2 November 2017
ACF Cup in Memory of Mikhail Botvinnik Opens in Moscow
Boys and girls under 14 are taking part in the event.
On November 1, the Association of Chess Federations (ACF) Cup in memory of Mikhail Botvinnik among boys and girls under 14 years old was officially opened in the Central Chess Club in Moscow.
Participants:
Boys: Aydin Suleymanli (Azerbaijan, 2353), Nikolozi Kacharava (Georgia, 2332), Ivan Schitco (Moldova, 2297), Aram Yeritsyan (Russia, 2293), Armen Barseghyan (Armenia, 2210), Azat Nurmamedov (Turkmenistan, 2189), Matvey Papunidi (Belarus, 2036), Meyrzhan Barmagambetov (Kazakhstan, 1998), Sardor Boltaev (Ukzekistan, 1840), Bakyt Tynybekov (Kyrgyzstan, 1546), and Mekhriddin Sharifov (Tajikistan, 1518).
Girls: Govhar Beydullayeva (Azerbaijan, 2216), Mariam Mkrtchyan (Armeina, 1921), Lyudmila Zaitseva (Russia, 1875), Ekaterine Pipia (Georgia, 1791), Aryna Kuzich (Belarus, 1779), Yuliya Khegay (Uzbekistan, 1703), Merjen Batyrowa (Turkmdenistan, 1602), Sabrina Abrorova (Tajikistan, 1596), Aruzhan Shauken (Kazakhstan, 1588), Valentina Rotaru (Moldova, 1497), and Azalia Mirlan Kyzy (Kyrgyzstan).
At the Opening Ceremony, the Tournament Director Alexander Bakh greeted the guests, wished good luck to all participants, and thanked the partners who supported the event.
RCF Executive Director Mark Glukhovsky said a few words about the Central Chess Club, its history and famous guests (many World Champions, including Bobby Fischer, played in the Club), and the 6th World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik, who is considered to be the founder of the Soviet chess school.
Representative of the Infinitum Group of Companies, a general sponsor of the tournament, thanked the organizers for allowing the Company to popularize chess and discover new chess stars.
Chief Arbiter of the tournament IA Alexander Ivanov reminded of some important points of the Regulations and conducted the drawing of lots.
In conclusion, pianist Matvey Glukhovsky performed two etudes of Chopin.
Pairings (boys)
Pairings (girls)
Playing days: November 2-4 and 6-8. The tournament is played according to the round-robin system with two rounds a day (except for November 8).
On November 5, a guided tour around the RCF Chess Museum will be organized for the participants.
Photos by Eteri Kublashvili
