Kolkata: Chesspert.com in association with St Lawrence Old Boys’ Association organized the 1st Queen Gambit Rapid Chess Tournament at St.Lawrence High School, Kolkata today. The tournament is comprising of as many as 206 competitors and has no age limits. It’s a two days’ tournament and recognized by Bengal Chess Association and Kolkata District Chess Association.
It had an innovative opening ceremony in front of the presence of Honourable Women International Master Saheli Dhar Barua, famed chess player Marian Gomes, Grand Master Dibyendu Barua, the honourable Principal of St. Lawrence High School Mr.Sebastian Gomes and the honourable members of SLOBE. The tournament inaugurated with a Queen Gambit battle between Saheli Dhar Barua and Marian Gomes.
Dibyendu Barua told www.xtratime.in, “This is a first of its kind where it’s organized with time schedule in West Bengal, and it’s 15 minutes 10 seconds at per with the World Rapid Schedule. I’m extremely happy that more than two hundred players are part of this competition. I am glad that the Chess enthusiasts from Kolkata got another good tournament to play. Thanks to St.Lawrence for providing such a great fecility,” He added, “It’s a great opportunity for the kids specially as I didn’t have such opportunities when I was an young chess player.” Famed chess player Marian Gomes said, “It’s a great tournament for all and I’m extremely pleased to be a part of the inaugural ceremony.”
The total prize fund of this tournament is Rs.80,000 and and the winner will get Rs.15,000 cash prize.