The International Chess Festival Baku Open 2013, dedicated to the Independence Day of Azerbaijan, has started today at the AF Hotel near Caspian Sea.
The Festival, to run till September 28, is organized by the Azerbaijan Youth & Sport Ministry and Azerbaijan Chess Federation. The total prize fund is 50.000 USD. First place is 10.000 USD worth.
The Tournament A is open for the players rated higher than 2250 FIDE and for women rated higher than 2100.
The Tournament B is open for the players rated under 2250. Both groups will be played over 9 rounds of Swiss pairings.
Youth Tournament (Group C) will be held at the Republican Chess Centre.
The tournament will bring together 224 chess players from 18 world countries, including, 33 international grand masters, 28 international masters and 9 FIDE masters.