Tiviakov to lead pack of 84 chess wizards in Kolkata Open

Kolkata, Feb 23 (UNI) Dutch GM Sergei Tiviakov will be the top seed in Kolkata Open GM Chess tournament featuring 84 players, including 21 GMs, from 16 countries commencing on Feburay 25 here.

Talking to the media, Alekhine Chess Club Secretary Soumen Roy said, ''Sergei will be the top ranked player in the tournament, that will also feature players like GM Darmen Sadvakasov of Kazakhstan and GM Pantsulaia Levan of Georgia.'' ''The Indians who will feature are GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly, GM Abhijit Kunte, GM RB Ramesh, GM Dibyendu Barua and GM Tejas Bakre,'' he informed.

However, since ONGC was holding a camp coinciding with the tournament, players like K Sashikaran and Koneru Humpy could miss the tournament. ''We have requested the Chess Federation to see into the matter. We will include them in the last minute if there is a possibility,'' he added.

He also added that Sergey was the highest rated player to play in an open tournament in India. Sergei, who had the highest ELO points of 2700, is now on 2681 points.

The tournament also features 54 titled players, a high for India.

With a prize money of 20,000 dollars it promises some quality chess to the aspirants from the city.

UNI