Connect with us

Announcements

Chess Grandmasters assemble in London for Global Chess League

Published

on

In a unique sports event, many of the world’s strongest chess players have gathered in London for the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, the only professional sports league where men and women compete together on mixed-gender teams. Created as a joint venture between Indian tech giant Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the league aims to bring chess to millions of fans worldwide through a fresh, competitive format that is unlike anything seen before in the sport.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAoDc_XR0Xj/?igsh=bzRucHBmdnhyNmdy

Some of the strongest and most well-known players on the planet are competing, including five-time World Champion and current world number one Magnus Carlsen, former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, world number two and popular chess streamer Hikaru Nakamura, and one of the youngest players in the chess elite, 21-year-old Alireza Firouzja. Additionally, former Women’s World Champions Hou Yifan, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Tan Zhongyi, and other leading Grandmasters are among the 36 players participating in this prestigious event.

“There’s incredible excitement as the Global Chess League Season 2 rolls out on October 3rd here in London. We are looking forward to having a great turnout with chess lovers coming into the Friends House to watch some thrilling matches between the world’s top players,” said Sameer Pathak, CEO of the Global Chess League.

Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), added, “This event is groundbreaking in both concept and format. It sets a new standard not only for chess but for sports worldwide. The initiative to combine men and women on the same team is inspiring and will greatly promote the game globally.”

World-class teams

The reigning champions, the Triveni Continental Kings, claimed victory in the inaugural edition held in July 2023 in Dubai, UAE, with a dramatic last-minute win over the Ganges Grandmasters. This year six teams – owned by major international companies – are participating in the league: Alpine SG Pipers, led by Magnus Carlsen; Ganges Grandmasters, led by Viswanathan Anand; upGrad Mumba Masters, led by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave; PBG Alaskan Knights, led by Anish Giri; Triveni Continental Kings, led by Alireza Firouzja; and American Gambits, led by Hikaru Nakamura.

Unique format
Each team consists of six players: one Icon Player (a top-rated Grandmaster rated 2700 or above), two world-class Grandmasters, two top-female players, and one player aged 21 or younger.

The teams will compete in a double round-robin format, meaning they will face every other team twice. In contrast to traditional chess tournaments, where each team has an equal number of players playing with black or white pieces, here, the entire team will play with one colour for the duration of a match and switch in the rematch. Each game lasts only 20 minutes, with no time increment, making time pressure a significant factor in the game.

A new scoring system

The scoring system resembles football more than traditional chess, where a win with either colour earns oje point, a draw earns half a point, and a loss earns no points. At the TechM GCL, a win with the black pieces earns 4 game points, while a win with white earns 3. A draw is worth 1 game point, and a loss earns no points. In terms of match points, a team victory is rewarded with 3 points, a draw with 1, and a loss with 0. After the round-robin phase, the two teams with the highest match points will advance to the final, which will be decided over two matches. If a tie occurs, blitz playoffs will determine the winner.

Where and when

The event takes place at Friends House, Euston (NW1 2BJ) with the first round starting on Thursday, 3rd October, at 13:15 London time. Each day will feature three matches (at 13:15, 15:55, and 17:15). The final will be held on Saturday, 12th October, with matches beginning at 13:15 and 14:35 London time.

Announcements

Yas Waterworld unveils UAE’s tallest waterslide and 18 New attractions

Published

on

Prepare for an epic splash! Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi is in the processing of upgrading their water park thrills with the addition of the UAE’s highest waterslide and 18 brand-new rides. Adventure seekers and families alike can look forward to an enhanced experience as the park undergoes a massive 16,900-square-meter expansion. The new section, expected to open in 2025, will feature 18 exhilarating attractions, bringing the total number of rides and experiences at Yas Waterworld to over 70.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA8B3z_NWFN/?igsh=MW84d3JyZGo4MG52

More than 55% of the construction is already complete, and one of the most anticipated highlights is the all-new waterslide complex. Designed to accommodate 20 riders simultaneously, the complex boasts:

-The UAE’s highest slide-

-A pioneering water-based amusement ride

-A heart-pounding 15-meter drop

In addition to these high-adrenaline rides, Yas Waterworld will introduce “The Legend of the Lost Village,” an exciting continuation of its famed “Legend of the Lost Pearl,” a story steeped in the UAE’s rich pearl-diving heritage. The expansion will also feature 8 new pools and a variety of food and beverage outlets, perfect for a day of aquatic adventure and relaxation. For younger thrill-seekers, the new additions include mini versions of fan-favorite rides like Dawwama Junior and Sebag, allowing kids to join in on the fun with safe, scaled-down versions of iconic attractions.

Continue Reading

Announcements

UAE Pass mandatory to access Mohre services starting October 18

Published

on

Starting October 18, those accessing the platforms of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) need to log in with UAE Pass, it was announced on Thursday. All other login details, including usernames and passwords, will be scrapped and replaced, Mohre said in an advisory. The UAE Pass is the country’s official digital identity for residents and citizens, offering its users access to all government services.

Mohre, like other entities across the UAE, has made its services easily accessible via its website, app and other online platforms.

Employers often use the ministry’s channels to process the issuance and cancellation of work permits and employment contracts, among other documents. Those who employ domestic workers also use its platforms for necessary paperwork. Absconding reports are also filed online.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Dubai Ride 2024 registration now open

Published

on

Get the bike out of the garage, dig out your cycling kit and get ready to cycle through Dubai’s most stunning vistas; registrations are now open for the iconic Dubai Ride, presented by DP World – an unforgettable adventure past the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Taking place on Sunday 10 November 2024, the region’s largest community cycling event returns for its fifth edition, offering everyone – no matter your age or cycling ability – the chance to experience Dubai like never before. Much more than just a cycling event, Dubai Ride is a celebration of community, fitness, and the vibrant energy that makes Dubai one of the world’s best cities to visit, live and work in.


One of the most popular events on the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) calendar, Dubai Ride offers you an epic way to smash your 30×30 goals, after a remarkable 35,000 cyclists cycled a collective 546,000 kms during last year’s edition.


This year’s event features routes for all, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out. Choose the scenic 12km ride along Sheikh Zayed Road or opt for the family-friendly 4km through Downtown Dubai. Each path offers a unique perspective of the city’s architectural marvels, from the soaring Burj Khalifa to the striking Museum of the Future and iconic Dubai Opera.


Seeking a thrill? Try the brand-new Dubai Ride Speed Laps, designed to deliver an unparalleled cycle for experienced riders over 21 years old. Taking place from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM on the 12km route, the speed laps will offer a unique chance to experience the excitement of high-speed cycling on Sheikh Zayed Road.

To join, you’ll need to maintain a minimum speed of 30km/h, ride a bike capable of sustaining this pace and follow the instructions of the Dubai Ride Marshals. Once complete, you can join family and friends for the main event. Registration for both Dubai Ride and Dubai Speed Laps is separate. You can sign up now for Dubai Ride, while registration for Dubai Speed Laps will begin on Monday 14 October, so mark your diaries to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to push your limits and speed around the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road route.

As a participant, you’ll receive individual bibs for both Dubai Ride and Dubai Speed Laps. You can pick these up at the Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village, your hub for all things running and cycling. More information on collection dates and timings will be announced soon.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2024 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/