Sajid Finishes 6th in Dubai Open Chess

FIDE Master Sakline Mostafa Sajid – File photo
DHAKA, June 4, 2025 (BSS) – In an impressive showing at the 25th Dubai Open Chess Tournament, FIDE Master Sakline Mostafa Sajid clinched sixth place in category ‘B’. The event, held in the vibrant city of Dubai, UAE, concluded with significant participation from players around the globe.
With a final score of 5.5 points from nine games, Sajid’s performance marked him as one of the standout competitors in his category. Not only did he showcase exceptional strategic skills on the chessboard, but his achievement was also rewarded with a cash prize of $1,000, celebrating his hard work and dedication.
Sajid was not the only Bangladeshi contributor to the tournament’s spirited atmosphere. Fellow FIDE Master Syed Mahfuzur Rahman finished 15th with six points. Meanwhile, Woman FIDE Master Noshin Anjum secured the 39th position, accumulating five points. Each of these players exemplified the growing talent emerging from Bangladesh’s chess community.
In the final round of category ‘B’, Sajid delivered a stellar performance by defeating Hamad Essam from the UAE. This win not only solidified his placement in the tournament but also underscored his ability to compete at high levels against regional competitors. Rahman also showcased his skills by triumphing over India’s Vishal Choudhury. Conversely, Noshin Anjum faced Hari Vardan Satheeshkumar from India, ultimately sharing the points in this closely contested matchup.
The tournament witnessed some notable absences in its concluding rounds. International Master Manon Reja Neer and FIDE Master Tahsin Tajwar Zia did not compete in category ‘A’, while Woman International Master Wadifa Ahmed and Woman Candidate Master Walijah Ahmed opted out of category ‘B’. Such withdrawals often change the dynamics of competitions, influencing both rankings and matchups.
The ‘A’ category featured strong contenders, with Grandmaster Grebnev Aleksey from Russia claiming the championship title. His victory added to the competitive spirit that characterized this prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Pichot Alan of Spain took the runner-up position, highlighting the level of talent present in the top tier of competitors.
In the same breath, category ‘B’ crowned its champion, Nikookar Mahdi of Iran, who topped the charts with an impressive 7.5 points. His performance exemplifies the intensity and skill levels present in these tournaments, making them not only competitive but also exciting to watch.
The 25th Dubai Open Chess Tournament has once again reiterated the significance of platform events for recognizing and nurturing chess talent globally. Sajid’s commendable finish and the participation of other talented players reflect the vibrant chess culture continuing to thrive in Bangladesh and beyond.