Hyderabad Open International Grandmasters Chess begins today

The 2nd edition of the Hyderabad Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament organised by Cyber Chess Academy under the aegis of Hyderabad District Chess Association and All India Chess Federation began here today.
The premier section for players of 1900 and above rating attracted a total number of 123 players from 14 countries which include 26 Grandmasters, 24 International Masters and 2 Women Internationals, a release from the organisers said.
Grandmaster Ivan Popov of Russia started as top seed in the Rs 10 lakh prize fund premier category out of which Rs 2 lakh is reserved for the winner.
The Indian Challenge in the event is spearheaded by Grandmasters Vidit Santosh Gujarathi of ONGC and M R Lalith Babu of Indian Oil, it said.

In major upsets in the opening round, playing white side of Phildor Defence game, Delhi-based Prince Bajaj stunned seasoned Uzbekistan Grandmaster Marat Dzhumaev in 35 moves.
Andhra Pradesh youngsters Dhulipala Bala Chandra Prasad and Chakravarthi Y V K brought cheers to the home crowd as they shocked Indian Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna and Russian Grandmaster Igor Yagupov of Russia respectively in keenly fought first round encounters.
Higher rated International Master Jacek Stopa of Poland also suffered first round defeat at the hands of Chennai teenager Kumaran B, the release said.
Meanwhile, top seed Russian Grandmaster Ivan Popov started his campaign in style after defeating Fide Master Debaraj Chatterjee of Bangladesh. Second seed Grandmaster Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia beat Sameer Kathmale. Third seed Grandmaster Vidit Santosh Gujarathi defeated K Praneeth Surya and fourth seed Lalith Babu M R made short work of Candidate Master Abhimanyu Puranik.