Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar Chess Federation (QCF) will hold the 2024 Qatar Rail Open Chess Championship, in cooperation with Qatar Rail, from July 18 and in celebration of the World Chess Day (July 20).
The preliminary round competitions (blitz chess over 9 rounds) will begin on Thursday at the Qatar Chess Training Center with the participation of 80 players.
The final rounds of the tournament (Swiss system of 9 rounds) will begin on Saturday at Al Bidaa station premises of Doha Metro, with 20 qualified players.
Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Federation, confirmed that the cooperation between QCF and Qatar Rail aims to achieve many goals, foremost of which is spreading the culture of chess in the society.
He expressed his aspiration for more cooperation that helps QCF achieve its vision of developing the sport.
Al Mudahka added that the conclusion of the tournament will be inside the Al Bidaa station premises and which will contribute to enhancing the culture of chess, both by the participants and spectators alike.
The president of the Qatar Chess Federation explained that these tournaments are in line with the federation’s strategy and aim to build a generation that will support the national teams.
For his part, Abdullah Ali Al Mawlawi, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Qatar Rail, expressed his happiness in partnering with the Qatar Chess Federation in organizing the second edition of the Rail Open Chess Championship, especially after the great success achieved in its first edition last year.
He stressed that choosing Al Bidda Station of Doha Metro to hold the tournament finals is part of Qatar Rail’s strategy aimed at strengthening the position of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram stations network and transforming them into preferred destinations for hosting various community events throughout the year.
It is noteworthy that, in recent years, the Qatar Chess Federation has begun organizing many open tournaments in cooperation with a number of state institutions as part of its efforts to enhance the culture of chess building strong competitions between both the chess professionals and amateurs of all ages and nationalities.