India’s first International Master and Arjuna Awardee Manuel Aaron inaugurated the 13th Chennai Open International Grandmaster Chess tournament 2022 for Sakthi Group Dr N Mahalingam Trophy at the grand looking Dynasty Hall at Hotel Ambassador Pallava, Chennai on Sunday 19th June, 2022. During his inaugural speech the 86 year-old-legend spoke at length about Late Dr N Mahalingam’s philanthropy and support nurturing the chess talents in Tamil Nadu that helped needy players flower into Grandmasters and world champions.
Mr Aaron further added, “Dr Mahalingam honored the International Masters and Grandmasters from Tamil Nadu with cash awards and later extended the same to title holders all over India. During and after his tenure as the President of All India Chess Federation Dr Mahalingam continued his support to keep the progress of Indian chess flowing.” Later, Mr Aaron made the symbolic first move against Woman International Master Priyanka K signifying the start of the event.
Speaking on behalf of the hotel that’s hosting this event, Ms Fairose Amanullah said, “We are happy to offer the magnificent Dynasty Hall in Hotel Ambassador Pallava for the 13th Chennai Open International Chess tournament 2022 and shall extend our hospitality to our Guests right through the whole event. On this occasion, we offer our best wishes to all the participants and wish them a pleasant stay in our Hotel.”
The Chennai Open 2022 has attracted 275 entries consisting of 30 foreign players. The list comprises 36 titled players from 11 countries. Indian challenge will be spearheaded by Grandmasters Deepan Chakkravathy, Laxman R R, Karthikeyan P and International Masters Aronyak Ghosh, Ajay Karthikeyan, Nitin S, Srihari L R, Srijit Paul, Gusain Himal, Girinath PDS, Rajesh V A V, Ravichandrtan Siddharth, Konguvel Ponnuswamy, Saravana Krishnan P, Murali Krishnan B T and Balasubramaniam R. Chennai lad IM Norm holder Hari Madhavan NB (Elo rating 2374) is the highest rated untitled player.
The tournament carries a total prize money of Rs.15,00,000/- (Rupees fifteen lakhs only) spread over 55 cash prizes. The Chennai Open 2022 champion gets the handsome Sakthi Group Dr N Mahalingam Trophy trophy and a cash award of Rs. 3,00,000 (Rupees three Lakhs only). The Chennai Open runner-up is awarded Rs. 2,00,000 (Rupees two lakhs only) and the second-Runner-up gets Rs 1,25,000 (Rupees one Lakh & Twenty-five Thousand Only). This 10 round Swiss tournament concludes on Sunday 26th June, 2022.
