4J move helps lands chess tourney

CHESS enthusiasts in Dundee are organising a major tournament to be held in the city’s Bonar Hall between Friday July 14 and Sunday July 23.

This year’s grandmaster tournament will be the 150th anniversary of the event, with 10 invited chess grandmasters from around the world playing each other over the nine days.

The Scottish Chess Congress has been invited to play alongside the grandmaster tournament and will include many titled players.

Jean Chalmers, of Dundee Chess Club, said: “The grandmaster event is a mammoth task and organisers did not have total confidence that they would be able to succeed in carrying this out due to lack of funds.

“However, there are resourceful people on the committee and an approach was made to 4J Studios i n Dundee for sponsorship.

“To our delight, 4J was happy to support us.

“Co-founders Chris van der Kuyl and Paddy Burns have made the dream a reality.

“Paddy himself was an excellent chess player in his youth. Their staff have also worked hard to help and advise the committee on various matters.

“The 150th Anniversary committee would like to extend grateful thanks to Chris and Paddy of 4J Studios for making this historic event possible.”

“This is a very prestigious event and will attract many visitors to the city.

“Hopefully there will be a resurgence of chess in the area and particularly among juniors.”