The Second Quang Ninh GM and IM Chess Tournaments were held 6 to 12 June 2-25 at the Quang Ninh Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Palace in Ha Long, Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
The main goal of the tournament was to create conditions for domestic and international players to meet the standards for the titles of Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), and FIDE Master (FM). At the same time, the tournament also helps Vietnamese referees accumulate international referee standards (IA, FA) and experience in organizing tournaments according to international standards.
The tournament was held in three main competition groups: the Grandmaster Group (GM), the International Master Group (IM) and the Advanced Movement Group (FM). The GM group was a 9-game round-robin. Time control was the standard chess format (90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move) and blitz (3 minutes plus 2 seconds per move).
FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca won the 1nd Quang Ning IM chess tournament.
The Chief Arbiter of the tournament was Mr. Maung Maung Lwin – President of the Myanmar Chess Federation, and International Arbiter (IA). Mr. Maung Maung Lwin said: “The organization of practical tournaments like this needs to be done more, so that athletes in Southeast Asia as well as in Vietnam have more opportunities to compete and accumulate points to improve their level. In particular, Quang Ninh used to organize this tournament, has a lot of experience and good infrastructure to serve international chess tournaments.”
According to the Vietnam Chess Federation, the organization of international standard tournaments in Quang Ninh brings great benefits, helping domestic athletes not have to go far, save costs but still have the opportunity to participate in quality tournaments to train, accumulate Elo points and aim to meet international standards. This also contributes to promoting Quang Ninh tourism.