Azerbaijani 13-year-old Gadimbayli Abdulla became the champion of 1st Al Ain International Youth Open Chess Championship 2015

FIDE Master Gadimbayli Abdulla became the winner of Al Ain International Youth Open Chess Championship 2015. He actually shared the 1st place with his teammate CM Asadli Vugar, but his better tie-break helped him to become the champion. The 1st and 2nd place goes to Azerbaijani players. FIDE Master Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan became the 3rd place with 7 points. FIDE Master Matviyishen Viktor from Ukraine, CM Derakhshani Borna from Iran, CM Sindarov Javokhir from Uzbekistan and Agmanov Zhandos got 4-7 places with 7 points each. Imanov Asim from Azerbaijan and Angar Zoljargal from Mongolia shared 8-9 places with 6.5 points each. Surprisingly, Mongolian 9 years old boy, Angar Zoljargal is currently an unrated player, but he deserved to get in the list of top 10 players ranking after the tournament. Indian Dhanush Bharadwaj who placed 5th in last World Youth Chess Championship got the 10th place. 

Champion Gadimbayli Abdulla from Azerbaijan

Top 10 players: 

1. FIDE Master Gadimbayli Abdulla from Azerbaijan with 8 points and received $4000

2. CM Asadli Vugar from Azerbaijan with 8 points and received $3000 

3. FIDE Master Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan with 7 points and received $2500

4. FIDE Master Matviyishen Viktor from Ukraine with 7 points and received $2000

5. CM Derakhshani Borna from Iran with 7 points and received $1500

6. CM Sindarov Javokhir from Uzbekistan with 7 points and received $1000

7. Agmanov Zhandos from Kazakhstan with 7 points and received $900

8. Imanov Asim from Azerbaijan with 6.5 points and received $800

9. Angar Zoljargal from Mongolian with 6.5 points and received $700

10. Dhanush Bharadwaj from India with 6 points and received $600 

Bronze medalist, Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan

Silver medalist, Asadli Vugar from Azerbaijan

The biggest surprise of the tournament: 9th place, Angar Zoljargal from Mongolia,
Unrated player, but he managed to get into the top 10 player's list. 

Category prizes: 

• Best girl: Woman FIDE Master Wadima Humaid S H Alkalbani from UAE, with 6 points and received $550
• Best Under 1800 Elo rating: Hareb Nasser Hareb Alshamsi from UAE, with 6 points and received $500
• Best Under 1600 Elo rating: Mosallam Mohammad from UAE, with 6 points and received $450 
• Best Under 1400 Elo rating: Khalifah Khaled from UAE, with 6 points and received $400
• Best Under 1200 Elo rating: Saeed Omar from UAE, with 6 points and received $350
• Best Under 14 Boys: Ismayilzada Ismayil from Azerbaijan, with 6 points and received $300
• Best Under 14 Girls: Davaakhuu Munkhzul from Mongolia, with 5 points and received $300
• Best Under 12 Girls: Al Maamari Wafia Darwish from UAE, with 5 points and received $300
• Best Under 10 Boys: Ebrahimi Sina from Iran, with 6 points and received $250
• Best Under 10 Girls: Almaamari Zainab Darwish from UAE, with 5 points and received $250
• Best Under 8 Boys: Al Shamsi Hamad Naseer from UAE, with 4 points and received $200
• Best Under 8 Girls: Hussain Fatima from Qatar, with 3 points and received $200
• Best Arab Girl: Al-Taftazani Menatalla from Qatar, with 5 points and received $150
• Best Arab Player: Ahmed Rashed Al Hefeti from UAE, with 6 points and received $150 
• Best Gulf Countries Council Player: Amini Hossein Ali from Bahrain, with 6 points and received $125 
• Best Emirati Boy: Ali M Alkindi from UAE, with 5.5 points and received $100
• Best UAE Girl: Amal Fadel S M Alshamsi from UAE, with 5 points and received $100
• Best Al Ain Boy: Sultan Fadel S M Alshamsi from UAE, with 5 points and received $75
• Best Al Ain Girl: Rawan Sbaa Saeed Alnuaimi from UAE, with 4.5 points and received $75
• Best Scoresheet: Abdullatif Al Hor from Qatar, and received $50 

Closing ceremony

The Youngest Player of Al Ain International Youth Open Chess Championship 2015 is Suhail Ahmed Juma Alkaabi from UAE and received $25. He was born in 2008. 

Best U 1800 Elo rating: Hareb Nasser Hareb Alshamsi from UAE 

For the final results: PLEASE, CLICK HERE 

For more photos: PLEASE, CLICK HERE 

Report and Photos by WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii

There are 7 players sharing the first place with 6 points each and 2 more rounds to go!

