The 23rd World Senior Championship has started in the city of Croatia, Opatija. Georgian chess players are participating in it. Georgia does not have a man participant but three women chess players play in the name of Georgia.
Nona Gaprindashvili (2312) is No.1 seed. Tamar Khmiadashvili (2158) is No.5 seed and Nino Melashvili (2126) – No.8 seed.
In the first round Gaprindashvili drew with Larisa Khropova of Russia (2009) with black pieces. Khmiadashvili beat Margarita Baliuniene of Lithuania (1885) with black pieces. Melashvili won over Tamara Korneeva of Russia (1757) with white pieces.
In the second round Khmiadashvili and Melashvili will play against each other. Gaprindashvili will face Helen Milligan of New Zealand (1977).
Eleven rounds will be held at the championship and it will end up on 23 November. Prize money is 18 000 EUR. 4 000 EUR is considered for the women’s tournament.
Winner of the women’s tournament will receive gold medal and 1 100 EUR. Top 8 chess players will be rewarded.
