KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: The first Kuwait International Chess Festival officially began on Sunday, featuring five tournaments with over 250 male and female players from 25 countries.

In a press statement, the Vice President of the Kuwait Mind Games Club, Adel Al-Amiri, highlighted that the festival includes competitions for masters, challengers, and women, as well as two rapid chess tournaments for adults and children. The event will run for nine days, concluding on January 13.

Al-Amiri noted that the opening day saw the commencement of the first round in the master, challenger, and women's categories, each of which will continue for nine days, with one round held daily. He explained that the rapid chess tournaments will consist of nine rounds. The first rapid tournament will start on January 9 with five rounds, followed by four rounds on January 10. The second rapid chess tournament will take place on January 11, with all nine rounds played on the same day.

He emphasized the significant role of the Kuwait Mind Games Club in hosting this prestigious event, which contributes to the spread of chess among youth and juniors. Al-Amiri expressed optimism regarding the success of the five tournaments and predicted a highly competitive championship, with participation from some of the best male and female chess players.

He also extended a warm welcome to all sports delegations and expressed gratitude to the General Authority for Sports for its invaluable support, ensuring the success of this distinguished event.