Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Kateryna Lagno justified her top billing in taking the honours at the seventh Fatima bint Mubarak International Blitz Chess Tournament for Ladies in Abu Dhabi. The top-rated player in the field and the only Grandmaster, Lagno finished ahead of Rowelyn Acedo and Woman Grandmaster Mahri Geldiyeva in third.
The event was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the "Mother of the Nation", and under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors at the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club as well as Al Ain Ladies Club.
The tournament was organised according to the Swiss system, spanning nine rounds with blitz-style play (three minutes per round), and brought together over 250 players from various backgrounds and age groups, showcasing their skill and strategic thinking. This year’s edition was held at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club.
The event featured participation across several categories, including the Ladies Tournament, Girls' and Boys' Youth Categories, and People of Determination, reflecting FBMA’s commitment to inclusion, youth empowerment, and community engagement, in line with the UAE’s Year of Community.
With a total prize pool of Dh40,000 distributed across various categories, the tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing talent, building community ties, and elevating the profile of women in sport both locally and internationally.
Additionally, the tournament honored outstanding Emirati players across age brackets. Winners included:
Anoud Mohamed (Best Emirati Under 18)
Rouda Alserkal (Best Emirati Under 16)
Ahoud Mohammed (Best Emirati Under 14)
Rowdah Alafeefi (Best Emirati Under 12)
Hafsa Mohamed (Best Emirati Under 10)
Marya AlBlooshi (Best Emirati Under 8)
In the Under 12 Tournament, first place went to Safarullakhan Safin, followed by Benny Abhinav and Shayan Muhammad in second and third place respectively.
Top Emirati players in this category included:
Zayed Mohammed Al Ali (Best Emirati Under 12)
Skander Ali AlBlooshi (Best Emirati Under 10)
Zayed Alkaabi (Best Emirati Under 8)
