Neurologist keeps steady nerve to win backgammon contest

A 36-year-old doctor from Syria won Dh50,000 with a trophy after he topped more than 100 players in the inaugural UAE backgammon championship, which ended here on Saturday night.

Dr. Nidal Ahmed Al Kurdy, a neurologist with the Al Jazira Hospital, extended his winning streak to the final rounds where he won all three matches to come out on top.

Nidal, on way to his triumph here, scalped last year's champion Lewis Zako, as the four-day tournament held to mark the UAE National Day and the safe return of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan concluded at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

The Dh95,000 event was organised by the Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Nidal first defeated Luis Zako 25-17 and then won against Nabeel Khaleel 25-7 and Saji Brazi 27-10. Iraqi Zako finished second to win Dh30,000 while Brazi was third and took home Dh10,000.

Nidal along with the other three finalists, will now represent the UAE in the international championship in March. Later at an impressive prize distribution ceremony, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured the winners. In a break from tradition, Nabeel Khaleel, who finished fourth recited a poem on Sheikh Zayed.

Mohammed bin Thaloob, General Secretary of the club, said Sheikh Tahnoon had expressed his desire to start a club to promote backgammon in the UAE. "Sheikh Tahnoon congratulated the winners and said he was happy to see a large number of entrants in the UAE edition of the tournament," bin Thaloob added.

Later in the much-awaited raffle draw for the players, Roger Chidiac walked away with a brand new car and so did Jasim Saeed. Nasar Tameemi, Event Manager said the club will now start preparations for the international event.