13 chess players advanced at Dubai Open Chess Championship which is hosted by city of the United Arab Emirates for the 15th time. Two Georgians are among the leaders: Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2640) and Levan Pantsulaia (2556).
In the previous round Mchedlishvili beat Hovik Hayrapetyan of Armenia (2503) with black pieces. Pantsulaia defeated Sahaj Grover of India (2467). Mikheil is in the 4th place, Levan – in the 9th. Vladimir Akopian of Armenia (2704) is in the first place.
Here are the results of other four Georgians: 21. Bela Khotenashvili (2492) – 2.5; 61. Sophiko Khukhashvili (2386) – 2.0; 65. Maka Purtseladze (2347) – 2.0; 106. Konstantine Shanava (2578) – 1.5;
In the 4th round Pantsulaia will play against Romain Edouard of France (2670) on the 2nd board. Mchedlishvili will play against Sergey Volkov of Russia (2593).
Armenian Vladimir Akopian (2704) is No.1 seed at the Arab tournament. The tournament is based on Swiss system and will finish on April 15. After 5 rounds, April 12 is a day off and the participants will play blitz-tournament.
Prize money of the Dubai tournament is 50 000 USD. Champion will win 10 000 USD. The money will be distributed this way: II place – 7 000; III place – 4 000; IV – 3 500; V – 2 500;...
Dato Manjavidze
