Kolkata: Grand Master Dibyendu Barua returned to competitive chess after a gap of three years. Dibyendu and his wife Saheli Dhar Barua were the star attraction in the Xtra Time All India Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2017. The two day tournament was inaugurated today by former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta along with GM’s Dibyendu Barua, Neelotpal Das, RR Laxman and Saptarshi Roychowdhury at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra.
Talking about his participation, an excited Dibyendu Barua said, “Both of us last played competitive chess during Commonwealth Chess Championship in July 2014. Since then we have not taken part in any tournament. We thought about participating since it was a rapid rating chess tournament.”
He added, “We need to have this kind of tournament more, then only we can improve the general standard. At the same time I would request the Bengal players to take part in this kind of tournament. The parents need to encourage them to participate in these tournaments. I should thank the organizers for such an event.”
WGM Saheli Dhar Barua did not hide her excitement participating in the tournament. According to Saheli, “I wasn’t sure I was playing even an hour back. It was a last minute decision. Result wise I do not have much expectation; it’s mainly to enjoy playing chess with the talented kids here.”
The tournament saw a participation of 159 players that included 4 Grand Masters and 5 International Masters and 1 WGM.
I think it’s a fabulous tournament. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many kids participating. It’s a sport which is becoming very popular amongst the kids. It’s a very good initiative from Xtra Time to organize such a tournament. I just hope the tournament gets more exposure.”
The tournament has one of the strongest lineups in a non GM tournament in Bengal in recent times. As the Top 8 players are all GMs & IMs. The tournament also has a record amount of prize money that is Rs 600000. The tournament also has 135 prizes.
Xtra Time All India Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2017
Pairings/Results Round 1 on 2017/05/17 at 12 Noon
