Calling the lineups eclectic is not an exaggeration, and adds to the unusual character of this competition. Seeing national leagues with top players is hardly unique of course, and citing the numerous competitions for local fans and players such as Budesliga, the French League, Russian League and many more is not really necessary. What stands out here is that amidst the teams with grandmaster lineups, are teams with barely a single player over 2100.
Launching the tournament with the symbolic first move
The opening ceremony
WFM Nezihe Ezgi Menzi playing board eight of her team Deniz Su Aquamatch
And who is board one? Wesley So no less!
Obviously for teams such as these, it is the sheer pleasure of facing and watching top players one-on-one. That said, don't think for an instant the top guns are playing it safe against each other. Here is a spectacular demolition by Wesley So against Sergey Volkov in round two.
It's great to see the teams managed to get backing from significant sponsors
Being a team event, it is often necessary to strategize according to the results of other boards
Fifteen-year-old Sinem Gundogan (is this the secret twin sister of my colleague?)
Pentala Harikrishna is the second seed and top gun of his team, followed by the talented Turkish
player, Alexander Ipatov, also a frequent contributor to our new page
The lush playing hall: spacious and elegant
LinksThe games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 13 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs. |
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