Only 2 more rounds left, but there is no solo-leader at the moment. Tournament leaders are FM Gadimbayli Abdulla, CM Asadli Vugar, Ismayilzada Ismayil from Azerbaijan, FM Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan, Derakhshani Borna from Iran, Dhanush Bharadwaj from India and Hareb Nasser Hareb Alshamsi from United Arab Emirates. But Azerbaijani FM Gadimbayli Abdulla is holding the 1st place by tie-break. On round 7, Azerbaijani 13 years old FM Gadimbayli Abdulla made a draw against his opponent FM Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan and Iranian CM Derakhshani Borna drew against CM Asadli Vugar too. All of them had 5.5 points before the 7th round. Indian Dhanush Bharadwaj managed to win against Azerbaijani player Imanov Asim while Emirati player Sultan Fadel Saeed M Alshamsi lost to Ismayilzada Ismayil from Azerbaijan. Qatari 15-year-old Salih Al Hor lost to Emirati player Hareb Nasser Hareb Alshamsi and Hareb Nasser joined the leaders with 6 points after the 7th round. 2014 World School Chess Champion CM Sindarov Javokhir won against Khezrian Mohammad from United States of America. Now, Sindarov Javokhir has 5 points out of 7. 2014 World Youth Champion, Mongolian 9 years old Munkhzul Davaakhuu has also 5 points, it makes her to hold the 1st place among under 10 girls. 

For pairings and results: PLEASE, CLICK HERE. 

Fore more photos: PLEASE, CLICK HERE

INTERVIEW WITH CM DERAKHSHANI BORNA FROM IRAN: EVERYONE WANTS TO WIN THE TOURNAMENT!

WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii and CM Derakhshani Borna

CM Derakhshani Borna is joining the leader's list of the tournament after his win against CM Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan on round 6. He was very happy after the game.

Enkhtuul.A: Hello. Please, introduce us about yourself? 

Derakhshani.B: I am 13 years old. About my accomplishment in chess, I got the 2nd place in Asian Youth Chess Championships and 3-time champion of Iran. I also played very well in World Youth Chess Championships 2012 which was held in Maribor, Slovenia. 

Enkhtuul.A: Have you played in Moscow Open? Because I think, I have seen you in Moscow last February. 

Derakhshani.B: Yes, I played in Moscow open last February. This was my first time in Moscow. I also have seen you there while you were talking with my sister.

Enkhtuul.A: So Tell us about your sister? I think, she is also a chess player.

Derakhshani.B: Yes, My sister's name is Derakhshani Dorsa and she is my older sister. She support me very much. 

Enkhtuul.A: How do you feel about this tournament? What is your experience here?

Derakhshani.B: I'm enjoying my time here, because it's really good and I like here very much. I think that tournament organization is in very high level. I would like to participate in this kind of tournaments if there will  be more and more tournaments like this for the kids. 

Enkhtuul.A: How did you know about our tournament? 

Derakhshani.B: I saw the regulation from many websites, like FIDE . My mother checked the official website of Al Ain Chess & Culture Club and she told me about this tournament, then I decided to come. 

Enkhtuul.A: We just finished the 6th round today and you're doing pretty good. Now you have 5.5 points out of 6, without losing. What do you want to say about your participation? 

Derakhshani.B: My games were very hard, especially on round 4 and 6. My opponents rating's were much higher than mine. They are actually very good players. 

FM Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan vs CM Derakhshani Borna from Iran

Enkhtuul.A: Who were your opponents on round 4 and 6? 

Derakhshani.B: On round 4, I played against FIDE Master Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan. I was pawn down. But I managed to make a draw. Because it was rook ending. We had 2 rooks, but it was drawish position. 

Enkhtuul.A: What about round 6 against CM Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan? I saw your opponent was crying after the game... How do you feel after the game? 

Derakhshani.B: I was very happy because I won! I think, he had a better position in the opening, because he got the center squares. But maybe, he did some mistakes in several moves, because of that, my position became much better for me. 

Enkhtuul.A: Do you have a personal coach?

Derakhshani.B: Hmm, not really. But I do train with my sister. 

Enkhtuul.A: I know that your sister's chess level is improving very fast nowadays. She won against many strong chess players. It must be probably good for both of you to training together. 

Derakhshani.B: Yes. She is helping me a lot. I'm so thankful to have her by my side. 

Enkhtuul.A: Do you have a coach in the national youth chess team of Iran?

Derakhshani.B: We have a coach in the national team. But we don't have chess classes. Maybe just once in 4 months. 

CM Derakhshani Borna from Iran

Enkhtuul.A: Really? Are you sure?

Derakhshani.B: Yes. I am sure. Because our coach will go to the United States soon. He is an International Master. 

Enkhtuul.A: Have you been here before?

Derakhshani.B: Yes, I have been here many times. I participated in many tournaments which were held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The last tournament that I played here was the World Youth Chess Championships 2013 in Al Ain. 

Enkhtuul.A: The prize amount of this tournament is very high. There are not so many tournaments for youth chess players to compete for good prizes. What do you think about it? The Winner will take home $4000 which is pretty good. Are you planning to win the tournament?

Derakhshani.B: Of course, Everyone wants to win the tournament. The prize is very good. 

Enkhtuul.A: When is your next tournament? Are you planning to participate in World School Chess Championships which will be held in Thailand very soon? 

Derakhshani.B: No, I won't be participating in Thailand. Because I have my final exams during that time. But maybe, I will go to Armenia for some tournaments. 

Enkhtuul.A: I actually got an interesting question! Do you prefer to check the pairings before you sleep or after you wake up? 

Derakhshani.B: I would say before I sleep. Because I can never sleep without knowing the pairings. It makes me relax when I know the pairings.

Enkhtuul.A: Do you want to say something to people who supports you?

Derakhshani.B: First of all, I want to thank to my parents and especially for my sister who encourages me a lot! Of course, I want to thank to the organizers for this prestigious tournament.

Enkhtuul.A: Thanks for the interview. We wish you a lot of success for your future chess career!

Derakhshani.B: Thank you very much! 

Interview by WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii

TEAMMATE VS TEAMMATE!

We got very interesting pairing for round 6. Everyone is excited to see the top board match between CM Asadli Vugar and FM Gadimbayli Abdulla. They are both from Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, we didn't see such a fight between them, because they made a very quick draw and it took only a few minutes! Journalist didn't even had a chance to take a photo of them.

They both left the playing hall after the game immediately with a big smile! 

Tournament leader, CM Asadli Vugar from Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani 13 years old player, FIDE Master Gadimbayli Abdulla is sharing the 1st place with his teammate CM Asadli Vugar after the 6th round. He ranked #3 on the starting list with 2332 rating. He won all his opponents after 5 rounds and made a very quick draw with his teammate on round 6.

FIDE Master Gadimbayla Abdulla from Azerbaijan, 2332.

On round 6, CM Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan beaten by Iranian CM Derakhshani Borna who has 1969 elo rating. CM Javokhir Sindarov got very upset after his loss and he left the playing hall with tears! But CM Javokhir Sindarov is 2014 World School Champion and his rating is currently 2116. He is one of the most promising chess young starts of Uzbekistan. Iranian 13 years old CM Derakhshani Borna joined in the leader's list with 5.5 points out of 6.

CM Derakhshani Borna from Iran.

Please, check <www.chess-results.com> for pairings and results. 

Fore more photos: CLICK HERE

Report by WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii

UNLUCKY DAYS FOR TOP PLAYERS!

Tournament is already on the half way so far and more to go! There were some upsets for the #1 and #2 ranking players. On round 4, FM Makhnyov Denis from Kazakhstan drew against CM Derakhshani Borna from Iran. CM Derakhshani Borna is currently holding 1969 rating points while FM Makhnyov Denis has 2347 elo rating. Likewise the top seed of the tournament, FM Viktor Matviyishen from Ukraine beaten by CM Asadli Vugar with white on round 5. CM Asadli Vugar has 2287 rating at the moment and this must be a very good start for Azerbaijani player to become the leader of the tournament. We will see what will happen in the next rounds.

CM Asadli Vugar from Azerbaijan

Russian 8-year-old Khamatgaleev Micheal has 2 points out of 5 and he will face against Emirati player Alyazia Humaid Alhasani on round 6. The most interesting result of the day is Azerbaijani player Imanov Asim won against Agmanov Zhandos from Kazakhstan who is 478 elo points higher than Imanov Asim. Azerbaijani Imanov Asim is exactly 15 years old. His rating is 1723 at the moment, but he's showing his strength in this tournament. We all can see that chess is not about rating points, but it's about your abilities of concentration, etc.

Imanov Isam from Azerbaijan, 1723.

Agmanov Zhandos and his teammate #2 Makhnyov Denis played against each other on round 5 and it was important game for both of them to join the leaders list. Finally, #2 ranking player FIDE Master Makhnyov Denis won against his teammate. Winning against your teammate would make you feel a little bad, but what to do, this is sport and you have to fight no matter what!

Kazakhstan chess players against each other on round 5.

Please, go to <www.chess-results.com> for pairings and results.

For more photos: CLICK HERE

Report by WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii

PRESS CONFERENCE ON APRIL 5, BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT STARTS.

