RIYADH — The Saudi Chess Federation (SCF) unveiled the staging of King Salman International Chess Championship here from Dec. 26 to 30. President of Sports Authority Turki Al-Sheikh signed a deal in London in mid-October with International Chess Federation, which included Saudi Arabia hosting the World Chess Championship with the participation of a large selection of world stars in the game.

The Saudi Chess Federation President and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Blitz Chess World Championship, Mu'taz Bin Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiman, said that the international federation (FIDE) will award the winners of the two blitz chess titles to the title of world champion.

"We thank the General Authority for Sports for its support and interest in this great sporting event and the continuous directives provided by the chairman of the commission, and work within the SCF is ongoing in coordination with the international federation so that hosting this historic event is successful by all standards. Saudi Arabia is hosting for the first time the World Chess Championship."

"Hundred international stars along with top Saudis will participate in this tournament. Among the most prominent Saudi players participating are Kingdom's champion Abdulrahman Al-Mushari and also the No. 1 Saudi player Ahmed Al-Ghamdi. Other Saudi players will be able to measure their levels against some of the best chess players,” he said.

He welcomed the participants in the King Abdullah International Chess Tournament and the participating delegations from organizing and arbitration committees and guests. He stressed that the Kingdom's hosting of this tournament comes in line with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' support of youth and sports and the establishment of such international forums. — SG