- 11:20
Beirut went all-in on top-level play for the 12th International: intense pace, packed hall, and a high-caliber field. Belarusian grandmaster Aleksei Aleksandrov, a GM since 1997, held the top board from start to finish and sealed the deal in the final sprint.
Born in 1973, crowned European junior champion in 1992 and four-time Belarusian champion, Aleksei Aleksandrov added another line to an already solid résumé by winning the 12th edition of the Beirut International Open. Seven victories, two draws, 8 points out of 9: a clean, flawless performance, capped off with a full point snatched from Tunisian Amir Zibi in round 9.
An Open that matters
Organized by the Chess Club of the Rabita of Notre-Dame Alumni – Frères Furn el-Chebbak, and inaugurated on October 18 in the Antoine-Ghanem Hall, the tournament brought together more than 110 players from 12 countries, including ten grandmasters. Held under the patronage of the Lebanese Chess Federation and listed in both the FIDE and ACF calendars, it offered $6,000 in prizes and official Elo points. In short, an Open that counts — and where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Aleksandrov: command of the center and nerves of steel
The future winner set the tone early: mastery of technical endgames, precision in time trouble, and clinical control of dynamic positions. A strategic draw in round 8 against Egypt’s Adham Fawzy allowed him to keep the lead (6.5/8), which he converted into the title with a relentless final-round win over Zibi. Final score: 8/9 and $2,000 in the bag.
The podium and the pack
Behind him, Armenian Vahe Baghdasaryan finished alone in second place with 7.5/9. At 7 points, a tight chase group followed: Egyptian GM Adham Fawzy, Sergey Kasparov (under the FIDE flag), Armenian Levon Babujian, and Serbian Mikhail Ivanov. Amir Zibi placed seventh with 6.5, the same score achieved by two standout Lebanese players, Akram Khoder (FA) and Adam Seifeddine, both authors of a strong, consistent week.
Lebanese players in the mix
Many local players put up solid fights against top seeds. Notable mention to French WGM Nino Maisuradze (6/9), leading a large pack, and on the Lebanese side to Jad Akl — who earned prestigious draws —, FA Ahmad Najjar, Joe Assaad (CM), Mohamed al-Habash, Michael Ferzli, Ahmad Hazimeh, Aram Kazandjian, Abbas Kaafarani, and Tarraf Tarraf, all scoring 6/9. Also worth noting: Seifeddine’s full point against Serbian GM Stefan Djuric and Akl’s draws against two GMs — valuable benchmarks for the season.
Ceremony and signatures
The awards were announced during a closing ceremony attended by numerous sporting and institutional figures. After remarks from tournament director and international arbiter Elias Khairallah, chief arbiter Elias Abou Jaoudé confirmed the results, followed by the presentation of trophies, medals, plaques, and checks — official photos and warm exchanges included.
Prizes
GM Aleksei Aleksandrov (BLR) – $2,000
GM Vahe Baghdasaryan (ARM) – $1,000 (Khaled Kinaou Prize)
GM Adham Fawzy (EGY) – $315
GM Sergey Kasparov (FID) – $315
GM Levon Babujian (ARM) – $315
GM Mikhail Ivanov (SRB) – $315
Categories: U2000: Mohamed al-Habash (medal); U1800: Adam Seifeddine ($200); U1600: Aram Kazandjian ($200); Women: WGM Nino Maisuradze ($250) and WGM Shahenda Wafa ($250); Veterans 65+: GM Stefan Djuric ($200); Veterans 50+: FA Ahmad Najjar and Tarraf Tarraf ($100 each); Unrated: Simon Fetaly and Chris Barza ($100 each); U16: Jad Akl and Abbas Kaafarani ($75 each). Youngest player: Tim Khalife (born 2019).
Written in stone
In Beirut’s “golden book,” Aleksandrov joins the ranks of Tigran Kotanjian (2012–2013), Sergey Volkov (2015, 2017), Azər Mirzoyev (2022), and other notable names. The 2025 edition was a firm reminder of one truth: in Beirut, half-points of courtesy aren’t given — victories are earned over 64 squares. And the Belarusian showed exactly what it means to hold your position.
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