The Qatar Masters Chess will be back on the calendar in 2023 after a break of eight years. With an $110,000 prize fund, it will likely be one of the strongest open tournaments of the year with reigning five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen leading the field.
Organised by the Qatar Chess Federation (QCF) under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament will take place for the third time from October 10-20. The Qatar Masters Open was first held in 2014 and won by Chinese Grandmaster Yu Yangyi, while Norwegian Carlsen defeated Yangyi in a playoff to win the next edition in 2015. There will be nine rounds with the winner taking home $25,000.
QCF president Mohamed al-Mudahka said that the Qatar Masters is considered one of the most competitive open tournaments in the world as the line-up includes some of the best players in the world. “Everyone witnessed the great success of Qatar in organising the 2022 World Cup for the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East. So other sports will certainly follow the same path of success, and we are discussing various projects besides the Qatar Masters tournament. But for me now this is an extremely important event,” said al-Mudahka, who is also International Director of FIDE.
Carlsen said he was excited to return to Qatar. “I am very happy to play in the Qatar Masters again. This tournament is very important. All means of comfort are available to all the participants, thanks to the wonderful support provided by the organisers. The atmosphere will certainly be fine and the participation is in large numbers and the competitions will be strong. I can’t wait for the start of the tournament and play in it,” the defending champions said.
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