Doha: The Qatar Chess Association (QCA) in collaboration with the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara will host the Katara Ramadan Chess Open 2022 OTB Tournament from April 7-14 at Building 15 Hall of Katara Cultural Village.
The OTB (over the board) tournament will be played in two stages: Qualifications (Rapid chess) and the Main Tournament (Standard chess).
The organisers have announced a total prize-money of QR20,000. Detailed prizes will be announced before the start of the tournament.
The qualifying stage will begin on Tuesday and will be an 80-player knockout session with 2 rapid games per match of 10min + 5sec. There will be two groups A and B of 40 players each and matches would begin from 9pm and 10pm respectively. In case of a draw, players shall play a “Sudden Death - Armageddon” game.
Twenty players will qualify for the main tournament from each group.
The main tournament from April 7 will see 60 players play 7 Rounds of Standard chess as per the Swiss System (60min + 30sec/move) time control. While 40 players will make the grade through the qualifying round, twenty QCA players will be placed directly.
All FIDE Standard chess laws will be applied during the tournament.
The tournament is open to all Qatar citizens and residents. The entry fee is QR50 for the qualifying stage, and QR100 for the main tournament. Those desirous of playing in the tournament can register online
Speaking on the event, QCA president Mohammed Al Madahka said that the cooperation between QCA and Katara Cultural Village Foundation aims at spreading the culture of chess in the society and was keen on achieving its vision of developing chess and building a large base in Qatar so as to have a strong presence in international tournaments.
Al Madhahka appreciated Katara’s efforts in supporting the activities of the federation and the competitions it organizes, adding that he is looking for partnerships with national institutions in contributing to spreading the culture of chess in Qatar.
The Katara International Championship is one of the most prominent tournaments on the chess calendar organised by the Qatar Chess Federation each year.
