State Adult Chess Championships commences in Arkhangai
The men’s 58th and women’s 50th final tournament of the State Adult Chess Championships have commenced on May 19 in Arkhangai Province with support of the Mongolian Chess Federation, Citizens’ Representative Council of the Arkhangai Province, and MPs Yo.Baatarbileg, J.Munkhbat and G.Temuulen.
The Mongolian Chess Federation planned to organize the State Adult Chess Championships in three stages – preliminaries, semifinal and final from January 19 to 21.
The State Adult Chess Championships commenced at IT Park on January 19 featuring a total of 222 chess players (162 men and 60 women) who were selected from districts and provinces. Those who took the first 30 places in the men’s event and 20 places in the women’s event competed in the semifinal.
Many notable players completed in the first stage of the tournament, including seven sports masters, 11 vice masters of World Chess Federation (FIDE) and 17 vice sports masters.
The semifinal of the State Adult Chess Championships was held at IT Park from March 17 to 19.
The final of the tournament will conclude on May 27 in Arkhangai Province.
The oldest chess players in both men’s and women’s categories were FIDE master B.Bayarmandakh and international sports master B.Ankhchimeg.
FIDE master B.Bayarmandakh participated in the State Adult Chess Championships 15 times, while this is the 14th time for both FIDE master M.Gunbayar and international sports master N.Battulga.
In the women’s category, this is the 22nd championship for international sports master B.Ankhchimeg and 18th time for international sports master D.Yanjindulam.
In addition, FIDE vice master G.Khaliunaa (age 11) is taking part for the first time and is the youngest participant of the State Adult Chess Championships. She is a second grade student and an athlete of Dagshaakhuu Club.
The State Adult Chess Championships has previously been held in Govi-Altai, Zavkhan and Khentii Provinces with the aim to promote the sport throughout the country.
The top 24 chess players from 14 provinces will take part in the 43rd World Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Batumi, Georgia in September. Georgia is the homeland of legendary, five-time world champions Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze.