KL Open attracts top players

KL Open Chess Championships Attract Top Players In The World
April 06, 2010 21:27 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) — The 3rd Kuala Lumpur Open – The Raja Nazrin Shah Challenge Trophy has received overwhelming response from chess players around the globe.

Thus far, 122 entries from 22 countries, including 64 internationally acclaimed players have confirmed their participation, said Kuala Lumpur Chess Association president Datuk Seri Edmund Santhara.

“It is a huge increase compared with last year when we had only 70 players competing,” Santhara told reporters during a trophy presentation ceremony at the Olympic Sports Hotel, here Tuesday.

The Regent of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah Sultan Azlan Shah earlier presented the coveted trophy to Santhara, marking the launch of the competition officially.

According to Santhara, the competition which starts from today until April 12 would see at least 15 grandmasters, led by Georgia’s Super Grandmaster Mikheil Mchedlishvili, showcasing their exquisite skills.

Besides Mchedlishvili, other high ranking chess player include China’s 16-year-old Hou Yifan and three-time German chess champion Thomas Luther, who is physically challenged.

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