Grand Pacific Open in Victoria, Canada
The Grand Pacific Open, British Columbia’s largest chess tournament, will see its 6th edition on Easter 2012, April 6-9th, in Victoria, Canada. The prize fund this year has been increased to a guaranteed $5000. The main event is a 6-round FIDE and CFC rated Swiss.
There are also a number of side events which are free if you play in the main event and include an active tournament, Midnight Blitz with $100 in prizes, and a Bughouse tournament to finish off the weekend.
The tournament hall itself is the very nice ballroom at the 5 Star Grand Pacific Hotel. The hotel is located on the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria, close to tourist destinations and across the street from the Seattle Clipper and Coho ferry connections.
Last year winner WGM Nino Maisuradze will be back to defend the title.
The BC Chess Challenge (Provincial Scholastic Championship) will take place on April 6 just prior to the GPO. The BC Chess Challenge is open to all BC students in grade K-12. The 1st place player in each grade will qualify for the Canadian Chess Challenge being held in Halifax in May 2012.
Chess Challenge players should stay all weekend and play in the GPO as well.
Beautiful city.
105 players now. See who is already signed up. http://grandpacificopen.pbworks.com/w/page/50040264/Pre%20registered%20player%20list%202012
Victoria is easily accessible from Seattle on the Victoria Clipper ferry. The Clipper docks steps from the Hotel Grand Pacific. Where else can you take a mini cruise to a chess tournament. April is peak flower season in Victoria. See you at the GPO!