Chess player, Abdel Rahman Sameh Mohamed, 10, has become the youngest champion in Egypt’s history, in a remarkable display of talent.
Mohamed’s win at the Republic Chess Championship, held in Cairo between July 2 and 11, was a significant moment for Egyptian chess. It propels the budding player onto the international stage.
When he entered the competition, the player was ranked 18, out of 369 other contestants participating. Nevertheless, his exceptional skills flared up all through the championship.
The tournament featured fierce rivalry, including through seven international masters and six federal masters.
Despite his young age, Mohamed displayed a remarkable focus and strategic prowess, scoring an impressive 10.5 points, out of a possible 11. However, his path to victory was not without challenges.
Mohamed secured victories against players with lower ratings, before facing tougher opponents. A crucial moment came in the eighth round when he achieved a stunning offensive win against International Master Hamed Wafa.
He played to a draw in the next round, but maintained his lead and secured two final victories, ultimately concluding the tournament with a phenomenal score and a performance rating of 2260.
Mohamed is the youngest Egyptian, Arab and African chess player to reach a rating of 2260.
His coach revealed that the player’s journey with chess began at the age of six.
“His father was the one who introduced him to the game,” Coach Sherif Ashraf, the founder of Egypt Chess Academy, told the Egyptian Mail.
Mohamed was so lucky that his early talent was recognised, leading to his inclusion in Egypt Chess Academy which secured him special sponsorship from esteemed coach, Magdy George.
Sorry to say, George passed away soon, but the player was sponsored by Coach Ashraf. He also invited the attention of Coach Mohamed Ezzat of the Egyptian national team, who also sponsored him.
“His natural talent blossomed quickly, leading him to win the U-10 Republic Championship,” Ashraf said.
Ashraf noted that this win also paved the way for Mohamed to make his crowning achievement at the African Junior Championship in South Africa, where he won nine matches, an unparalleled feat by all measures.
Mohamed has set an impressive record, especially with the absence of a younger national champion in recent times. By comparison, international grandmaster, Alireza Firoza, was just 12, when he became Iran’s champion in 2016. Bobby Fischer also won in the US Championships at the age of 14, while Magnus Carlsen won the Norwegian National Championships at the age of 15 in 2006.
Mohamed’s latest victory will also position him among the world’s brightest young chess talents.
Ashraf acknowledges the immense potential Mohamed possesses. He said his goal in the coming period is for Mohamed to achieve the World Junior Championship and become the youngest Grand Master in history.
Mohamed’s will face his next challenge next month when he joins the Egyptian team for the World Team Blitz Chess Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan, which will kick off on August 2.
This prestigious event will provide him with a valuable opportunity to test his skills against some of the world’s strongest players.
With his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the support of his coaches and family, Mohamed is poised to make significant waves in the world of chess for years to come.
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