The 2016 European Club Cup was officially opened yesterday evening with a short but effective opening ceremony.
The ceremony started with the anthems of host country Serbia and the European Chess Union, performed by the choir of “Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj” high school.
The guests were greeted by the Novi Sad Councilor for Sport and Youth, Mr. Ognjen Cvjeticanin, the ECU Treasurer, Mr. Martin Huba, and President of the Serbian Chess Federation, Mr. Obren Cetkovic.
The choir also performed “Three country dances in one”, “Le chant des oiseaux” and Mokranjac VIII Rukovet.
After the opening ceremony, the captains proceeded to attend the Technical Meeting.
ECU Tournament Director Petr Pisk, Chief Arbiter Ashot Vardapetyan, and Chairman of the Appeals Committee Ivan Sokolov explained the important technical and administrative matters for the proper conduct of the event.
The first round starts today at 3.00 pm (Serbian time). The pairings are out and we expect great start of the event.
The live broadcast of the games is available on the Official Website of the event, as well as on the ECU website, section LIVE.
Photos by Lennart Ootes