The strongest chess clubs from across Asia have gathered in Khanty-Mansiysk. The Asian Chess Club Champions League was officially opened in the capital of Ugra. The first round of matches will take place June 18.
In photo, Tarakanov Pavel Vladimirovich. Vice Governor of the Ugta, makes the ceremonial opening moves assisted by Tkachev Alexander Vasilyevich, Executive Director of the Chess Federation of Russia, and Khusan Turdialiev of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the tournament Appeals Committee.
Khanty-Mansiysk is hosting one of the most prestigious tournaments in the chess world — the Asian Chess Club Champions League. During the opening ceremony, Deputy Governor of Ugra Vsevolod Koltsov emphasized the positive impact of chess tournaments on international relations. In this regard, Khanty-Mansiysk can rightfully be called one of the chess capitals of the world. Over the past 20 years, the city has hosted 19 international events, including the Chess Olympiad.
“Current cooperation with the Asian Chess Federation is becoming systematic and consistent. Such dynamics serves a solid foundation for further development and strengthening of international ties, while also contributing significantly to the growth of our region’s athletes’ skills. Chess is the leading sport in Ugra, and for us, it’s more than just a game. It is a symbol of wisdom and mutual understanding, deeply rooted in the historical traditions of the indigenous Ob-Ugric peoples who have lived on this land for centuries. Long ago, there existed a game in Ugra called topis — a strategic game remarkably in tune with the spirit of modern chess,” said Vsevolod Koltsov in his speech at the opening ceremony.
Airports Authority of India vs. Uzbekistan Chess Club
Eight teams from six countries will compete in the Asian Chess Club Champions League: India, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and, of course, Russia. Our country will be represented by three teams — the “CPRF Sports Club” (Moscow), the “Ugra Chess Academy,” and team “Ugra.” Notably, the captain of Team Ugra is international grandmaster and 2014 Olympic champion Olga Girya.
«It is my second time being a team captain in my whole career,» commented Olga Girya on her participation in the tournament. «It does not make much trust for us. Our team is very friendly, and my teammates are determined to show all they have got! We will fight for the highest results!»
Hangzhou of China vs. Astana team
The Asian Club Chess Champions League will be played as a Round Robin, including seven rounds. A team will be getting two match points for every win, one match point for every draw, and zero match points for a loss. In case if two or more teams will score even number of points, the winner will be determined by game points. International arbitrator from Iran, the main tournament referee Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh wished good luck to all participants on upcoming tournament.
«Many strong and famous chess players from different countries are taking part in this tournament. I want to thank administration of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug for organizing this tournament in Khanty-Mansiysk, because it gives us a unique opportunity to hold club competitions and establish mutually beneficial cooperation. It also contributes to the strengthening of international relations between Asia and Russia, which have traditionally been strong and will now become even stronger,» said Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh.
Every game of the tournament will be streaming in real time via Ugra Chess Academy website and the official account of the organization on «VKontakte» (vk.com/chessugra). The international grandmaster, coach, and legendary chess analyst Sergei Shipov will comment on the chess battles online.
«The Moscow team of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation looks like a clear favorite of the tournament – the winner of the Russian team championship, its composition is excellent,” commented Sergey Shipov on the upcoming tournament, “other teams will compete with them. For example, a team from India. There’s a real chess boom there right now. Perhaps this particular tournament will reveal to us new resonant names of representatives of the motherland of chess. The Ugra team will compete for the top places. I am sure that the performance of our renowned champion Olga Girya will attract special attention from the audience. Not only has she won many women’s tournaments, but she has also successfully fought men on numerous occasions. However, I consider our main rival to be the youth from the Ugra Academy. They are our hope and our future. Surely, other teams are also capable of delivering surprises».
Alexander Tkachev, Executive Director of the Russian Chess Federation, presented the Golden Badge of the All-Russian Public Organization «Russian Chess Federation» to Vasily Filipenko, President of the Chess Federation of Ugra, during the opening ceremony of the competition. This award is conferred by the Federation for outstanding achievements in promoting and developing the «game of kings». Speaking about the tournament, Alexander Tkachev noted that hosting the Asian Club League in Russia is a historic event.
“This tournament was made possible thanks to the wise decision of the President of the Asian Chess Federation, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan. When the decision was made to host these competitions in our country, the Russian Chess Federation did not doubt for a minute where and in which region this historic event would be held! Well, I just wish the participants of the tournament: “Wishing you the best of luck!”, Alexander Tkachev greeted the guests of the opening ceremony with these words.
The first chess game will be held at the Ugra Chess Academy on June 18. The site will provide conditions for impeccable compliance with the rules. The academy uses advanced fraud prevention technologies (“anti-cheat”). Among the protection tools, special means of signal suppression of mobile devices and wireless Internet are used. It is forbidden to use phones, smart watches and fitness bracelets on the court, not only for chess players, but also for spectators. These measures exclude the possibility of outside interference and unauthorized prompts from outside by participants.
Source: Ugra Chess Academy
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