Moussa creates history by becoming UAE's first GM

Talib Moussa has become the UAE's first ever chess Grandmaster.

Moussa earned the honour while playing in two tournaments in Alushta in Ukraine. He has now surpassed 2,500 points, which is needed to become a GM. Moussa now has 2,526 points.

Moussa is the second player in the GCC to achieve the title of GM. Qatar's Mohammed Modhaki was the first player from the Gulf to become a Grandmaster.

Talking to the Gulf News at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club, Moussa, who has been in splendid form during the last few seasons, said: "It is the dream of every chess player to become a GM and I am very happy at having earned the most coveted title in chess.

"I have been working hard to achieve this glory with my coach Elmar Magerramov.

I have been playing chess for the last 13 years and this was a dream that I nurtured and carried along with me through all these years," said the 25-year-old Moussa.

Throwing light on how he earned the title, Moussa said: "The tournament in Ukraine was a league event, held from May 13 to 22 and May 23 to June 2. It was contested by 15 players.

I tied for the first place in the first tournament with a score of 10.5 points from 15 games to share the top prize.

"In the second tournament I attained the necessary score for the GM title, despite a shaky start." Coach Magerramov attributed Moussa's achievement to his unwavering dedication.

"Moussa is a very mature player. He has worked hard to the top and never hesitates to consult to correct his game."

When asked what has been the secret of Moussa's success, Magerramov said: "It is his ability to hide his weakness. In chess if your weaknesses are visible the opponents will target it. Moussa has been able to hide them intelligently." In the Ukraine, Moussa after winning the first tournament was very tired for the second event.

Though he did not do well, towards the end he stabilised."

Moussa plays regularly at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

"I am a professional player of the Dubai Chess Club and I always strive to improve my game. I also play a lot of internet chess."

Ibrahim Al Bannai, the President of the Arab Chess Federation and the Dubai Chess Club, expressed his delight over Moussa's success. "Moussa has made us proud by becoming the UAE's first Grandmaster.

"We hope to produce many more Grand Masters in UAE soon," said Bannai.

Earlier, Moussa was honoured at a function chaired by Sultan Saqr Al Suweidi, General Secretary, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare.

Moussa stated that the immediate goal was to increase his rating.

"I want to play in as many tournaments as possible. My aim to reach 2,600 Elo points," he concluded.


VITAL INFO

How to become a Grandmaster

The first requirement for becoming a GM is to have a rating of 2500. Once that is achieved the goal is to get 3 GM Norms.

A GM Norm is a symbol saying that you have played at GM level. When you perform well in a strong GM international event , FIDE will look at your opponent's rating and how you performed. Your opponents will many times be rated in the 2600s, higher than the requirement.