The event, Figueira da Foz Sabir Ali International Tournament, confirms the prestige achieved over two decades, establishing itself as one of the most important chess competitions in Portugal and a reference on the international calendar.
Among the 112 participants are 42 players with international titles, including European vice-champion Irina Bulmaga and the return of Ivana Furtado, former under-8 world champion. India is the most represented country, with 18 players, followed by Spain with 16.
The competition will also feature some of the best Portuguese players, promising to elevate the competitive level and reinforce the event's international dimension. Over 20 editions, the festival has promoted the sport and established the municipality as an international meeting point.
The official opening ceremony took place on Saturday at the Assembleia Figueirense, with a piano recital by Miguel Rodrigues and a musical moment by Tuna Acordes da Foz. The tournament is being held at the Sweet Atlantic Hotel.
The Festival's realization is sponsored by the Câmara Municipal da Figueira da Foz, the Junta de Freguesia de São Julião, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Portuguese Chess Federation (FPX), Altri, and Microplásticos, with the support of several hotel units.
The closing ceremony and awards presentation for the winners will take place on November 15, at 4:30 PM, at the Sweet Atlantic Hotel & Spa.
