Final preparations are underway for the Hastings International Chess Congress which opens on Friday 28th December 2012 and continues until 6th January 2013.
Players signed up for the Masters Tournament already include 13 grandmasters and 22 countries are represented from as far afield as New Zealand and Indonesia, Iceland and the USA. Local and regional players are also well represented.
The world-famous chess event will again be sponsored by Hastings Borough Council and their continued support is much appreciated by both organisers and competitors. The opening ceremony and first move will be made by Cllr. Jeremy Birch, Leader of Hastings Borough Council.
There are tournaments for all playing strengths and players are able to register until play begins – if you have never played competitive chess, this could be an ideal place to start. For those who do not wish to play but have an interest in chess there is a daily commentary on the Masters Tournament given by English grandmaster Chris Ward. Entry for spectators is free and full details of playing times are available on this website.
As well as the serious chess there are evening events at the White Rock Hotel on 29th December and 2nd January when there will be a FIDE-rated Blitz competition and a Pairs Tournament providing some lighthearted games.
This Congress provides an entertaining feast of chess and should not be missed. Hastings also provides a wide variety of galleries, museums and quirky shops to interest non-chess playing accompanying family or friends.
Additional and much valued support for the event is provided by The White Rock Hotel, The Lansdowne Hotel, KC Computers, Orion Energy and Deutsch UK.
Pam Thomas – Tel: 01424 445348 Email: pae123@aol.com