16 Dec 2006-25 Dec 2006|Noida | Russian Center for Science Art and Culture
The Amity Grandmasters Challenge
World’s youngest Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi starts as favourite but it is going to be a tough contest against
2005 European Women’s champion Kateryna Lahno of Ukraine when the two sit across the chequered board for the Amity Grandmasters Challenge that starts in the Russian Center for Science Art and Culture on Sunday the 17th December, 2006.
The first of its kind match to be held in India will witness the two brightest talents in chess in action for nine days spanning 18 games in all.
There will be six games under normal time control, six rapid and six blitz games in all to determine the winner. The stakes are high with
Rs. 3,00,000/- going to the winner and Rs. 2,00,000/- reserved for the loser.
While the first six days will witness normal games lasting up to 4 and a half hours, the rapid will be played with 25 minutes to both players with a 10 seconds increment after every move is made. The finale will on the 25th December with six blitz games of 5 minutes each with a 5 seconds increment.
The Amity Grandmasters Challenge is organized by the Amity Group, the leading education group of India with over 45,000 students studying from pre-nursery to PHD level across 600 acres of hi-tech campuses. Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, the Founder President of Amity and Dr. (Mrs) Amita Chauhan, Chairperson of Amity International Schools have been supporting Parimarjan right from the beginning when he started his foray into chess. The Amity Grandmasters Challenge is another effort of Amity to help Parimarjan become one of the greatest chess players in the World. Said Dr Chauhan “We want to see Parimarjan become the youngest chess worldchampion”
Kateryna who arrived on the 13th December to acclimatize for the event looks in fine mettle for the event. “I am quite happy to come to India for this big event and look forward to an exciting clash with Parimarjan”, 16 years old Kateryna said.
Parimarjan, a student of Amity International School, Saket was also all smiles about this much awaited clash. “I have been preparing hard for the event for quite some time now, I understand that I am a slight favourite but these kind of matches can turn on the final day too”.
Parimarjan who became a Grandmaster after beating Kateryna in a GM tournament in Russia earlier this year also made it clear that his one victory over her does not have much relevance in the only encounter between them thus far. “She is obviously a very strong player, and my one victory signifies little, I can expect her to be better prepared this time”, the 13 year old said.
The Delhi based Parimarjan also placed on record his thanks to the
Amity Group and Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan and Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Chauhan for organizing this contest. “Amity has always helped me in everything and I am very happy and pleased that they have organized such a unique International Level Event for me. I will do my best”.
Along side the main event there will be another tournament for players from the National Capital.