RIYADH: When entering the APEX Convention center, one would be astonished by how well organized and inviting the center is. Hosting over 400 international chess players, the center was abuzz with excitement and competition.
The whole center was turned into an Arabian mirage with traditional red Saudi textiles and coverings. In the far corner, a Bedouin tent was set up, with pillows and floor settings so visitors could get a taste of the Kingdom.
Arabic coffee was continuously poured and served to eager visitors who chatted enthusiastically during breaks. A falcon, a bird that holds its bearing in Arabian culture, was seated high in the midst of the center, and visitors were encouraged to hold it and even take pictures with the bird.
Female players were not required to wear abayas, but opted to wear black or navy suits.
Vladimir Fedoseev, a Russian chess champion, was awed by the beauty and comfort of Saudi. His first time in Riyadh, he was enjoying it a lot, even the Arabic coffee.
“The organization committee gave the players a very comfortable and good atmosphere. It’s very nice. Saudi Arabia may not have a long chess history, but with this tournament, it’s on its way.”
Afnan Hassan, a Saudi and chess player, was thrilled to enter the tournament. “I’ve played chess since I was very young, but it’s my first time to actually compete in a world championship tournament.”
Aljawhara Al-Hassan, the executive director of Alitihad, was pleased at how happy the international visitors were. She remarked: “All the visitors were enthralled by the event and how well organized it was. This is our Saudi; it is not new to such organizing.”
More photos from the event.
Chess in Arabia: Minds compete in lavish hospitality
Chess in Arabia: Minds compete in lavish hospitality
Watkins goal earns Villa win at Lille, Bologna and Roma draw
- Porto won 2-1 at VfB Stuttgart and Panathinaikos beat Real Betis thanks to a late penalty
- Watkins netted his first European goal of the season
VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France: Aston Villa came away from Lille with a 1-0 win thanks to Ollie Watkins’ goal in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, while Bologna and AS Roma played out a 1-1 draw in the all-Italian clash.
Porto won 2-1 at VfB Stuttgart and Panathinaikos beat Real Betis thanks to a late penalty after playing the final half hour with 10 men.
Watkins netted his first European goal of the season and Villa take a slender lead back home for next Thursday’s second leg.
The only shot on target in a cagey opening half came late on with Romain Perraud’s effort from distance which Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez failed to hold, but defender Pau Torres was there to clear before Lille could take advantage.
Moments earlier Villa had another escape when Lille striker Olivier Giroud was unable to direct his glancing header goalwards from close range.
Villa took the lead six minutes into the second half when Ezri Konsa sent a long ball forward which Emiliano Buendia headed on for Watkins to send a looping header over the keeper.
Amadou Onana hit a curling shot from outside the area which clipped the top of the upright as Villa pushed for a second, with Martinez making a save at the other end from Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
ITALIAN DRAW
In Italy, Bologna went in front five minutes after the break when Jonathan Rowe made a mazy run into the box before laying the ball off to Federico Bernardeschi who whipped a first-time shot in off the far post.
Donyell Malen hit the post for Roma minutes later, and it was his poked pass which set up Lorenzo Pellegrini for the 71st-minute equalizer, with the substitute firing into an empty net.
Malen had a deflected shot come off the post and Roma’s Martin Vitik saw a header from a free kick hit the crossbar as neither side could find a winner.
Porto took the lead through Terem Moffi in the 21st minute, Moffi playing a neat one-two with Borja Sainz before rifling his shot into the corner of the net.
Six minutes later 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora doubled the lead, leaping to volley home Zaidu Sanusi’s cross from the left.
Stuttgart pulled one back five minutes from the break, Deniz Undav capitalizing on a deflected pass with a half-volleyed shot on the turn.
Angelo Stiller thought he had levelled for the hosts with 20 minutes left but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Panathinaikos went down to 10 men with Anass Zaroury picking up a second yellow card and their keeper Alban Lafont kept Betis at bay with a number of fine saves before the hosts netted the winner with two minutes left.
Diego Llorente was sent off after earning a second booking for a foul on Karol Swiderski and Vicente Taborda made no mistake from the penalty spot.
