City to host Maha intl GM chess meet

Nagpur: Maharashtra Chess Association (MCA) will conduct the 66 lakh prize money International Grandmaster (GM) chess tournament in the city from June 1 to 9.
A total of four tournaments including the second edition of Maharashtra GM international tournament, first state festival for below 2,000 and under 1,600 rating events and a unique Maharashtra Challenge Match between four players will played in nine days. All the events are recognized by All India Chess Federation (AICF) and World Chess Federation (FIDE).
All the tournaments will be played at various halls of Naivedhyam Northstar on Koradi road informed MCA president and MLA Parinay Fuke on Saturday. “We have organized two top competitions in Maharashtra. Since Mumbai and Pune played hosted those events, an international level championship in Nagpur was round the corner. Thanks to the support of state government and local associations we were able to conduct these tournaments in Nagpur.”
The MCA vice president Abhijit Kunte said, “A total prize money of 66 lakh will be on offer in Nagpur. We are expecting over 30 GMs and many top-rated players from 15 different countries. Players above 2,000 Fide rating will only be allowed in the second GM tournament.”
The international GM tournament carries a prizemoney of 25 lakh while 10 lakh each will be distributed in the below 2,000 and 1,600 rating competitions. The Maharashtra Challenge Match carries a handsome cash prize of 20 lakh.