Teenaged Iranian FIDE Master Reza Mahdavi on Wednesday posted his second successive win as he beat Mexico’s Sion Radamantys Galaviz Medina on day two of the at Qatar Masters at Aspire Zone Hall.The 16-year-old Iranian, who tops the rankings after round two, on Tuesday stunned Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan for his first win in Doha. Mahdavi leads a group of 16 players with 2 points after the second round.Top seed Arjun Erigaisi of India shared points against Murtas Kazhgaleyev of Kazakhstan. On Tuesday, Arjun beat Mukhammadali Abdurakhmonov of Uzbekistan. Recently Erigaisi made history by becoming only the second Indian, after the legendary Vishwanathan Anand, and only the 16th in the world to breach the elite 2800 ELO rating barrier.Abdusattorov, ranked 6th in the world, on Wednesday drew with UAE’s Omran al-Hosani, ranked 135th as both picked up half points each.Iranian GM Parham Maghsoodloo and compatriot FIDE Master Artin Ashraf shared points on day two of the tournament being hosted by Qatar Chess Association (QCA). Qatar International Master Husain Aziz on Wednesday lost to Uzbekistan’s Abdimalik Abdisalimov, ranked 35th. Also on Wednesday, UAE’s Grandmaster AR Saleh Salem beat Poland’s Oliwia Kiolbasa. Hamad al-Tamimi, Executive Director of QCA and Tournament Director, expressed his delight after witnessing ‘strong competition’ in what is the fourth edition of the hugely popular FIDE tournament. The event has attracted a star line-up of players, including 50 international masters.Al-Tamimi highlighted several key matches on Wednesday, such as the clash between top-ranked Erigaisi and Kazakh player Kazhgaleyev, as well as the encounter between Egypt’s Adham Fawzi and Russian Andrey Esipenko thrilled those watching live action. "Despite some surprise results, including the loss of world number six Abdusattorov on Tuesday, the tournament has showcased high-level chess,” al-Tamimi said on Wednesday.Al-Tamimi thanked the Ministry of Sports and Youth for their support in organising the event. He also thanked the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their involvement in the chess project in schools, which aims to promote the sport among young people.Meanwhile, Qatari national team player Khaled al-Jumaat, who recently won the Arab Championship, is participating in the International B Championship being staged on the sidelines of the Qatar Masters. Khalid said he anticipates tough competition but is optimistic about his ‘performance’ and hopes ‘to improve his international ranking’.
December 05, 2024 | 12:46 AM