Vietnam to host World Youth Chess Championships in October

The World Youth Chess Championships 2008 will be organized in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau from October 19-30.

Around 1,500 participants are expected to arrive from over 100 countries and territories.

The tournament, the first of its kind ever held in Asia, will cost a total of US$1.5 million, according to a press briefing held by the Vietnam Chess Federation on Monday in Ho Chi Minh City.

There will be six male and six female groups from ages 8-18.

Each participant will compete under the Swiss competition system, meaning each will play eleven matches.

“Vietnam has held several successful international events, including the Asian Chess Championship in 2001 and the South East Asia Chess Championship in 2004.

This will be the most suitable place to hold the [World Youth Chess Championships 2008],” said Ignatius Leong, general secretary of the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

Ba Ria – Vung Tau will also host the National Youth Chess Championships in July and the Vietnam Open in September in an effort to help local players prepare for the international event.

Source: http://www.thanhniennews.com/

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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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