13th Merit Open International Backgammon Championship Begins in Kyrenia

The 13th Merit Open International Backgammon Championship, organized in cooperation between Merit Park Hotel and the World Backgammon Federation (WBF), began in Kyrenia on 3 November 2026. Bringing together professional and amateur players on an international platform, the event will run until 8 November, hosted by Merit Park Hotel.

More than 400 players from France, Jordan, Switzerland, Iran, Türkiye, Italy, England, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Japan, Malta, Ukraine, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Georgia, the United States of America, Egypt and Russia are taking part in the tournament. Participants are competing throughout the tournament to earn a place in the rankings.

Player registration took place on Monday, 2 November. The first tournament matches were played on Tuesday, 3 November. The schedule includes the 11th BMAB Middle East Tournament, Mini Jackpots, Speedgammon, Super Speedgammon and the "Emil Mortuk Memorial" Seniors categories. The main stage games and Wetgammon matches will begin on Wednesday, 4 November.

Organized under the leadership of WBF Secretary General Marco Fornasir and WBF Türkiye Representative Arda Fındıkoğlu, the championship continues to contribute to the development of backgammon on an international scale. The event also supports the international promotion of Northern Cyprus.