LAHORE - International Master Mahmood Lodhi is due to leave for Dubai on Wednesday to take part in the 3rd Al Ain Chess Classic being staged in Al Ain Rotana Hili Hotel from December 18 to 27. A rich cash purse of $34,000 will be at the offer in the nine-round event to be played on Swiss open system. Prior to his departure, Lodhi, a record 14-time national champion, said he was lone player invited from Pakistan. The winner of the event will receive handsome cash award of $11,000, second $8,500, third $6,000 fourth $4,500, fifth $3,000 and sixth $2,000. 127 players from 25-nation have been registered to compete in the tournament. Among them are 54 Grand Masters and 18 International Masters. Indian Grand Master Abhijeet Gupta won the event last year and will try to retain his title.