s efforts and recognised the companies and entities that contributed to the championship’s success.

FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan and Oman Chess Committee President Ahmed Al Balushi joined Mahad in honouring the winners and organisers. The closing ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, national chess federations’ officials, and ambassadors from participating countries. The championship saw significant participation from heads of national chess federations in Asia, and FIDE.