The Georgian delegation has successful start at the 15th Dubai Open Chess Championship which takes place in the United Arab Emirates. In the first round, all six Georgian chess players celebrated victories.
Five from six Georgians played with black pieces. Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2640) beat Samer Mehdi of Iran (2089), Levan Pantsulaia (2556) – Andreas Albers of Germany (1999), Bela Khotenashvili (2492) – Almarazeeq Esa of the UAE (1781), Sophiko Khukhashvili (2386) – Marshool Mohammed of the UAE (1604), Maka Purtseladze (2347) – Mulavana Timi Thomas of India (1590). Konstantine Shanava (2578) defeated Michael Klyszcz of Germany (2029) with white pieces.
Armenian Vladimir Akopian (2704) is No.1 seed at the Arab tournament. The tournament is based on Swiss system and will finish on April 15. After 5 rounds, April 12 is a day off and the participants will play blitz-tournament.
Prize money of the Dubai tournament is 50 000 USD. Champion will win 10 000 USD. The money will be distributed this way: II place – 7 000; III place – 4 000; IV – 3 500; V – 2 500;...
Dato Manjavidze
