The fourth edition of the Qatar Masters chess begins with a stellar line-up today. This prestigious event will bring together 300 chess players from 25 countries at the Aspire Zone Hall, and will run until December 13th.
The tournament will be played in a nine-round Swiss system format. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 4:00pm today.
The winner in Doha will bag $25,000.
Last week Mohammed al-Mudahka, President of QCA, confirmed a stellar line-up will be seen in action during the course of the tournament. India are participating with the largest number of players – 110, the QCA chief said in a pre-event press conference.
“We can announce that Nodirbek Abdusattorov, ranked sixth in the world and runner-up in the last tournament, will be the top player at this year’s event,” al-Mudahka said.
“Nodirbek Yakubboev, the defending champion along with India’s Arjun Erigaisi and Gukesh Dommaraju and Iran’s Parham Maghsoodloo are also confirmed entries,” he said. In addition to the main event, a parallel International B Championship will take place, featuring 153 players from 40 countries. This tournament provides an excellent opportunity for emerging talent to compete at a high level.
The Qatar Masters has established itself as a premier chess event in the region. Previous editions have attracted top-tier players, including world champion Magnus Carlsen, who won the 2015 title.
With a strong field of participants and a vibrant chess community, the fourth edition of the Qatar Masters promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
The Qatar Masters is not only a platform for top-tier players but also a catalyst for developing chess talent, particularly among players ranked below 2500 points, al-Mudahka said.
Al-Mudahka highlighted the importance of promoting chess in schools. He emphasised the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Foundation to expand the reach of the game across Qatar.
Hamad al-Tamimi, Executive Director of the Qatar Chess Association and Tournament Director, praised the choice of Aspire Zone as the tournament venue.
He informed that its strategic location within the sports city and its suitability for hosting a successful event.
Al-Tamimi also revealed plans for accompanying events and activities to engage the public.

The tournament boasts a stellar line-up of international grandmasters:
Arjun Erigaisi (India), the top-ranked player in the event.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan), world number six and last year’s runner-up.
Nodirbek Yakubboev (Uzbekistan), the defending champion and world number nine.
Parham Maghsoodloo (Iran), a formidable force in the chess world.

Arab chess will be represented by a strong contingent of players, including:
Hussein Aziz (Qatar)
Salem Abdulrahman (UAE), the top-ranked Arab player
Omar Noman (Pakistan)
Omran al-Hosani (UAE)
Adham Fawzy (Egypt)
Mohamed Ezat (Egypt)
David George Samir (Egypt)
Wafa Hamed (Egypt)
Mohamed Tayseer (Morocco)
Mazen Fandi (Syria)
Akram Khader (Lebanon)