KUWAIT: 62 players competed in Kuwait's 20th Rapid Chess Championship which was organized by Kuwait Union of Chess on Friday under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. Syrian player Rami Talab won the first place, Egyptian Amer Saad second, Yousuf Ahmad third, Ahmad Abdullatif fourth, Ahmad Noureddein fifth, Dennis from Philippines sixth, Rosebird Avera from Philippines seventh, Rabei Mohammad from Egypt eighth, Medleesh from India ninth, Ahmad Mustafa from Egypt tenth.

Best female player award went to Mariam Nashat, and the best Junior player went to Kuwait's Mishal Al-Hijab. Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdallah lauded the players level and appreciated the efforts of officials of Kuwait Mind Sports Association and all those involved in the competitions.

He said that he played chess in his childhood adding the game is very important and beneficial in general life as far as planning and having strategies for the future. He said chess is distinguished by being the mind and cleverness language as it is an individual game built on total skill and does have the element of luck.

Head of the referees committee Khalaf Al-Azmi lauded the patronage of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah for the championship and his interest in encouraging the players.

He said the tournament was highly competitive and the game is practiced by all ages and nationalities particularly juniors and youth. He said there will be the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah youth championship under 16 in March 2023 due to his interest in the game and his keenness on improving the youth mental abilities.