MUSCAT: The 1st Design Group Fide International Chess Tournament concluded on 26th March 2022 with a rousing and pulsating finish.

The tournament was inaugurated on 23rd March 2022 by Mr Pankaj Khimji Director of Khimji Ramdas, Chairperson of the Oman Cricket Association and also the vice president of the Asian Cricket Council. 

International Master Mr Basheer Quadaimi simply outclassed the field with 7 wins out of seven to emerge as the Champion. The fight for the top five was pulsating with Hamood Al Busaidi a very promising Omani player finishing second and Krishanu Sai was outstanding to finish 3rd in a very toughly contested last round.

The curtain came down on the tournament with a glittering and festive prize distribution ceremony. Players from different categories were awarded a trophy and certificate for their excellent performance.

With over 72 players participating, the tournament saw players of ages 7 to 50 years battling it out for the top spot. A lot of credit goes to the tournament arbitrators Mr Musallam, Mrs & Mr Khalid for officiating the tournament in a systematic manner.

It is very important to mention a vote of thanks to all the sponsors who contributed to the tremendous success. Appreciation goes to all the parents, the tournament director Mr Divakar and the tournament organizer & sponsor Mr Damodar R. Katti for their tireless work towards the success of this tournament.

Thanks to the Oman chess committee for being part of this tournament and facilitating with all the gadgets required to organize such an international tournament.

It was a fitting finale to what was a fantastic chess tournament with an extremely talented set of local and International players participating. This is the first league of such tournament’s being conducted and many more to come in the coming days.