Haji Siraj Ud Din Memorial Grand Prix 1 won by NM Sibt Ali

The Balochistan Chess Association (BCA) is on track to introduce and establish a chess culture Jon the provincial as well as National-level. BCA has just organized the first part of the toughest series of tournaents in the country, “Haji Siraj Ud Din Memorial Balochistan Grand Prix-1, 2021” with complete Support from Chess Federation of Pakistan, Balochistan Sports Board Director-General Mr. Durra Baloch, and Secretary Sports and youth affairs Balochistan Mr. Imran Gichki.

The Designer and Chief Organizer of the Grand Prix was Dr Muhammad Ayoub, General Secretary Balochistan Chess Association. The Opening inauguration was done by President BCA, Honorable MPA Mir Akthar Hussain Langove.

The events was Fide rated, in Classical format, completed in 6 days, from 21-05-2021 to 26-05-2021. Players were divided in 04 pools, where they played Single Round Robin between them, 2 players qualified from each Pool A-D for quarterfinals, as follows 

 All 8 qualifiers played a Double Knockout consisting of 2 Classical matches with both colors.

Sibt Ali Won both games in the Quarterfinal comprehensively from Aurang zaib, While Ali Madad won the first game with black and drew the The next game with white against Ehsan Lehri.

Dr. Muhammad Ayoub won both games from Mehmood Nasir, but it was a big fight till the end. The first real upset of the tournament was when Mir Asad khan won both games from Muhammad Afzal Mengal, 71 years old, a Strong player of the country, and Zone 3.2 Champion.

In the Semi-Finals, Sibt Ali showed his class and won both games in style from Ali Madad, While Dr. Muhammad Ayoub knocked out Mir Asad 2-0.

The Grand Finale was a real fight between two strong players of the Country, Dr. Muhammad Ayoub started the First game with white confidently and cracked the king Indian defence of NM Sibt Ali, but drew the winning endgame under time pressure, the game continued for 4.5 hours and Sibt Ali took the advantage in final games with white and won the Finale, remaining unbeaten in the whole event.

 Trophies, Certificates, and Cash Prizes were distributed by President BCA, MPA Mir Akthar Hussain Langove. 

In his closing speech, President BCA, appreciated the growing strength of players, their dedication, and stamina, he acknowledged the contributions and the stamina of seniors like Afzal Mengal, Yousuf Baloch, and Wasee akther Syed… The winner of the event NM Sibt Ali said that it was the toughest event of his life, both playing strength-wise and demanding a hell of Stamina… 16 Classical games in 6 consecutive days, against the strongest possible field, was very demanding.

General Secretary BCA and Runner up, Dr. Muhammad Ayoub said Young talent is now showcasing their talent on the big stage, like Mir Asad, Aurang Zaib, Haseeb Jawad, Aftab Mengal, Ehsan lehri. Great display of Skills by Seniors like Ejaz Ahmed, Nawaz Zehri, Saleem Shahwani, Ali Madad, Muhammad Ayaz…, great enthusiasm in youngsters like Afzal Shahwani, Jan Sher khan, Ahmed Ullah, Naqeeb, Qayyum… I hope Umerzaib and Haroon will play the games as expected from them… I am thankful to CFP and VP Amin Malik for his continuous interest and support for Balochistan chess… Our President Mir Akther Hussain langue was there in every situation to guide and help us, as well as Senior VP BCA Malik Anwar Saleem Kasi… Special Thanks to Mehmood Nasir, Zafar Ali Khan, Tauseef Ur Rehman Babar, Siddique for helping in every aspect of organizing the event… I must appreciate the interest and participation of Noor Fatima Rashid in joining the event from Lahore… It was a story to be remembered for a long. He said we just created history and the Goods will come short term, as 50 players got Fide ratings under the current BCA umbrella, as well as long term.

He added that Pakistan is now on equal terms to big nations like India, UAE, the USA, Iran, and other countries, we have organized 6 Classical events in just one month, a total of 10 events, which is a record and opening doors of new opportunities for chess players. Our slogan “Good time is ahead”.