Sports

UAE’s Rouda Al Serkal marks historic milestone at Norway Chess Open

Published

5 months ago

May 27, 2025

Spread the love

In a landmark moment for UAE sport and the Arab world, 15-year-old Rouda Al Serkal, the country’s first Woman Grandmaster (WGM), made her debut at the prestigious Norway Chess Open tournament, competing here for the first time. Her participation marks a new era for Emirati women in international chess, putting the UAE firmly on the map in a sport long dominated by European and Asian powerhouses.

In her opening match on a bright and sunny Monday evening, Rouda faced Ukraine’s GM Platon Galperin, playing with the white pieces in a tense 56-move encounter. Despite a valiant effort, the game ended in a 0–1 result against her favour.
“It is sad to not start with a win,” Rouda said with a smile, reflecting on the experience. “But it was also incredibly valuable. Playing at this level is intense, and I know I’ll grow from this.”
Her qualification and invitation to Norway Chess Open – held on the sidelines of the main tournament that draws the world’s elite, including regining World chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju of India and Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen—has been widely celebrated across the Emirates, especially given her groundbreaking rise through the ranks.

Rouda’s participation in the open category signals not only her individual ambition but a broader shift in the global perception of Gulf athletes, particularly women.
“It’s been a incredible journey for me so far – one tournament at a time, learning from every game and gradually improving. Playing at an event like Norway Chess, alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, is a great experience. It shows how far I’ve come, and how much more there is to learn and achieve,” said Rouda, who has already made waves on the international circuit.
Earlier this year, she secured her Woman Grandmaster title, becoming the youngest and first-ever ever from the UAE to do so. Her Norway debut is more than a personal milestone—it’s a statement.
“She’s breaking barriers that we didn’t even know existed,” said Kjell Madland. Founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. “For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category at one of the world’s top tournaments—it’s inspirational. The significance of Rouda’s journey stretches beyond sport.”
As the UAE increases its investment in youth and women’s participation in global competitions, Rouda stands as a symbol of possibility and progress. “I am confident her courage and skill are paving the way for a new generation of Emirati girls who now see a future for themselves on the international stage—not just in chess, but in any field they choose,” added Madland.
Norway Chess continues this week in Stavanger, with Rouda expected to face more top-tier opponents in the rounds ahead.
“I’m just getting started,” she said. “It’s an honour to be here, and I’m going to fight hard every game.”

Related Topics:#norwaychess #norwaychessopen #roudaalserkal

Staff Reporter

News

Norway Chess launches Total Chess World Championship Tour with FIDE approval

Published

2 days ago

October 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Norway Chess, the prestigious organiser of elite international chess tournaments, has officially launched a new World Championship series approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Dubbed the Total Chess World Championship Tour, the initiative aims to identify the player who excels across three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

“We are looking for ‘The Total Chess Player’, a versatile, tactically intelligent, and technically skilled athlete who seamlessly adapts to multiple time controls,” said Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and the new championship.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will consist of four tournaments annually, held in different cities worldwide. A pilot tournament is planned for fall 2026, with the first full championship season kicking off in 2027. The overall winner at the final stop will be crowned the official FIDE World Combined Champion.

Tour Structure and Prize Pool

Each of the first three events will carry a minimum prize pool of $750,000, while the Finals, featuring the top four competitors, will award at least $450,000, in addition to performance bonuses for top scores at individual events and across the tour.

The Fast Classic format, featuring 45 minutes plus 30-second increments per move, will receive a classical chess rating, giving players the chance to demonstrate strategic skill in a faster-paced environment.

A New Era for Chess Fans

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed strong support for the initiative: “Chess is already a global phenomenon, but the Total Chess World Championship Tour will bring a new title, faster formats, and engaging broadcasts to captivate both existing fans and new audiences. This complements the traditional World Chess Championship and represents a long-term collaboration with Norway Chess.”

