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The first edition of the Abdulaziz Belhaif International Classical Chess Championship began on Friday, organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club over three days, with the participation of 240 male and female players representing 13 countries.
The tournament is being held in memory of the late Abdulaziz Belhaif Al Nuaimi, one of the leading figures in the game who served chess for more than 30 years and was among the pioneering generation that helped establish the sport in the UAE.
The championship is internationally rated in accordance with the regulations of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The opening ceremony began with the national anthem of the UAE and verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a documentary film highlighting the life and achievements of the late Abdulaziz Belhaif Al Nuaimi.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Taryam Matar Taryam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Club, who followed the opening remotely from outside the country; Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, former Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council; Imran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Vice Chairman of the Club’s Board of Directors; Mohammed, the late Abdulaziz’s son; his daughter Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Mohammed Taryam Matar, representative of the Hamda Taryam Charity Foundation; in addition to several members of the club’s board.
Taryam Matar Taryam confirmed that the tournament is being organized to honor the memory of the late Abdulaziz Belhaif, noting that it will be held annually.
He explained that the championship aims to promote chess, attract players from different nationalities, and provide Emirati players with strong competitive exposure against elite international players in a distinguished atmosphere within the halls of the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club.
The club chairman also revealed that the name of the late Abdulaziz Belhaif will be given to the charitable complex of the Hamda Taryam Charity Foundation in Uganda. The complex includes classrooms accommodating 1,200 male and female students, an orphanage housing 560 orphans, a medical clinic, and a mosque, in recognition of his remarkable legacy of giving and his community and sporting contributions.
Taryam Matar Taryam praised the major role played by the late Abdulaziz Belhaif in serving chess for more than three decades, stressing that he was one of the game’s most prominent figures who contributed significantly to its spread and development across the UAE, both during his career as a player and later as an administrator.
He explained that the late Abdulaziz was considered one of the pioneers of Emirati chess, having represented both the national team and the club in numerous local and international tournaments as an international player. He left a distinguished mark through his dedication, commitment, and continuous support for younger generations.
He added that his journey extended beyond the chessboard, as he advanced through several administrative positions within the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club before becoming Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. During that period, he contributed to supporting development plans and strengthening the club’s presence at both local and international levels, ensuring that his name remains among the most influential figures in the history of chess in the UAE.
The tournament features competitions across two categories. The first category is designated for players with international ratings of 1700 points and above, while the second category includes players rated 1699 points and below, providing broad participation opportunities for players of various age groups and skill levels.
Results in the first category saw six players share first place after the second round with two points each, followed by seven players with 1.5 points and 14 players with one point. In the second category, 17 players were tied for first place after the third round with a perfect score of three points.
