Qatar Chess Masters from November 25

Qatar Chess Association announced yesterday that it will hold the first Qatar Chess Masters in Crowne Plaza Hotel from November 25-December 4.

General Secretary of Qatar Chess Federation Mohammed al-Modiahki said the competition will host several Grand Masters from 40 countries. Al Modiahki, who was holding a press conference to announce details of the competition, said that former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik will play in this year’s competition. 

Some 20 of the players who will feature this year are from the top 50 players in the world. Al Modiahki said that Arab presence in the competition was very weak compared to Asia which has 14 players from China and 22 from India alone. 

The total prizes are $110,000. The first place winner will get $25,000. First place for ladies will win $5,000. Abdullah AbdulGhani Co. will be the main sponsor of the event.