IM Aram Hakobyan (ARM) and IM Kirill Shevchenko (UKR) are the leaders after 8 rounds at the “World`s Youth Stars” Vanya Somov’s Memorial. Both players 6 points, half a point ahead of Russian colleagues Sergei Lobanov and FM Kirill Shubin.
The event is the 1st stage of the European Youth Grand Prix, which is held in Kirishi, Russia at KINEF Palace of Culture, from 16th to 28th May 2017.
The tournament is a 12-player, single Round Robin event with the time control of 1 hour and 30 minutes (plus 30 seconds for each move made) until the end of the game for each player using the electronic chess clock. At the tournament there is a norm for fulfillment of International Master grade.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are awarded with diplomas and prizes. The organizers have established prizes for creative achievements.
The Tournament Director and the creator of the idea to gather young chess talents, Mr. Genady Nessis celebrated his 70th birthday on 22nd May during the tournament. We attach below the anniversary congratulations by Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the European Chess Union.
The European Youth Grand Prix is a series of three tournaments held over two calendar years 2017 and 2018. The event is held under the patronage of the ECU and gathers the best young and talented youth players within Europe.
The 2nd series will be held in Dzermuk, Armenia in October 2017, and the 3rd will take place again in Kirishi in May 2018.
More information about the European Youth Grand Prix series.