The final of the UAE Rapid Chess Championship for Girls witnessed a crucial family confrontation that denied the Emirati champion, Wafa Al-Mumri, from the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, the title after she lost to her younger sister Zainab in the last round of the tournament. Wafa Al-Mumri entered the final round at the top of the standings, having succeeded in achieving a perfect score by winning all her previous matches, making it seem she was on her way to securing the title with stability. However, the final match put her to an unusual test when she faced her sister Zainab, who represents the same club. The match carried a special character, whether due to its family sensitivity or its direct impact on the champion's identity. Zainab Al-Mumri managed to win the match to her advantage, dealing her sister her first loss in the tournament. This loss was enough to change the final standings, depriving Wafa of the gold medal and leaving her with the second place, while Zainab took the third place. The result sparked a wide reaction within local chess circles, with the title going to a player from the Sharjah Girls Club, Anoud Issa. Following the match, rumors spread among followers suggesting that the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club might take action against Zainab Al-Mumri, including freezing her, on the grounds that her win came at the expense of the club's interests, which was on the verge of achieving the title through Wafa. However, these reports were quickly officially denied. The Vice President of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, Abdullah Rashid Al-Rashidi, confirmed that what was circulating has no basis in truth, stressing that "Zainab Al-Mumri continues to be part of the club's ranks normally and will not face any penalties; she will continue to participate in various tournaments without obstacles." Al-Rashidi told "Al-Ittihad": "The Al Ain Club places ethical values and the principles of fair play at the forefront of its priorities, as adherence to these principles is the cornerstone of building a comprehensive sports system whose importance surpasses winning championships or medals." Zainab Al-Mumri, on her part, revealed the details of the confrontation, confirming she experienced a great internal struggle before and during the match due to the strong bond she has with her sister, whom she considers a role model in her chess career. She said she did not view the match from an emotional angle, but dealt with it from a commitment to principles, elevating the fairness of competition by maintaining the rights of the other players. She added: "Any leniency in the match would have violated the principle of equal opportunity and might have granted an undeserved advantage, which I firmly rejected and fought the match according to the highest degrees of integrity and commitment." She pointed out that she felt great fear the moment she sat across from her sister at the chess table, realizing the sensitivity of the confrontation and its potential repercussions, both personally and athletically, explaining that winning this match carried a dual meaning for her; on one hand, it meant depriving her sister of the title, and on the other, it meant reinforcing the values the club and players believe in. Regarding the reactions after the match, Zainab clarified: "I was greatly shocked, especially not expecting the extent of impact the result would have," adding: "My family members were surprised by the course of the match and its result." She confirmed that her sister Wafa, despite losing the title, showed a high level of sportsmanship, being the most accepting of the result among family members, even expressing her happiness that the championship was decided without any favors or interference. Zainab Al-Mumri: "I was greatly shocked, and my family members were surprised by the course of the match and its result."
