Doha: The Qatar Chess Association (QCA) on Wednesday revealed details of the third edition of the Qatar Rail Chess Open Tournament, organized in collaboration with Qatar Rail to mark the occasion of International Chess Day. The preliminary rounds will commence on Thursday at the QCA Training Center, with 100 players competing in a blitz chess format over nine rounds to determine the finalists.
According to Qatar News Agency, the final stage will begin next Sunday at Al Bidda Metro Station, featuring 20 players in a nine-round Swiss-system tournament. The QCA has completed all necessary preparations for the tournament's launch, including the appointment of the officiating team overseeing the competition.
In a statement to QNA, QCA President Mohammed Al Mudhahka praised the continued partnership with Qatar Rail, which he said plays a key role in promoting a chess culture within the community and ensured the tournament's success for a third consecutive year. Al Mudhahka expressed hope for deeper collaboration to support the Association's broader vision of advancing chess in Qatar and building a strong and sustainable talent base.
He highlighted the importance of hosting the tournament's final round in a public venue like Al Bidda Metro Station, as it helps raise public awareness and engagement with sport. The QCA president also noted the strong participation of national team players, underscoring the tournament's role in nurturing future generations of chess talent and enhancing Qatar's presence in international chess.
He further emphasized that the event aligns with the Association's strategic objectives to elevate the level of competition, discover and develop emerging talents, and expand the pool of elite players representing Qatar on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Relations and Communications at Qatar Rail Abdullah Ali Al Mawlawi, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing partnership with the QCA, particularly following the success of the tournament's first two editions. Al Mawlawi noted that Qatar Rail's sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting community and sporting activities, while also fostering the growth of chess and encouraging local talent.
He added that hosting the finals at Al Bidda Metro Station aligns with Qatar Rail's strategy to position Doha Metro and Lusail Tram stations as preferred venues for community events throughout the year. In recent years, the QCA has organized numerous open tournaments in collaboration with various national institutions as part of its broader efforts to promote chess.
The Qatar Rail Chess Open Tournament reflects a shared vision to foster community engagement through diverse initiatives and to provide a competitive platform for both professional and amateur players of all ages and nationalities.