2nd AR Chess Academy Classical Recap: The Final Rounds

AR Chess Academy
Nov 23
2 min read

The AR Chess Academy proudly concluded its 2nd Classical Tournament, held from November 7th to 13th, marking yet another milestone for the rapidly growing chess community in Riyadh. Over seven days of intense games, climatic moments, and noteworthy performances, players of all ages and levels came together to celebrate the beauty of classical chess.

This edition surpassed expectations in both participation and competitive intensity. As the rounds unfolded, spectators were treated to high-quality games, nerve-racking time-trouble moments, and remarkable fighting spirit across all boards.

All smiles in the final rounds of the 2nd AR Chess Academy Classical Tournament. — *All smiles in the final rounds of the* ***2nd AR Chess Academy Classical Tournament***.

Final Standings & Awards

After an intense final stretch, the tournament produced a deserving group of champions:

1st Place – FM Sameh Sadek

2nd Place – Tunar Garayev

3rd Place – Alskafy Ramez

Category prizes:

Best Junior – Sultan Qalit Albalawi

Best Female – WIM Jesse February

A Moment Worth Capturing

One of the most memorable scenes from the event was beautifully captured during the prize-giving ceremony. The smiles, the applause, the energy in the room, it all reflected the pride and joy shared by players, families, and coaches alike.

Moments like these remind us why we host tournaments in the first place: to celebrate our passion for chess. We’re grateful this special moment was caught on camera.

Tournament Highlights

One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the thrilling showdown between the tournament’s top two seeds: FM Sameh Sadek and WIM Jesse February. Their encounter, an intense Italian Game - delivered everything the audience hoped for. Both players showed good preparation and an unshakable fighting spirit, but it was Sadek who ultimately emerged victorious, earning the crucial point that helped secure the top spot in the standings.

Black to play:

On move 17, Sadek played the brilliancy 17... Bxh3! If February replied with 18. gxh3, black simply plays 18... Qg3+ followed by a biting 19... Bxf2, leaving white's King position incredibly weak.

Yet, the true breakout story of the week belonged to 11-year-old Tunar Garayev. With extraordinary composure, he scored two critical victories in the final rounds against Kalyan Vemuri and Jesse February respectively, securing a well-earned second place. His performance rating exceeded 1900, and he is set to gain an impressive 35 Elo. A rising star is clearly on the horizon.

White to play:

A Growing Community

Beyond the results, the tournament highlighted the growing enthusiasm for chess across Riyadh. Many players expressed appreciation for the classical time control, which allowed for deeper calculation, richer positions, and a more profound chess experience. Parents, juniors, and newcomers filled the playing hall throughout the week, cheering for their favorites, watching the games, and absorbing the atmosphere of the tournament venue.

Looking Ahead

The enthusiasm and positive feedback from our players have inspired us to continue expanding our event calendar. Behind the scenes, plans are already in motion, and if all goes well, we’ll soon be announcing our first AR Chess Academy Rapid Tournament.

Stay tuned… something exciting may be closer than you think.