KL OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS ATTRACT TOP PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (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 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 April 6 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.

There will be 20 Malaysians in the field and the local charge will be led by
Mok Tze Meng.

"The DYTM Raja Nazrin Shah Challenge Trophy is regarded as one of the grand
tournaments in the world and it is well known among chess players," he said.

The competition is sponsored by Masterskill University College of Health
Sciences and the Malaysian Intellect Development Foundation (MIDF) through
a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts towards youth and nation
building initiatives.

The Open is part of the Masterskill KL International Chess Festival which
comprises the KL Rapid Chess Championship on April 3-4, a special simultaneous
chess exhibition over 20 boards to be conducted by former World Chess
Championship finalist and English chess champion Nigel Short (April10), the
first Visiting Grandmaster Series workshop for the Kuala Lumpur Schools Sports
Council (April 18) and the 1st KL Masters Challenge (April 13-19).

-- BERNAMA




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