The Russian Chess Federation is organizing a number of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the 6th World Champion Mikhail Moiseyevich Botvinnik (17 August 1911 - 5 May 1995).

Besides the grande event with the World's top players and a strong open in Sankt Petersburg, the RCF is hosting a seniors' tournament from 15th to 19th August in Suzdal-Vladimir Oblast. Legendary players from Botvinnik era compete in the round robin rapid tournament with the time control of 25min + 10 sec/move.

Former World Champion Boris Spassky was set to make an appearance but eventually GM Oleg Chernikov took his place. After six rounds of play Viktor Korchnoi took a convincing lead with five points, full point and a half ahead of the group of players.

Round 6 standings:

1. GM Viktor Korchnoi SUI 2553 - 5.0
2-4. GM Lajos Portisch HUN 2523, GM Evgeni Vasiukov RUS 2455 and IM Aleksander Nikitin RUS 2430 - 3.5
5-9. GM Oleg Chernikov RUS 2402, GM Wolfgang Uhlmann GER 2379, GM Borislav Ivkov SRB 2416, GM Igor Zaitsev RUS 2408 and IM Anatoly Bykhovsky RUS 2354 - 2.5
10. GM Mark Taimanov RUS 2386 - 2.0