Iranian FM Mahdavi upsets Abdusattorov as Arjun wins

The much sought-after fourth edition of the Qatar Masters commenced in explosive fashion on Tuesday at Aspire Zone Hall where Iran’s FIDE Master Reza Mahdavi produced an upset win over last year’s losing finalist Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan.The opening round witnessed some exciting mind battles on Tuesday. Top-seeded Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi secured a victory over Mukhammadali Abdurakhmonov. Arjun was the only winner among top 5 seeds in the Qatar field. Iranian grandmaster Parham Maghsoodloo and Mongolia’s Ganzorig Amartuvshin shared the spoils following an intriguing clash.Qatari hopes rest on international master Husain Aziz, who drew his opening match against Chinese grandmaster Zhihang Xu. Other notable performances from Arab players include Egyptian Adham Fawzy’s victory over Emirati Omar Noaman.The hugely popular tournament, which will run until December 12, features a stellar lineup of world-class players from 25 countries. The winner in Doha will get richer $25,000.Over 300 participants, including 50 international masters, are vying for top honors. The Swiss system format, with 9 rounds of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, will determine the ultimate champion.Qatar has a strong history of hosting prestigious chess events, having previously organized the championship in 2014, 2015, and 2023.Mohammed al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), expressed his satisfaction with the tournament’s organization and highlighted the participation of numerous young Qatari players, who will benefit from competing alongside world-class talent. Al-Mudahka said the local organizing committee sprung into action several months ago after the date of the tournament was announced. The QCA chief al-Mudahka appreciated the ‘great efforts of the Ministry of Sports and Youth’ in the build up to the event."We are pleased to welcome all participating delegations and we hope that the current edition will be distinguished in all aspects,” al-Mudahka said. "Our goal is to maintain the top billing of the tournament. The International B tournament is witnessing the participation of many young players from the Qatari national team, and it is undoubtedly an important experience for them and to benefit from their experience of being alongside the elite champions. At last year’s Qatar Masters, 10 women played. This year, 19 women are playing”Laurent Fred, the Chief Arbiter, on Tuesday said the current event is important for Qatari players seeking international exposure."We are happy with the launch of the current edition of the Qatar Open, and without a doubt we are very confident in the success of the tournament. Qatar is organizing a wonderful event, similar to what happened in the previous three versions,” he added.He said the competitions in the coming days are expected to be fierce between the players in light of the keenness of many players to participate in front of an elite group of champions.