Muscat Nights International Chess Championship Concludes with Participation of 270 Players from 35 Countries

270 Players from 35 Countries Compete in Muscat Nights International Chess Championship

Muscat: The Muscat Nights International Chess Championship 2026 concluded today with wide international participation and a high technical standard, as Indian players claimed the titles in both the classical and rapid chess competitions across the over-2000 and under-2000 rating categories. The championship was organized by the Oman Chess Committee and held from January 14 to 24 at Al Amal Club Hall.

The tournament attracted 270 male and female players representing 35 countries, marking an exceptional edition in terms of international presence and the advanced competitive level displayed throughout the championship.

The rounds witnessed strong and intense competition across all categories. In the Open category (over 2000 rating points), Indian player Leon Luke Mendonsa secured first place with 6.5 points after a consistent performance throughout the tournament. His compatriot Pranesh M finished second, while Bulgarian Arkady Naidich came third. Russian Mikhail Mozharov placed fourth, followed by India’s Mayank Chakraborty in fifth place. Egyptian Ahmed Adly ranked sixth, Iranian Radin Yadgar seventh, Turkish player Umut Ata Akbas eighth, Indian Paanyan ninth, and Kazakhstan’s Alisher Sulaimanov completed the top ten.

In the Under-2000 rating category, India’s Raghav Srivathassav claimed the title after topping the standings with 8 points. UAE player Humaidan Mohammed Al Zaabi finished second with 7.5 points, tied with Syria’s Laith Malham in third place. Sudan’s Asim Ali Al-Obeid came fourth, followed by Iraq’s Ali Mahdi Al-Kinani in fifth place. Iranian Seyed Emaddin Mousavi ranked sixth with 7 points, Omani Salem Alian Al-Mashikhi seventh, and Uzbekistan’s Shakhnoza Sabirova eighth, in a competition marked by close rivalry until the final rounds.

The Rapid Chess Championship, held over 11 rounds with a time control of three minutes plus two seconds per move, saw Indian Mayank Chakraborty crowned champion. Egyptian Adham Fawzy came second, India’s Pranesh third, and Iran’s Radin Yadgar finished fourth.

At the national level, Mohammed Al-Mashikhi won the award for Best Omani Player in the over-2000 category, while Salem Al-Amri secured second place among Omani players in the same category. In the under-2000 category, Mohammed Al-Riyami received the Best Omani Player award, and Anah Al-Isai was honored as Best Omani Female Player.