The Signature Chess Club delivered an electrifying double-header this May with two distinct formats: the Signature Chess Club Classical Series Tournament and the FIDE KING Blitz Tournament, both held at the Baseline Sports Academy, Dubai Investment Park (DIP). Players from across the globe, including top-rated titleholders and rising talents, clashed over 64 squares in what proved to be one of the most competitive chess weekends in the region.
Classical Series Tournament – May 16 – 18, 2025
With a time control of 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment, this 7-round classical format tested players’ endurance and strategic depth. The tournament saw a spectacular clean sweep by Reyjoy Bartolay of the Philippines, who scored a perfect 7/7—cementing his status as a rising force in classical chess.
FIDE KING Blitz Tournament – May 18, 2025
Held just after the classical series, the FIDE KING Tournament brought lightning-speed action with a blitz format of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment over 7 intense rounds. The field was stacked with titled players, creating a battlefield of high-stakes calculation and raw speed.
Top 5 Final Standings – FIDE KING Blitz
| Rank | Player | Title | Federation | Rating | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Asghar Golizadeh |
GM
|
IRI |
2457 |
6 |
|
2 |
Austin Jacob Literatus |
FM
|
PHI
|
2214 |
6 |
|
3 |
Allayar Shirliyev |
CM
|
TKM
|
2279 |
6 |
|
4 |
Musatwe Simutowe |
CM
|
ZAM
|
2099 |
4 |
|
5 |
Richilieu Salcedo III |
IM
|
PHI
|
2315 |
4 |
GM Asghar Golizadeh held his ground to emerge victorious in a photo-finish three-way tie, winning on tiebreaks with superior performance.
Strategic Brilliance Meets International Competition
The May tournaments showcased the depth of chess talent in the UAE and reaffirmed Dubai’s status as a rising global chess hub. With a mix of seasoned Grandmasters and emerging youth players, Signature Chess Club is raising the bar for tournament organization in the Gulf region.
From classical to blitz, from strategy to speed, chess lovers witnessed it all in just one weekend.
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