Z-Corp hosts first Zubair International U-16 Classic Chess Championship

Sports Monday 24/February/2020 17:50 PM
By: Times News Service
Z-Corp hosts first Zubair International U-16 Classic Chess Championship

Muscat: The Zubair Corporation LLC (Z-Corp) backed first edition of the Zubair International Classic under-16 Chess Championship concluded on a successful note with the participation of players from six countries. The championship, organised by the Omani Chess Committee with the support of Z-Corp, was held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher from January 3 to 8 under the patronage of Ziyad M Al Zubair, Director of The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp).

About 60 players from six countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia. Qatar, Yemen, India, Pakistan participated in this tournament. 23 international-ranked players led by Indian national Aubrey Armstrong with a rating of 1551, Omani player Hamoud Al Busaidi with a rating of 1453 and Qatar's Irfan Mohammed with a rating of 1255 competed in the competition. The international tournament was open to players of all nationalities in the U-16 category and was held as per the regulations and laws of the International Chess Federation Classic. The competition followed the principles of the Swiss System and each category had to play nine rounds of chess at 60 minutes plus 30 seconds per move.
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Ziyad Al Zubair, Director of The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) said, “We are encouraged by the enthusiastic response received by the first edition of Zubair International Classic under-16 Classic Chess Championship. This event is very important because it represents the culmination of serious efforts to bring top international chess players together in Oman. These kinds of championship will expose local talents to the calibre of experienced global-level players. We want to get more youngsters involved in the game and want to help new players improve their strategy to compete in championship outside the country.”

Z-Corp is pleased to support the goals of the Oman Olympic Committee in supporting sports associations such as Oman Chess Committee. The group is proud of what it has achieved during the last many years. Since their establishments the Zubair Chess Centres have proficiently trained students. The centres have made a meticulous effort to provide dedicated chess training and expert guidance to help aspiring chess players to reach great heights. Through adept training and tournaments held throughout Oman Z-Corp is pleased to have contributed significantly to the development of chess.

Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee said, “We aim to encourage emerging players and raise their technical levels, especially in the junior category, which has witnessed strong progress at the local level. Participating in such tournaments will prepare them for global platforms. These championships will prepare them to participate in the Asian Amateur Championship to be hosted by Oman next year. We want Omani players to obtain international titles. The Zubair Corporations’ decision to support us and establish training centres across Oman has provided a platform for aspiring chess champions to train and continue improving their game. We thank them for their support to organise this international championship.”

As a private sector player, Z-Corp is keen on realising a long-term strategy aimed at providing support for the youth to invest their energies positively in the world of sports. The group has been constantly supporting and engaging with clubs and associations which focus on young talent, while developing and strengthening local communities at the same time.