Regarding the 1st Al Ain International Youth Open Chess Championship, the opening press conference speakers were the Vice President of Al Ain Chess & Culture Club Mr. Sultan Mohammed Al Yabhouni Aldaheri, logistic manager & competition commission director Mr. Tarek Ali Al Taher, foreign affairs delegate & FIDE Woman Grandmaster Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii, competition organizational delegate Mr. Ahmed Adel Ahmed and hotel representatives. 

Players up to 15 years old will be eligible in open class with the reward budget of total $22,200 that includes $4000 for the champion. Mongolian 9 years old girl Munkhzul Davaakhuu is participating in the competition who is the champion under 8 girls class of 2014 World Youth Chess Championship which was held in Durban, South Africa. Ukrainian 12 years old boy Viktor Matviyishen is being considered as the top seed of the competition at rating of 2374 and he is currently holding FIDE Master title. Likewise Matviyishen, Champion of Europe Youth Chess Championships 2014, many competitive players with bright chess career are participating in this tournament. Tournament technical meeting will be on April, 5th at 9:00 PM in Rayhaan Hili by Rotana Hotel and the first round will be start at 10:30 AM on April, 6th. Total of 100 young chess players arrived from United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, United States of America, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Syria, Egypt, Iran, Qatar, India, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Bahrain. 

For tournament detailed results, please go to: <www.chess-results.com>

Report by WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii

INTERVIEW WITH FM VIKTOR MATVIYISHEV FROM UKRAINE: BIG PRIZES FOR YOUTH CHESS PLAYERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S UNDER - 15.

FIDE Master Viktor Matviyishev is the top seed of the very 1st Al Ain International Youth Open Chess Championship 2015. We invited him to give us an interview about the tournament right after the 4th round when he won against CM Sindarov Javokhir from Uzbekistan. Now FM Viktor Matviyishen has full point after 4 rounds. 

Enkhtuul.A: Please, introduce us about yourself? 

Viktor.M: I was born in 2002 and I learned to play chess at the age of 6. I think that being related with such a nice sport like chess is an honor for me and even for everyone who plays this mind game. I have one older sister and my family live in Vinnytisa, Ukraine. Vinnytsia is located about 260 km southwest of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.

Enkhtuul.A: Please, tell us about your accomplishments in chess? 

Viktor.M: I became two-time European Youth Champion and multiple youth champion of Ukraine. I played many open tournaments successfully and round-robin tournaments so far. I increased my rating a lot when I played against many strong chess players in those tournaments. 

Enkhtuul.A: What was your highest pick up rating? 

Viktor.M: My highest rating record was 2408 in November, 2014. 

Enkhtuul.A: Do you have any norms of International master or Grandmaster? 

Viktor.M: I have one norm of International master. I got my norm in round-robin tournament which was held in Moldavia last January. 

Ukrainian the most promising youngest chess star FM Viktor Matviyishen

Enkhtuul.A: Have you ever participated in World Youth Chess Championships before? 

Viktor.M: Yes, I played in World Youth Chess Championships which were held in Slovenia 2012 and United Arab Emirates 2013. But I played not so good in both championships. 

Enkhtuul.A: How do you feel about this tournament? Do you like the playing venue?

Viktor.M: I like the tournament organization very much and accommodation is so comfortable, also the food is very good. Tournament hall is actually very nice to play chess, because the hall is not so hot and not so cold. I'm enjoying my time here.

Enkhtuul.A: You're doing great in this tournament so far. How was your game against CM Javokhir Sindarov? 

Viktor.M: I was black against him. After the 15th move, I got better position, so I managed to win the game. I think, my opponent made some mistake in the opening. Because I sacrificed my quality to get an advantage to win. 

CM Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan vs FM Viktor Matviyishen from Ukraine

Enkhtuul.A: Our tournament prize found is very high for youth chess players. The winner will get $4000. What do you think about it? 

Viktor.M: Yes, Definitely big prize for youth chess players, especially when it's under 15. Actually in Ukraine, US Dollar rate is getting very higher these days. So $4000 is very big amount of money in Ukraine. 

Enkhtuul.A: Maybe, its just because of the political situation. How's life in Ukraine? 

Viktor.M: I don't know. I think, it's fine. (smile)

Enkhtuul.A: Do you have a coach? If yes, please, introduce us about your coach?

Viktor.M: Yes, I have. My coach is an International Master and his name is Bodnar Nikolay Nikolaevich. He is the director of Ukrainian Chess Academy. 

Enkhtuul.A: When is your next tournament after this championship?

Viktor.M: I will participate in Ukrainian Youth Chess Championship, under boys - 16. It will be held in April. I don't really remember the exact day, but I'm sure that it will be on April, 18 or 24.

Enkhtuul.A: We wish you all the best for your upcoming tournaments and of course, for this tournament too! 

Viktor.M: Thank you very much!

  Interview by WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii