Doha, November 05 (QNA) - The Qatar Chess Federation has concluded the Qatar Open Sustainability Chess Championship 2026, held as part of Qatar Sustainability Week, with broad participation from male and female players of various nationalities, age groups and skill levels.
Filipino player Rolenson Jr. Loyola claimed the championship title after topping the overall standings, while Moldovan International Master Victor Bologan finished second and India's Syed Abdul Khader secured third place.
Malaysia's Chua Kwang Weng Aaron came fourth, followed by India's Juhan Jobsy in fifth place and compatriot Chougule Sahil Prashant in sixth. India's Albin Sajan Sajan finished seventh, while Kazakhstan's Zhelikdarova Sholpan took eighth place.
The competition was held under the nine-round Swiss system in the blitz format, with each player allocated three minutes per game and an additional two seconds per move, in accordance with International Chess Federation (FIDE) regulations. The total prize fund amounted to QAR 9,750, distributed among the top eight finishers.
In the special awards for Qatari players, Khalid Al Juma'at received the Best Qatari Player award, while Layan Al Qassabi was named Best Qatari Female Player. Hamad Al Kuwari won the Best Player Under 18 award, Ibrahim Al Janahi was named Best Player Under 16, and Mohammed Jerbi received the Best Player Under 12 award.
In the age-category competitions, Asma Al Hammadi claimed first place in the category for Qatari players under 16, followed by Amer Al Hammadi in second place and Mohammed Al Qahtani in third, while Nasser Faisal Al-Thani finished fourth.
Tamim Bader and Sarah Al Mudhahka received the Best Male Player and Best Female Player awards, respectively, in the under-12 category. Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi was named Best Player Under 10, while Aisha Al Kuwari received the corresponding award for female players. Tamim Abdulaziz won the Best Player Under 8 award.
The championship forms part of the Qatar Chess Federation's efforts to promote the game, expand its player base, identify national talent and develop the skills of young players. It also seeks to encourage community participation and highlight the role of chess in developing concentration and strategic thinking. (QNA)