Twin Towers Open Chess Championship attracts big field

The second Twin Towers Open Chess Championship will be held from August 2-8 at Twin Towers Centre (TTC) Dubai with 40 chess players taking part from UAE and residents from different countries. UAE Chess Federation are organising the seven-day tournament and event will be sponsored by TTC. Defending champion Sergi Arkhipov of Russia will be on top of the 40 players list.

This was announced in a press conference held at TTC yesterday. Dr. Fattima Hadi, UAE CF board of directors member, attended the press meet along with Maher Mallah, operations manager TTC; Dr. Hesham Al Jundi, UAE CF manager and Sultan Al Taher, UAE CF general arbiter.

"After the big success we achieved in the first tournament held last year, TTC have agreed to continue sponsoring the event for the second year. This shows the good relationship between the UAE CF and the TT," claimed Dr Fattima.

She thanked the TTC for their co-operation with the UAE CF to develop chess in the UAE as a mentaland culture sport which has achieved great successes for the UAE in the last 20 years.

Maher Mallah said that they are pleased to be able to sponsor such a prestigious event once again.

"No event of this nature can succeed without proper planning and organising, and for this I would like to convey my appreciation and thanks to the UAE CF. We hope this chess championship which attracts some of the very talented players will become an annual feature at Twin Towers."

Mallah said that during the tournament week they will also have an exhibition of paintings at TTC with several artists based in the UAE will display their work.

Dr. Hesham Al Jundi announced that the tournament will start on Thursday August 2nd at 7:30pm. "Play will start daily at 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The games will be held under Swiss system of seven rounds. The seventh and final round will be on Wednesday August 8 and closing ceremony will be at 9:30pm."

Al Jundi said that the prizes for the winners will be announced later before the start of the tournament. Registration for participation in the tournament will begin from today July 16 in the UAE CF premises and TTC. "The first 40 players to be registered will take part in the tournament. We are not going to accept any other names once we register the required number," claimed the UAE CF manager.