President Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati chess prodigy Rouda Essa Alserkal
President Sheikh Mohamed met UAE's first woman grandmaster Rouda Essa Alserkal, providing further encouragement to the fast-rising teenager who has made giant strides in the world of chess.
Sheikh Mohamed met Rouda, 15, during a reception at Qasr al Bahr in Abu Dhabi.
There, the UAE leader 'reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting young Emirati sporting talents, developing their skills and capabilities, and harnessing all available resources to empower them to achieve sporting excellence at regional and international levels', WAM reported.
Rouda, a product of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, rose to prominence last year when she became the first Emirati woman grandmaster at the Arab Women's Championship in Sharjah.
That success resulted in an invitation to the prestigious Norway Chess Open, where Rouda represented the UAE in a competition that featured the top chess players from across the world.
There, Rouda concluded her maiden appearance at the competition by winning three consecutive games.
Rouda, who turns 16 next month, endured a tough start to the tournament but found form from round seven, when she notched her first win against Norway's Sigur H. Myny.
She carried the momentum, scoring her second consecutive win late last month against Italian Mauro Pivi, and capped her campaign earlier this month with victory over France's Franck Gouanelle.
She finished with three wins, two draws and four losses.
'It was a learning experience more than anything else,' Alserkal said. 'And I'm proud I stayed with it. Ending with three wins felt really special – I feel like I'm still leaving stronger than I arrived although I could have done much better.'
The teenager, who is aiming for the main Grandmaster title in the coming years, said she will learn from her mistakes.
'I was honestly hoping to gain around 100 rating points,' Rouda said. 'Most of the rounds I lost, I was either winning or had a clear advantage but lost my way in the end. That's what frustrated me the most.'
Tournament founder Kjell Madland lauded her fighting spirit.
'It is exactly this kind of story that reinforces Norway Chess as a truly global platform. To have young talents like Rouda travel all the way from the UAE to compete at this level adds richness and reach to what we're building here,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
11 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Setback for UAE powerboat teams in F2 World Championship opener
30 June 2025 22:47 Brindisi (Aletihad)Team Abu Dhabi's campaign for the UIM F2 World Championship started in the Italian city of Brindisi in a cloud of disappointment and misfortune for Abu Dhabi and Sharjah the latter, it was an agonising result because their driver André Solvang slipped from third place in the final laps, despite maintaining that position throughout most of the Team Abu Dhabi, Mansoor Al Mansoori was involved in a collision with Monaco's Giacomo Sacchi on the final lap, forcing him out of contention. Reigning world champion Rashed Al Qemzi faced technical problems that prevented him from delivering his usual strong performance, and he ended the round without scoring meaningful contrast, British driver Matthew Palfreyman claimed first place and earned 20 points, followed by France's Peter Morin in second with 15 points, and Sweden's Helmer Wiberg in third with 12 points. Sharjah's Solvang secured fourth place with nine points, after losing his third-place position late in the Dhabi's Italian coach Guido Cappellini is now focusing on the team making a strong comeback in the second round of the championship, which will be held in Lithuania in July. The team remains determined to defend the world title won last season by Al UIM F2 World Championship is one of the most prestigious competitions in international powerboat racing, featuring five rounds of fierce global competition. Both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah still have strong chances to rebound in the upcoming rounds. Al Qemzi, a five-time world champion and one of the most accomplished drivers in the field, has previously recovered from slow starts to go on and win the title – keeping hopes high for a powerful return.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
‘It means the world': Potgieter makes history with dramatic playoff win at Rocket Classic
In a week where sporting headlines were dominated by experience, youth had the final word. South Africa's Aldrich Potgieter, barely out of his teens, made history at the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Sunday, outlasting a nervy three-man playoff to clinch his maiden PGA Tour title at the Detroit Golf Club. His victory, sealed with an 18-foot birdie on the fifth playoff hole, marked him as the youngest South African ever to win on the Tour and one of the youngest winners globally in the past four decades. Fans in the UAE, where South African golfers like three-time Dubai Desert Classic Champion Ernie Els, two-time U.S. Open sensation Retief Goosen and 2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel, have long been crowd favourites, will recognize Potgieter as a name to watch. And now, he's no longer just a big hitter with promise, but a history-maker. Potgieter, a youngster with an Afrikaans name, finished regulation tied at 22-under-par 266 alongside American duo Max Greyserman and Chris Kirk. While Kirk bowed out after a bogey on the second playoff hole, Potgieter and Greyserman continued to trade punches, pars and pressure before the South African struck the decisive putt on the par-3 15th. Patience Pays Off Late 'I struggled to get the pace right all day, left a lot of putts short,' Potgieter said, speaking like a man who knows he'll have many more Sundays under the spotlight. 'Finally got one to the hole.' It was a nerveless finish to a nervy round. Potgieter had opened the tournament with a blistering 62 on Thursday and held or shared the lead heading into Sunday. A closing 69 wasn't flawless, but it was enough to earn him a place in the playoff, and eventually the trophy. 'Big thanks to my family, friends, coaches, everyone who has been involved to get me to this point,' he said. 'It means the world.' For Greyserman, it was a familiar taste of disappointment. Ranked 48th in the world heading into the week, he played a bogey-free final round of 67 and had a 12-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to win outright, but couldn't convert. Close, But Not Enough 'I thought I hit a lot of good shots down the stretch. Very pleased with how I handled myself,' Greyserman said. 'But unfortunately, I didn't get the job done.' Chris Kirk, the third man in the playoff, came closest on the first extra hole with a 9-foot birdie chance that slid past. A three-putt bogey on the second extra hole ended his hopes. Potgieter's win doesn't just earn him a trophy, it has opened doors to bigger events, more sponsor attention, and invites to golf's top tables. It also continues a proud legacy of South African success on the PGA Tour, following in the footsteps of legends like Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Louis Oosthuizen.
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Baniyas dominates medals table as little warriors capture hearts in Abu Dhabi
While Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club walked away with the team title, it was the young fighters, some barely tall enough to see over the scoring table, who stole the spotlight on the final day of Round 4 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena. Dozens of athletes in the Kids and Under-12 Gi divisions battled it out with skill and heart that belied their age, as a crowd of proud parents and passionate fans cheered from the packed gallery. From flying armbars to last-second escapes, the day was filled with the kind of drama that reminded everyone why jiu-jitsu has become one of the UAE's fastest-growing sports. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club secured the top team spot, with Al Jazira and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Clubs rounding out the podium. But beyond rankings, Sunday was a celebration of the sport's bright future. Environment for Champions Among the dignitaries in attendance were prominent figures from across government and sport, including Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE Media Council, and Abdulmunem Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, among many others. Mohamed Humaid Hamad Dalmouj Aldhaheri, a Board Member of the UAEJJF, praised the event's mission. 'Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship reflects the wise leadership's vision of empowering individuals, nurturing future generations, and strengthening community bonds through sport," Aldhaheri, said. "The leadership's continued support, including the directive of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed to double the prize pool, inspires the entire jiu-jitsu community.' His words were echoed by Maisara Mahmoud Eid, who highlighted the broader impact. 'This is a real example of how sport builds character, discipline, and a sense of purpose, all supported by visionary leadership that believes in developing people as the nation's greatest asset," Maisara said. More Than Just Medals The emotional core of the day came from the stories off the mat. Hamad Nasseeb Al Ahbabi, father of standout competitor Matar Al Ahbabi,,said: 'Anyone who's seen my son's progress in jiu-jitsu understands how much this sport can transform young lives… The generous prize initiative from His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed is a clear sign of how much the leadership cares about motivating and supporting the nation's youth.' Diana Nurislamova from Russia, whose son Danis competed in the under-12s, praised the experience: 'Danis gained far more than just technique. He has learnt patience, teamwork, and respect. "We are truly thankful for the UAE's vision and the way it supports young athletes from all nationalities.' As the mats were rolled up and medals awarded, it was clear the real winners were the young competitors whose journeys were just beginning. With Round 4 now concluded, all eyes turn to August, when the championship resumes its mission of nurturing the next generation of heroes, one fight at a time.
