HDBank international chess tourney: a continental contest of intellect

March 12, 2019 | 11:19

(0) user say

The ongoing HDBank 2019 International Chess Tournament is observed by many experts to be amongst the top contests in Asia, with the participation of 304 players from 28 delegations.

hdbank international chess tourney a continental contest of intellect

HDBank 2019 International Chess Tournament set a record in the number of players

The event has always been rated as one of the high-level professional competitions in the world. Next to Masters Tables for top class players, this year is the fourth year with Challengers Tables.

The annual increase in prize money is also proportional to the number of participants. In the first competition back in 2011, there were only 65 players from nine delegations. For this 9^th tournament, the number has increased to a record 304 players (28 delegations).

The HDBank 2019 International Chess Tournament has attracted many strong players with high elo co-efficients such as Wang Hao (China, elo 2,718), Cheparinov Ivan (Georgia, elo 2.683), and more.

It was also the first time the event attracted delegations from Cambodia, the Netherlands, Romania, the United States, and more.

According to vice president of the Vietnam Chess Federation Nguyen Phuoc Trung, the HDBank 2019 International Chess Tournament has attracted many strong players such as Wang Hao (China, elo 2,718), Mareco Sandro (Argentina, elo 2,666), Demchenko Anton (Russia, elo 2,678), Cheparinov Ivan (Georgia, elo 2,683). The female side has Stefanova Antoaneta (Bulgaria), Tokhirjonova Gulrukhbegim (Uzbekistan), Bulmaga Irina (Romania), and Sukandar Irine Kharisma (Indonesia).

HDBank 2019 also marked a significant increase in the number of sponsors with Rex Hotel, Vietnam-Oman Investment JSC (VOI), Vietjet, Phu Long Real Estate JSC, and HD SAISON Consumer Finance Company.

This is the second time that VOI is participates and co-sponsors HDBank International Open Chess Tournament.

The tourney drew chess talent from all over the world, making it one of the most prestigious competitions on the continent

“The event matches our goal of assisting intellectual and human capital development in Vietnam. Through Vietnam Oman Joint Committee, we will continue to explore additional activities to support the Vietnam chess community and other intellectual sports in Vietnam,” said Nguyen Hong Son, VOI general director.

As a connecting bridge of capital from the Middle East, especially from the Sultanate of Oman, VOI has invested more than $200 million in Vietnam thus far. VOI investments are focused on core sectors of the economy such as infrastructure, renewable energy, water treatment, healthcare, education, and high-tech agriculture.

By Anh Duc

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional