Commemorating the 20th Independence Day and Cup

by ChessBase
8/31/2011 – The “Kiev Cup - Independence of Ukraine Cup” was recently held in Kiev dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, celebrated on August 24. This year saw the participation of 15-year-old Ilya Nyzhnyk (2589 Elo), who saw the top spot snatched by Crimean colleague GM Yury Ajrapetjan. Here is a report replete with pictures by Tanya Kostiuk.

ChessBase 17 - Mega package - Edition 2024 ChessBase 17 - Mega package - Edition 2024

It is the program of choice for anyone who loves the game and wants to know more about it. Start your personal success story with ChessBase and enjoy the game even more.

More...

Commemorating the 20th Independence Day and Cup

By Tanya Kostiuk


Independence Square by night portraying the city's founders


Billboards around town

From August 14-21 the “Kiev Cup - Independence of Ukraine Cup” was held in Kiev, Ukraine dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of Ukraine’s independence of Ukraine celebrated on August 24 since 1991.


Avangard Chess Club is the traditional location of the Independance Cup

In the tournament’s 19-year history the winners have been GMs such as Vladimir Baklan, GM Vadim Malakhatko (Belgium), Muhamed Boric (BIH), GM Andrey Zontakh, GM Spartak Vusochin, GM Vladimir Sergeev, GM Vladislav Borovikov, GM Gennady Matjushin, GM Alexey Kislinskiy, GM Yuri Kruppa, GM Vadim Shishkin, GM Aleksandr Kovchan, and WGM Olga Dolzhikova. It has also attracted players from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Poland, Jordan, France, Denmark, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina.


IM Vitaly Pesotskyi


WFM Iulija Osmak, Girl's U12 World Champion in 2010

This year, for the 20th Anniversary the Main Open A enjoyed the participation of 74 players, with 3 GMs and 16 masters from three neighboring countries Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.


A view of the playing hall


GM Ajrapetjan vs Alexey I Kosikov, honorary trainer of Ukraine


Anastasiya Antoshkiv poses in front of the information board


15-year-old GM Illya Nyzhnyk (2589 Elo) came in second


Crimean GM Yury Ajrapetjan came in sole first with 7.5/9

The rating favorite was 15-year-old GM Illya Nyzhnyk (2589 Elo) from Vinnitsa,  the youngest GM in the world who finished second with 7.0/9. The winner of the tournament was the Crimean GM Yury Ajrapetjan with 7.5/9 a half point ahead, while Kiev FM Valeriy Grinev came in third.


Chief arbiter Yuri Gnup


Ajrapetjan receives congratulations and his first prize from Pavel Kufturev the
president of the Kiev Chess Federation.


Speech by Olena Boytsun, marketing director of the Ukrainian Chess Federation

The prizes were 1st 7000 UAH (about 600 EUR), 2nd 5000 UAH (about 400 EUR) and 3rd 2500 UAH (about 200 EUR) with prizes to 10th place as well as prizes per category and numerous surprises from sponsors at the closing ceremony.


Kiev panoramic view from St.Sophia's bell tower


A statue of a cossack with his horse near Independence Square


The parliament building


The presidential palace


The National Bank of Ukraine


A view of Kiev near the club


St. Michael's Cathedral


Your reporter Tanya Kostiuk poses in front of the Main Stadium for the 2012 EuroCup


Links

The 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 11 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs.

Copyright ChessBase


Reports about chess: tournaments, championships, portraits, interviews, World Championships, product launches and more.

Discuss

Rules for reader comments

 
 

Not registered yet? Register