London Chess Classic 2009

The London Chess Classic 2009 will be the highest level tournament in London for 25 years and will be the first in a series of events designed to increase enthusiasm for chess in the UK and promote the game and its undoubted educational benefits in schools and communities. It is also our objective to bring the world championship to London in the Olympic year 2012. Englands four leading Grandmasters; Nigel Short, Michael Adams, Luke McShane and David Howell will be pitched against a world class field that includes a former world champion Vladimir Kramnik and 18 year old Magnus Carlsen ranked world number three and widely seen a future holder of the world crown. One of Chinas finest players; Ni Hua and the US Champion Hikaru Nakamura, complete the field. Spectators will be treated to live commentary on the games from Grandmasters and will be able to play tournament or informal games all day. Tickets for the auditorium and commentary room are now on sale. If you would like to play as well as spectate then enter one of the side events. Running alongside the Classic will be a Chess Festival with a 9 round FIDE rated Open tournament, a Weekend tournament, a one day Rapidplay and nightly Blitz tournaments.