World Junior Chess inaugurated

The World Junior Chess Championship was declared open here Sunday at a glittering ceremony at Hotel Hyatt with Life Insurance Corporation of India chairman S.K. Royand official FIDE representative Robert Zsifkovits presiding.

The tournament will commence Monday and will be conducted in the Swiss League format, comprising of 13 rounds with more than 135 players in the Open category and over 75 girls from 45 countries participating.

The tournament also offers qualifying slots in both sections for the forthcoming World Cup which is part of the World Championship Cycle.

The winners would take home a cash prize of Rs.6 lakh. As a special recognition, the best Indian performer in both the sections will be presented with the Pune Mayor's trophy. Apart from the titles, there will be GM, IM, WGM and WIM norms at stake.

Speaking on the occasion, Roy said: "The game of chess has its origin in India and the country has produced many champions who have won international accolades. I can see a future World Champion in each one of you and would like to wish every participant all the very best for this tournament.

"Life Insurance Corporation of India is proud to be associated with this championship and we would like to extend our wishes to the organizers of this tournament in making this event, a grand success."

The tournament is being jointly organized by the Maharashtra Chess Association and the Pune District Chess Circle under the auspices of All India Chess Federation and FIDE (World Chess Federation).