50 Grandmasters battle for chess championship honour
Sep 10 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

THE highest calibre chess tournament in Britain began yesterday at Liverpool’s World Museum yesterday.

A total of 150 contestants – 50 of them Grandmasters – made their first moves in the 4th European Open Championships, after a formal opening by Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley and Lord Mayor Steve Rotheram.

The pair gave speeches before Cllr Rotheram made the ceremonial first move and play began.

Former British World Champion Michael Adams, who won his match against Charles Kennaugh yesterday, said before the game: “It is great to be in Liverpool again. I was here last year for the match against the Chinese. It is great to be in this historic venue.

“It just shows it is a very attractive tournament and a lot of people want to come here not only for the chess but to see the city.”

And Nigel Short, one of the best chess players Britain has produced, was also pleased to be back in Liverpool.

When he played at the EU Championship in 2006 – also held in the city – he won the title. He said: “It is a lot stronger than two years ago, it is a very tough event.

“I am very happy to be back here, the venue is a good place to play in, nice and light.”

The tournament continues until September 18, with every player competing on each match day.

It follows hugely popular events in Liverpool in 2006 and 2007, including the Great Britain v China match last year.

Earlier this year, over 1,000 people took part in the British Championships, in St George’s Hall.

Launching the championship, Cllr Bradley said: “Welcome to Liverpool, European Capital of Culture.

“This chess tournament is a major part of Culture Year – I am very pleased it has come to Liverpool.

“It is the strongest field ever to be received in the UK and we are very proud to be hosting it.”

Cllr Rotheram added: “This is a fantastic advert for chess and it seems only right to be part of Culture Year.”

Organisers expect worldwide attention for the event, with up to 5m visits per day to the games shown live on the tournament web.

For information and results, log on to http://www.liverpoolchessinternational.co.uk/index.htm

Source: http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/

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