Rawan al Balushi crowned WCM in junior division at 2022 Chess Olympiad (lead)

MUSCAT: Young Omani chess players produced an impressive performance at the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022

which is currently underway in Chennai, India. Oman’s Rawan al Balushi crowned as WCM in the junior category. The woman candidate master (abbreviated as WCM) is one of the official titles awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) exclusively to women chess players. The accomplishment registered by Rawan is classified as the first title for Oman at the ladies players level. She clinched this title after capturing five points from seven rounds in her debut at the Chess Olympiad event.

Champion Rawan received one point in the opener against Burundi player Kelly Karelle Kaze. In the following clash against Mateja Popovic from Montenegro, she got 0.5 points and then bounced back strongly to clinch one point from her opponent Afiwa Kponsou from Togo. Later, she got 0.5 point in her following game against Naya Bofround from Syria and captured one point from Guyanese Nellisha Johnson. Then, she suffered a loss against Patience Tsuses from Vietnam.

The national chess men team managed to win in the second round of the tournament as they defeated Burundi team 4-0 and recorded another victory over Jordan team 3-1 . Oman men team comprised from Amer al Maashani, Salim al Amri, Ali Shamas and Manaa al Kathiri. In the third round, the national team registered another triumph against New Zealand with a score of 2.5:1.5. The men team suffered to a loss against Albania team and another defeat from Uganda team. Oman ladies team comprised from Al Anoud al Ghafri, Rawan al Balushi, Mariya al Balushi and Afra al Balushi. The ladies team clinched a 4-0 win over Togo in a thrilling game while they tasted a defeat from Dominican Republic.

On the other hand, Oman’s umpire confirmed their presence at the Chess Olympiad 2022. The international umpire Musallam al Wadhahi is attending in this Olympiad for his second consecutive time. He officiated many games in the top chess event till now and will have some games in the remaining days of the Olympiad.