Thanks to a new sponsor, Tradewise Motor Insurance, the 91st Hastings International Chess Congress will take place at Horntye Park Sports Complex in Hastings from 28th December 2015 to 5th January 2016. Tradewise Motor Insurance is working with the English Chess Federation to offer special encouragement to young players and female players as well as inviting all ages and chess strengths to participate as ever. The parent company of Tradewise Motor Insurance is the sponsor of the hugely successful Gibraltar Chess Festival. The organisers of Hastings hope that this will prove a successful and longer-term partnership.
Hastings Borough Council remains a joint sponsor with Tradewise Motor Insurance and we are again grateful for their support which has continued for many years. Vital additional support comes from The White Rock Hotel, The Lansdowne Hotel and KC Computers.
The opening will take place on 28th December at 14.05hrs at the start of the Masters Tournament.. It will be attended by Cllr. Bruce Dowling Rt. Worshipful the Mayor of Hastings, Mr. Dominic Lawson, President of the English Chess Federation and a representative of Tradewise Motor Insurance who will make the opening move.
The number of entries is slightly up on last year at this point in time and includes 13 grandmasters and 7 international masters from 15 countries. Hungary is looking particularly hungry for success with 3 gms and 2 ims among them. Leading the field is grandmaster Ferenc Berkes (HUN). Eighteen players aged under 18 and one under 21 have entered and we hope to see more young entries and female players who, this year, are offered a 50% discount on entry fees.
English grandmaster Chris Ward will once again be giving his popular commentary on Masters games each afternoon and a selection of Masters games will also be available live online. Spectators are welcome at the venue – admission free.
PT 24.11.15