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Muscat: The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) in association with Oman Chess Committee organised a chess tournament and training programme for the members of the Zubair Chess Centre in Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate recently.
Over 50 student members from 10 schools participated in the training camp and championships which was held with an intention to help young players to strengthen their game and discover new local talents.
The camp which was held in Salalah followed the successful organising of a similar programme in Zubair Chess Centres in Madha, Ibri and Nizwa recently. The next set of training camps will be held in Duqm, Buraimi and Sohar.
The winners of the tournament were felicitated at the end of the ceremony.
In the ‘under 12-years category for boys’, Ahmed bin Salem Fadel captured the first place, Abdullah bin Muhammad Bait Saeed secured second spot and Muhannad bin Bilal bin Suleiman Al-Arjan won the third place.
In the ‘under 10-years category’, Ahmed bin Salem Fadel won the first place, Ahmad bin Mohammed Bayt Saeed secured second spot and Mohammed bin Salem Fadel won the third place.
In the ‘under 12-years category for girls, Maryam Bint Saeed Shammas captured the first place, Hamda bint Salem Al-Awaid secured second spot and Tawassi bint Abdullah Al Bais won the third place.
In the ‘under 10-years category’, Rima Bint Saeed Shammas won the first place, Al Reem Bint Muhammad Bin Ali Al-Mashani secured second spot and Rayan Bint Saeed Shammas won the third place.
The competition followed the principles of the Swiss System and each category had to play seven rounds of chess, at 20 minutes plus 10 seconds per move.
Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, Regional Director of Z-Corp and Dhofar Automotive said, “The Zubair Corporations’ decision to establish training centres across Oman has provided a platform for aspiring chess champions to train and continue improving their game. The training camps and championship conducted at Zubair chess centres have been supporting the new generation of players. Through the training and competitive sessions held throughout Oman we are delighted to have contributed significantly to the development of chess. This has helped in discovering a generation of players capable to compete in local and international championships. The Zubair Chess Centres have trained many students since they were established. The centres have made a conscientious effort to provide specialised chess training ambiance and expert proficiency to nurture the budding chess players to reach great heights.”
He added, “Through collaborations with many organisations from public, private and civil society sectors, Z-Corp has endeavoured to implement many sports, cultural and community programmes and activities in various governorates. These activities come within the framework of institution’s strategy that is aimed at strengthening and developing community talents and equipping them with various skills and practices.”
Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee said, “The response to the Zubair Chess Centres across the country have been overwhelming. There has been great demand from interested players and parents to enrol their children. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts exerted by the referees and trainers in these centres. The efforts of Z-Corp have helped in finding a new generation of players who are ready to represent the Sultanate in international platforms.”
Demonstrating its continuous commitment to all kinds of sports, Z-Corp has been a partner and sponsor of different sports activities including football, handball, ice sports, volleyball for many years.
Times of Oman
