The European Individual Chess Championship 2019 has been officially launched today on the Opening ceremony, which took place at the official venue at- Hotel “Double Tree” by Hilton, located in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Following local dance performances, the President of European Chess Union Mr Zurab Azmaiparashvili greeted all participants and guests, pointing the importance of events such as the European Individual Chess Championship. He wished to all players fair play and good resutls and declared the championship officially opened.
President of the Chess Federation of North Macedonia, Mr Blagoja Bogoevski, addressed attendees and thank the Government and the Agency for Youth and Sport of the Republic of North Macedonia, “Double Tree” by Hilton management and the European Chess Union for the organization of the Championship.
President of European Chess Union, Mr Zurab Azmaiparashvili awarded the Director of Agency for Youth and Sport of North Macedonia, Mr Darko Koevski, with an honorary plaque as a symbol of appreciation, for supporting the event.
Mr. Darko Koevski thank the organizers and European Chess Union and pointed that he is very happy that one of the most prestigious chess events throughout Europe is currently ongoing in North Macedonia. In the end, he wished to all attendees a pleasant stay in Skopje.
After the ceremonial speeches and the performances of a dance group and an opera singer, the participants and guests attended the cocktail dinner party.
During the opening ceremony, the drawing of lots decided the black pieces in the first round, for the top seeder, Artemiev Vladislav (RUS, 2736).
The technical meeting of the event took place after the Opening ceremony in the playing hall. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Arbiter, Mr. Ashot Vardapetyan, the Chief of Appeals Committee, Mr. Adrian Mikhalchishin, and the Chief of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Blagoja Bogoevski. The schedule and rules of the competition were explained to the participants.
The first round starts today at 15:00 (local time), and the live broadcast of the first 50 boards is available on the official website of the championship.
Starting list, pairings and results can be followed here.