Over the past weekend, Club Double Eight, together with Club Passed Pawns, held a first-of-its-kind chess tournament in Maldives: A Rapid Championship with live commentary of the games.

The championship, held at Hulhumale Chess Arcade, saw dozens of teenagers and pre-teens take part in a nine-round Swiss League. The time control was 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment for each move.

This rapid chess championship is one in which a live commentary was given for the very first time in the Maldives. A number of experienced chess players, including masters, had given their take on the games in real time. The commentary was led by main-host WFM Nuha Rilwan, alongside other experienced players including veterans and masters.

Winners from each age group were awarded after the ninth and final round. Photo: Hassan Mohamed

The best game of the tournament was awarded to Muqsith Mohamed Mahfooz. The fifteen-year-old had won his game against Ruhul Rahk Bin Ali with a double-rook checkmate on the eighth rank.

“I think it is important to try to experience as many different things, from a young age”, says WCM Aishath Iva Hassan, the youngest and one of the few titled player in the Maldives.

Photo: Hassan Mohamed via Club Double Eight

“…These simple things can actually help you gain ELO and experience”. Iva had won first place in the U16 Girls’ category this championship, edging past Fathmath Zoya. Both of them had represented Maldives at the Olympiad in Budapest two years ago.

 

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