A few of the zonal chess championships have come and gone, with champions emerging from various African zones (zone 4.1, zone 4.2, and zone 4.5).
Owing to the fact that this year is not a Chess World Cup year, there were some questions as regards the awarding of titles at the zonal chess championships.
IA David Sedgwick helped to confirm that Fide would infact award direct titles this year, as long as the players meet the title regulations regarding zonal titles. He further stated that the regulations are however silent on qualifications for the World Cup.
As African chess players gear up for the upcoming Africa Individual Chess Championships in June, Sharjah Chess Club provides the best preparation avenue for our players, with an opportunity to spar in a tournament environment against some of the best players from around the world.
The Sharjah Masters has always been one of the best-organized chess tournaments in the world, and they will put that reputation to the test once again, as they host players of all ages and qualifications at the 3* Hotel Centro Rotana, while the tournament venue remains the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, Sharjah.
The tournament bills to be a 9-round Swiss system tournament with a standard time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1, per player. In addition, Delay time will be in effect from the 30th minute mark.
There will be two (2) main categories at the tournament, which includes the Masters Section (FIDE Rating 2300 and above) and the Open section (FIDE Rating 1600 to 2299).
The Masters Category
The first category has grandmasters and Women grandmasters with a rating of 2600+ enjoying free registration, as others get to pay registration in batches, as seen below:
Rating 2500 to 2599 – US$150
Rating 2400 to 2499 – US$300
Rating 2300 to 2399 – US$400
While this category already has seventy-two (72) registered participants, there remains eight (8) slots for players in the Fide 2300+ rating band, as the organizers put plans in place to host only eighty (80) participants in this category. You can see the list of registered players on chess-results.
The prizes for this section are as seen below:
For more about this category, visit the official invitation.
Official Invitation for the Sharjah Masters Chess Tournament
The Challenger’s Category
The second category is for players whose FIDE rating is between 1600 and 2299. These individuals will get the opportunity to build their ratings, while also playing to win some cash prizes.
In this category, International Masters (IMs), Women International Masters (WIMs), as well as players whose ratings are within the ranges of 2200 and 2299 will get free registration to participate in this tournament. Other registration costs are as follows:
Rating 2000 to 2199 – US$150
Rating 1800 to 1999 – US$300
Rating 1600 to 1799 – US$400
Players without a FIDE rating are together with the category with the least rating.
The prize list for this category includes:
Do kindly note that prizes at this event will not be shared, but awarded based on final positions. In the event of tiebreaks, players will receive their payment based on the tiebreak criteria below:
Direct encounter
Buchholz cut 1
Buchholz cut 2
Highest number of wins with black
Rating performance
Winners are encouraged to attend the closing ceremony in order to receive their cash prizes, as all prizes will be paid in cash at the closing ceremony.
It is important to note that there is a mandate for invited players to stay in the official hotel of the event. Other participant can seek alternative accommodations during the period of the tournament.
It is also important to note that there will be provision for transportation only if accommodation is booked through the organizing committee in advance.
Meanwhile, the deadline for applications as regards the tournament is the 15th of this month of April.
The organization of this event is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member & Ruler of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates).
The Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club (SCCC) is a premier chess club that is committed to the development of chess and the individuals associated with the club. This event marks the fifth edition of the brilliant hosting of chess players from all around the world, and it promises to deliver excellence.
