Athletes from all over Turkey met at the same table in Fethiye

The Fethiye Özyer Group Chess Tournament, organized with the contributions of the Turkey Chess Federation Fethiye District Representation and Özyer Group, was completed with an award ceremony. The event, held at the Martyr Captain Özgür Özekin Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School Practice Hotel, attracted intense interest from all over Turkey.

217 athletes applied for the tournament, and 150 athletes competed in different categories. Prize money of a total of 50 thousand TL was awarded to the athletes who placed in the tournament held in the Open category, under 8 years, and under 10 years categories.

Turkey Chess Federation Fethiye District Representative Ünat Sayın said the tournament was completed with participation above expectations. Despite the intense heat of the summer, Sayın stated that the event was successfully held and noted that the physical conditions of the hall positively contributed to the participation.

"We thought it wouldn't be easy to organize a tournament in Fethiye in this season. However, thanks to the suitable environment and air-conditioned halls of the venue where we held the tournament, we exceeded the participation target," said Sayın, who added that it made them especially happy that strong athletes from many provinces of Turkey participated in the event.

National athletes met in Fethiye

Sayın stated that athletes from many cities, especially Ankara, Istanbul, Bursa, Hatay, Trabzon, Tokat, Çanakkale, Aydın, Denizli, and Izmir, participated in the tournament and that athletes who have been part of the national team pool and wore the national jersey also competed in the event. Highlighting the great importance of such events for the development of athletes from Fethiye, Sayın said, "Our children cannot attend every tournament outside their city due to economic reasons. By bringing strong athletes to Fethiye, we both enable them to compete with different opponents and contribute to the development of friendships. This also significantly supports the chess development of our athletes."

“The tournament will become traditional”

Ünat Sayın emphasized that Fethiye has achieved significant success in chess in recent years and said that successful athletes competing in European cups and Turkey championships have emerged from the district. After the Chamber of Tradesmen, this year Özyer Group sponsored the tournament. Following discussions, Sayın expressed that the event is not considered a one-time organization and said, "We do not intend to organize this tournament only this year and then stop. Together with our sponsors, we believe this is a beginning. In the coming years, we aim to make it an annual traditional chess tournament held with larger prizes and at more suitable dates."

“A permanent chess hall should be gained for Fethiye”

Sayın explained that the preparation process of the tournament requires great effort, noting that while many provinces have ready chess halls, in Fethiye tables and equipment have to be set up before every event. Pointing out the great interest in chess in Muğla in general, Sayın called on authorities, saying, "If a permanent chess hall is established in Fethiye, we can host much bigger events. Our referees arrange tables and chairs until midnight to prepare chess teams. This is great teamwork. Thanks to the dedication of our referees coming from İzmir, Ortaca, Yatağan, and our volunteer friends in Fethiye, we can hold these events. I thank each of them separately."

Athletes who placed in categories

Athletes who placed in different categories in the tournament are listed as follows:
Open Category
Evren Atayman – 8,500 TL
Irmak Sipahioğlu – 6,500 TL
Kağan Torun – 5,000 TL
Under 10 Years Category
Arden Türk – 6,000 TL
Can Celal Uzunoğlu – 5,000 TL
Irmak Ahu Kasapoğlu – 4,000 TL
Under 8 Years Category
Mete Özkaya – 6,000 TL
Derin Peştimalcıoğlu – 5,000 TL
Yağız Kaplan – 4,000 TL