Saturday 24 / January / 2026
MUSCAT: Indian players dominated the Muscat Nights International Chess Championship 2026, claiming top honours in all major categories as the 10-day tournament concluded at the Al Amal Club Hall on Friday.
The event attracted 270 players from 36 countries, making it one of the strongest editions in the championship’s history.
In the Open Over 2000 rating section, Grandmasters Leon Luke Mendonca and Pranesh M led India’s charge. Mendonca claimed first place with 6.5 points, with Pranesh close behind in second. Grandmaster Arkadij Naiditsch (Bulgaria) finished third.
Other top performers included GM Mikhail Mozharov (Russia, 4th), IM Mayank Chakraborty (India, 5th), GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt, 6th), GM Alisher Suleymenov (Kazakhstan, 7th), and IM Umut Ata Akbas (Turkey, 8th).
India’s Raghav Srivathsav captured the Under 2000 title with an impressive 8 points, leading the field with a clear margin. UAE’s Humaidan Al Zaabi finished second with 7.5 points, tied with Laith Malham (Syria) in third. Omani star Salim Al Mashikhi impressed with a strong seventh-place finish.
Earlier, the Blitz Championship, held over 11 rounds with a 3-minute plus 2-second increment, saw IM Mayank Chakraborty (India) claim first place. GM Adham Fawzy (Egypt) finished second, Pranesh M (GM, India) third, and Radin Yadegar (Iran) fourth.
Omani players shine
Omani competitors earned recognition for their consistency and emerging talent. Mohammed Al Mashikhi was named Best Omani Player (Over 2000), with Salem Al Amri finishing as second-best in the same category.
In the Under 2000 division, Mohammed Al Riyami earned top Omani honours, while Ana Al Esayi received the Best Omani Female Player award.
Young Omani players also impressed, including Anas Al Lamki (U10), Ilyas Al Hinai (U12), Said Al Riyami (U14), and Shihab Al Shibli (U16), with Ali Al Habsi receiving the tournament’s encouragement award.
Ahmed Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee, hailed the tournament as a “major success,” highlighting the growing number of countries, titled players, and competitive standards.
He confirmed plans for more regional and international tournaments, strengthening Oman’s position as a rising chess hub.
