Family Teams Triumph At Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival

The Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games have revealed the winners of the Family Team Tournament, part of the 30th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival. The event, held yesterday, followed the Swiss system with seven rounds. Teams consisted of children and their family members, such as a parent or sibling.

The Sharma Family from India secured the gold medal with an impressive score of 11 points from four matches, including one win and three draws. Meanwhile, the Yakubbev Family from Uzbekistan earned the silver medal by scoring 10 points through four wins, two draws, and one loss.

Moroccan international master Mohammed Tissir's family claimed the bronze medal. They achieved 10 points from three wins and four draws. This year's festival has set a new participation record with over 2,200 players from 82 countries, surpassing last year's 1,704 players from 63 countries.

The festival runs from 15 to 25 August 2024 at St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi and Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort. It is organised by the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games with support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The event features various competitions such as International Masters, Open Championship A and B, Juniors (under 16), Open Blitz, Juniors Blitz (under 16), Family Team tournament, Community Teams tournament, Government Department Teams tournament, People of Determination tournament, and several Abu Dhabi Chess Academy tournaments for ages 9 to 17.

This year’s edition has seen unprecedented participation levels. The diverse range of events caters to different age groups and skill levels, making it a comprehensive chess festival for enthusiasts worldwide.

The festival not only promotes chess but also fosters community engagement through its inclusive tournaments. Participants include players of all ages and abilities, reflecting the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in chess.

Overall, the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival continues to grow in popularity and scale each year. The increasing number of participants highlights its significance in the global chess community.

With inputs from WAM