Qatar Masters axed
THE Qatar Masters, hailed as one of the world’s strongest tournaments, has been scrapped all of a sudden, due to lack of funds.
“It’s sad news to the players and fans. I’ve got e-mails from top players. They wanted to know if the Qatar Masters will ever take place. It’s disappointing for all of us,” Qatar Chess Association (QCA) Secretary Mohammed Al Medaikhi told Doha Stadium Plus.
Started in 2014, the tournament was open to players with Elo rating 2,300 or above. The prize money was more than $100,000.
The event got better and stronger with the participation of world champion Magnus Carlsen, who won last year. Former FIDE world champion Vladimir Kramnik was also among the several top-ranked Grandmasters who competed in the last two editions.
“We needed such big events to educate the parents and kids. No wonder, chess activities improved in the last three years and many new Qatari students enrolled at QCA schools. It was good for the sport’s development,” said Al Medaikhi, who is also a top-notch Grandmaster.
“In the past, Qatar never hosted any major international tournaments. There were Arab and GCC Championships, but masters was a special event.
“When we started this tournament, we had a vision. We wanted to host it every year and build a brand, but it’s difficult to convince others about its importance,” said Al Medaikhi, who received plaudits from FIDE for the tournament’s success.
This year’s Qatar Masters was scheduled to be organised alongside the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena in Al Sadd from December 25 to 31.
“Both tournaments were to be held in December. Everybody was so excited as it was on the calendar. Even Qataris wanted to play,” Al Medaikhi added.
Asked if Masters will be revived next year, Al Medaikhi said, “I hope so. It might come back, but it’s difficult to say now.”
The QCA secretary exuded confidence of staging a Rapid and Blitz Worlds.
“We expect a good number of entries. It’s going to be another big occasion for us. We’ll live up to the expectations as a good host,” said Al Medaikhi.
