Dubai: The Asian Cities Chess Teams Championship will henceforth have the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) as its sponsor and will now be known as the Dubai Cup, following an agreement signed between the DSC, FIDE, the world governing body for chess, and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF).
FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov signed the agreement at the historic Dubai Museum fort in Bur Dubai on Saturday in the presence of Ebrahim Al Bannai, President, UAE Chess Association, and Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif, Secretary-General, DSC. "This is a historic occasion for chess in the UAE as we sign such an agreement that will benefit the sport, not just in the UAE but in the entire Gulf and Arab region," Dr. Al Sharif told Gulf News.
Befitting venue
"It is befitting to have this agreement signed at the Dubai Museum as this is where our past lies," he added.
"Dubai has always been at the forefront of promoting various sports.
"I am confident that this tournament will further promote the name of Dubai as it brings together top chess-playing cities in Asia," Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif added.
Ilyumzhinov said: "Now with the Dubai Sports Council stepping in to sponsor this event, we hope to raise the profile of this championship."
The last edition of this continental competition was the 17th Asian Cities Team Chess Championship that was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 21 to 29.
The Chinese city of Shi Jiazhuang was the top seed followed by Tagaytay (Philippines), Astana (Kazakhstan), Tehran (Iran) and hosts Jakarta.
The competition historically draws all the chess talent from across Asia.
The tournament in Indonesia boasted a strong field of 18 Grandmasters, two Women Grandmasters and eleven International Masters.
Tournament format
The tournament is normally a nine-round Swiss system with a total prize fund of $24,000 (Dhs 88,000) in cash prizes and the winner will take home the coveted Dubai Cup.
As per the agreement that comes into force from 2013, the Dubai Sports Council shall award monetary support to the Asian Cities Chess Teams Championship (Dubai Cup) along with the commitment to sponsor the cash prizes and trophies for the competition.
