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AAI International Grandmasters Chess Tournament |
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Tuesday, 05 April 2011 18:37 |
New Delhi, March 4: Big time chess returns to India with the highest-ever rated AAI International Grandmasters Chess Tournament organized by the Airports Authority of India.
The AAI, which is a leading Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as part of its Centenary Celebration of Civil Aviation in India, is organizing “AAI International Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2011”, which will feature six of the most promising young talents in the game from all over the world.
This will be India’s first ever Category 17 chess tournament with a unique group of six grandmasters playing in a double round robin event from June 21 to July 2, 2011. The venue will be the AAI Officers’ Institute near Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi.
Led by world No.1 GM Fabiano Caruana of Italy and the women’s World Champion Hou Yifan of China, the field includes Philippines No. 1 GM Wesely So; Czech Republic No. 2 GM Viktor Laznicka; Indian No. 2 GM K Sasikiran and Indian National Champion GM Parimarjan Negi.
Keeping pace with other high-profile events globally, the tournament will offer total prize money worth US $ 24,500. The winner takes $ 8,000, while the runner-up will receive $ 6,000. The purse for the next four finishers will be $ 4,000, $ 3,000, $ 2,000 and $ 1,500.
“The game was given to the world by India and we also have the world champion from India in Viswanathan Anand. So it is only logical that the AAI supports an endeavour which showcases India’s ancient game and young talent from around the world,” said Mr. V P Agrawal, Chairman Airports Authority of India at the first Press Conference held to launch of the tournament.
“We have been supporting various games and young sportspersons, including chess. Parimarjan Negi, the current National champion, and who has broken many records and Dronavalli Harika among women are supported by AAI. Negi, incidentally will also feature in AAI International Grandmasters Chess Tournament,” added Mr. Agrawal.
Indian chess has never seen such a high-rated double round robin international tournament ever before. This is also the first time since early 1980s, that a women’s world champion will be playing in India.
“We are proud to host such a high quality event, the likes of which have never been held before in India. It will be a treat for chess lovers in Delhi and all over the country. We will have all modern facilities and use the event to promote the game in India by inviting youngsters to watch and learn,” said Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, President, Delhi Chess Association, which is also supporting the event.
“To have a Category 17 event in India has always been Delhi Chess Association’s dream. And now that Delhi also has its first-ever national champion in Parimarjan Negi, it is only logical that we have the tournament in Delhi. The Airports Authority of India, who have been generous supporters of the game, as also other sports, need to be congratulated for making a tournament like this come to life,” said Mr. Chauhan.
The tournament featuring six Grandmasters will see the players battle it out against each other twice, once each with white and black pieces. The tournament runs from June 21 to July 2, 2011.
Each of the participants is being given the airfare and Boarding and Lodging for the duration of the tournament. The players will also be put up at the newly renovated rooms and suites at the centrally located Institute.
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