Aeroflot-Russian Airlines and Chess Federations Association and Tourism Committee under the Government of Moscow is to hold Aeroflot Open 2005 Chess Tournament from February 14, 2005, to February 24, 2005, in Russia Hotel in Moscow with the prize fund of 175 000 dollars.

The largest open tournament in the world is to take place for the fourth time. FIDE-rated chess players will take part in the competition together with amateurs. This time “Aeroflot Open 2005” consists of four tournaments of different levels: A1, A2, B and C; only chess players rated above 2550 are admitted to A1 tournament.

Each year the Chess Tournament is getting more and more popular. The first Aeroflot Open 2002 gathered together 370 chess players from 34 countries including 95 grand masters; the next year 476 chess players took part in the tournament. In 2004 644 chess players participated in the competition including 160 grand masters; according to the number of participants the tournament was registered in Guinness Records Book.

Aeroflot Open 2005 held a new record - 655 sportsmen from 54 countries of the world took part in it. Among them there were the previous tournaments participants – vice champion of the world V. Ivanchuk (Ukraine), grand masters V. Bologan (Moldova), E. Bakro (France), Van Welly Ludovikus (Holland), R. Vaganyan (Armenia), A. Belyavsky (Russia), Alexandra Kostenyuk (Ukraine), S. Karyakin (Ukraine).

In four groups 100 prize money is disposed for the competition. As last years the winner will have an opportunity to take part in a prestige tournament in Dortmund where the best grand masters of the world participate. For best results among veterans, women and special prizes are established in all the tournaments (for the total amount of 5 000 dollars).

The tournament includes nine rounds according to the Switzerland system. The arbiter is an international arbiter Gert Geissen (Holland).

A grand opening of the tournament is to be held on February 14 in Russia Hotel at 21.00. The end of the competition and awarding ceremonies are to take place on February 24.

Aeroflot as the organizer, financial sponsor and carrier of this mass tournament makes its contribution to chess development as national sports, helps to find new chess talents who are to increase good traditions of Russian chess school.

© 2001 Aeroflot - Russian Airlines
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