UAE’s challenge, however, is led by three players, Osman Moosah, Arab gold medallist, Ahmed Issak, Arab under-16 champion and his brother, Saeed, under-14 Arab champion. Three players with international master norms participating in the championship are Fouad Al Taher, Abdul Hamed El Arousy, both from Egypt, and Sharif Mehrshad, from France.

The event, sponsored by Emirates Cooperative Society, opened with five rounds yesterday with the final rounds of four scheduled for today. Closing ceremony will be at 8.30pm. The tournament was inaugurated by Atiq Al Suwaidi, assistant financial manager of Dubai Chess Club. Present also were Suhail Tayeb, technical manager of the club, and Mohammed Al Hussaini, executive director of the club. The championship, being presented by Khalid bin Zayed, a member of UAE National Council, and vice-president of Emirates Cooperative Society, carries a total prize money of Dh10,000. The winner in the men’s category will collect Dh2,000, the runner-up Dh1,500, third placed Dh1,000. The winner in the women’s division will receive Dh500, the boys and girls under-12 winners will get Dh400 each while the best player under-10 will be awarded Dh300 each.