Norway Chess is now inviting host cities, investors, and partners to join discussions about the tour, which promises cutting-edge technology, innovative broadcasts, and an exciting format aimed at broadening the global appeal of chess.

News

Game on: Abu Dhabi to build a 24,000-seat, fully air-conditioned stadium

Published

2 days ago

October 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE capital is getting ready to build a massive 24,000-seat stadium, and yes, it’ll be fully air-conditioned for year-round comfort.

Set to rise in Zayed City, the new sports complex will feature retractable roofing, sustainable cooling systems, and advanced digital screens for an immersive fan experience.

Planned as part of Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion strategy, the stadium will host international matches, concerts, and community events, all in climate-controlled comfort.

Officials say the project underscores Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global destination for major sporting events while keeping sustainability at its core. The design uses energy-efficient cooling and solar integration to minimise carbon emissions.

This comes as the UAE continues to invest heavily in sports infrastructure, from cricket and football arenas to Formula 1 circuits, reinforcing its global sporting appeal.

So next time the temperature soars past 45°C, don’t worry, Abu Dhabi’s got you covered, literally.

News

Brampton Blitz clinch inaugural Canada Super 60 title with convincing win over Montreal Royal Tigers

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The Brampton Blitz were crowned the first-ever champions of the Canada Super 60 at BC Place, cruising past the Montreal Royal Tigers by eight wickets in a dominant final.

The Blitz showcased their supremacy with the ball, as Dillon Heyliger (4/9), David Wiese (3/6), and Chris Greaves (3/16) bundled out the Tigers for a mere 69 in eight overs. Shakib Al Hasan (29 off 12) and Dilpreet Bajwa (18 off 8) were the only batters to reach double figures for Montreal.

Chasing a modest total of 70, the Blitz wrapped up the victory in just 5.5 overs. James Vince top-scored with a blistering 34 off 16 deliveries, while Martin Guptill contributed a quick 23*. Alex Davies finished proceedings with a six to seal the championship.

Blitz Storm into Final with Nine-Wicket Semi-Final Win Over Mississauga Masters

Earlier in the day, the Brampton Blitz displayed their firepower in the semi-final, demolishing the Mississauga Masters by nine wickets. Chasing 148, Martin Guptill (79 off 25) and Will Smeed (63 off 21) shared a record-breaking 141-run stand in just 6.5 overs. Guptill smashed 11 sixes, while Smeed hit eight, taking the Blitz comfortably past the target in eight overs.

Leus de Plooy (43 off 20) and Sikandar Raza (29 off 13) had provided the Masters with a quick start, supported by Shubham Ranjane (25 off 9) and Rayyan Pathan (19 off 7). Piyush Chawla’s three-wicket haul (3/23) was the highlight for the Blitz bowlers.

Montreal Royal Tigers Overcome Vancouver Kings to Reach Final

In the first semi-final, the Montreal Royal Tigers defeated the Vancouver Kings by 24 runs. Nick Hobson’s 50 off 23 balls rescued the Tigers after an early collapse, lifting them to 100/6 in 10 overs. Baltej Singh (3/21) was the pick of the Kings’ bowlers, while Jaskaran Singh, Dwayne Pretorius, and Tajinder Singh shared three wickets.

During the chase, Shakib Al Hasan (2/5) and Ryan Higgins (2/16) restricted the Kings to 76/7, despite efforts from Max Chu (25 off 10), Obus Pienaar (20 off 11), and Jaskarandeep Singh (16 off 13).

End-of-Season Awards

Most Valuable Player: David Wiese – 149 runs at a strike rate of 213+, plus nine wickets.
Top Scorer: Leus de Plooy (Mississauga Masters) – 238 runs in six innings at a strike rate over 231.
Top Wicket-Taker: Dillon Heyliger (Brampton Blitz) – 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 11.76.

The inaugural Canada Super 60 concluded with the Brampton Blitz leaving an indelible mark on the tournament, blending explosive batting and lethal bowling to lift the trophy.