Asian Cities Chess Championship begins

By Gopakumar

Bhubaneswar (26 Aug 17) :- Asian Cities Chess Championship for Dubai Cup got off to a rousing start at KIIT University Bhubaneswar on Saturday. A total number of 12 teams from eight countries are participating in this prestigious event.

Rasht team from Iran got the top billing followed by KIIT Bhubaneswar and Dhaka. Except Dhaka, all top ranked teams started the championship on winning note while late arrival of player caused Dhaka dearly as they settled for draw against Alquds, Palestine.

Rasht defeated Puri 3 ½ – ½ while host KIIT Bhubaneswar outwitted Muscat on same margin. Penang, Dubai and Kolkata got better off Chinese Taipei, Cuttack and KISS Bhubaneswar, respectively in the opening round with 3 -1 margin.

The championship was inaugurated by Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Registrar KIIT University in presence of Shri. SC Sahu, Vice President Ail India Chess Federation, Shri. KK Sarma, Secretary All Odisha Chess Association and Shri. Abdulrahim Mahdi, Chief Arbiter of the event.

Results Round- 1 :- Rasht (2) beat Puri (0) 3-1; Muscat (0) lost to KIIT Bhubaneswar (2) 1-3; Dhaka (1) drew with Alquds (1) 2 – 2; Chinese Taipei (0) lost to Penang (2) 1 -3; Dubai (2) beat Cuttack (0) 3 -1; KISS Bhubaneswar (0) lost to Kolkata (2) 1 – 3.