Belarus Player Leads Abu Dhabi Masters Championship
- Dennis Lazavik of Belarus has secured the title of "Abu Dhabi Master" after a hard-fought victory over China's Hawin Soo in the final match of the championship, held...
- Rounding out the top four were Voludar Morzine of Russia in third place, and Aram Hakobian from Armenia, demonstrating the international scope of the competition.
- The initial stage employed a Swiss-system format over 11 rounds, allowing players to compete against a diverse range of opponents.
BelarusS Lazavik Crowned “Abu Dhabi master” in Thrilling Championship
Table of Contents
Published August 21, 2025
A New Champion Emerges
Dennis Lazavik of Belarus has secured the title of “Abu Dhabi Master” after a hard-fought victory over China’s Hawin Soo in the final match of the championship, held on the “Cheese.com” platform. The tournament, now in its second year, continues to grow in prestige and attract top chess talent from around the globe.
Rounding out the top four were Voludar Morzine of Russia in third place, and Aram Hakobian from Armenia, demonstrating the international scope of the competition.
Tournament Structure and Key Players
The championship unfolded in two distinct phases. The initial stage employed a Swiss-system format over 11 rounds, allowing players to compete against a diverse range of opponents. This was followed by a knockout stage featuring the top four players, culminating in the final showdown between Lazavik and Soo.
This year’s event drew an remarkable field of 350 players, including 176 Grandmasters and 164 International Masters, showcasing the high level of competition. Matches often extended beyond six hours, demanding both strategic brilliance and remarkable endurance from the participants.
Star Power and Royal Support
The tournament wasn’t just about emerging talent; it also attracted established stars. Hikaru Nakamura of the United States, currently ranked among the top players in the world, and his compatriot Hans Niemann, also a top-ten contender, participated in the event, adding to its allure.
Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, President of the Arab chess Federation and the Sharjah Chess Club, personally inaugurated the fifth round of the Masters championship, underscoring the event’s importance and receiving support from key figures like Hussein Abdullah Al-Khoury, chairman of the Club Board of Directors, and Youssef Ahmed, the club’s Secretary-General.
Current Standings and Early Leaders
As of the fifth round, Chinese player Zing Chonging held the lead with five points, having secured victory in all his matches. Close behind was compatriot Soo Hoyen with 4.5 points. Eight players were closely contesting third place, each with four points.
| Rank | Player | Contry | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zing Chonging | China | 5 |
| 2 | Soo Hoyen | China | 4.5 |
| 3-10 | Various Players | Various | 4 |