Arab junior chess championship begins July 9

The second 2001 NIDO Arab chess championship for children under 10 and 12 will be held in Sharjah from July 9 to 18. The tournament, organised by the UAE Chess Federation and sponsored by NIDO, was announced officially in a press conference held yesterday at the UAE CF premises in Dubai.

Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, the UAE CF board of directors chairman, Hassan Al Attrash, NIDO brand manager and Jamal Al Medffa UAE CF financial manager attended the press meet.

"We are expecting about 40 players from 14 Arab countries to take part in the tournament, however, we will send invitations to the 17 members of the Arab Chess Federation. In the first tournament last year seven countries took part, so we are expecting that figure to be doubled," claimed Al Shamsi.

He said one player from each category would be allowed to represent a country. "The winner of each category will get FIDE Master title from the World Chess Federation (FIDE) plus a computer from NIDO. The championship is approved by both FIDE and the Arab Chess Federation," added Al Shamsi.

He said the main objectives behind organising a tournament in the UAE was to get together the Arab youth in a competitive event and also to develop the standard of chess in the Arab countries for a better future.

Al Shamsi thanked NIDO for their sponsorship for the second year running. "We have an agreement with NIDO to sponsor the tournament for three years, it began last year. The sponsorship by NIDO reflects their interest in supporting the UAE sports and chess in particular."

The UAE CF chairman thanked Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates and the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) President, for the decision of the NOC executive board to award the UAE CF a full voting membership in the NOC. This decision was taken in accordance to UAE's chess achievements in recent years. In 1999 UAE chess won eight medals, including two golds, in the Pan-Arab Games held in Jordan.

Hassan Al Attrash thanked UAE CF for their co-operation in organising the Arab chess championship for the second successive year. "NIDO is one of the leading companies in the UAE, and that's the reason why we're interested in supporting sports and chess in the UAE."

Al Attrash claimed that their company is not looking only to gain financial refunds as much as contributing in developing sports in the UAE through sponsoring such tournaments.

Jamal Al Medffa said that the opening ceremony will be on July 10 in Sharjah, and the closing ceremony on July 18. One round will be played every day from 5pm. On July 12 two rounds, at 10am and 5pm, will be held since Friday is a rest day. Play will resume on Saturday.