The 15th Dubai Open Chess Championship is underway in the city of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. Two rounds were held at the tournament and 38 chess players are leading the championship with maximum points. 3 Georgians are among the leaders: Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2640), Levan Pantsulaia (2556) and Bela Khotenashvili (2492).
Mchedlishvili is in the 10th place, Pantsulaia – in the 18th and Khotenashvili – in the 27th. Sophiko Khukhashvili (2386) is in the 80th place with one point. Maka Purtseladze (2347) is in the 86th place and Konstantine Shanava (2578) – in the 132nd.
In the 3rd round leader Georgians will play with black pieces. Mchedlishvili will play against Armenian Hayrapetyan (2503). Khotenashvili will play against Istratescu of France (2648) and Pantsulaia – against Grover of India (2467).
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
