Montserrat International Open brings together 96 players from 11 nations

The 19th Open Internacional «Poble de Montserrat» has brought together 96 players from 11 nations and 41 clubs at Casa de la Cultura this week. The figure exceeds the initial capacity of 80 participants set out in the rules, which the organisers were able to extend, and makes the town a meeting point for international chess until Sunday 30 August.

Organised by Club Escacs Montserrat, the tournament is played over nine rounds under the Swiss system, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. The games count towards International Chess Federation (FIDE) ratings and the competition offers the opportunity to earn an International Master norm.

Wednesday 26 August features a double session, with round three at 10 am and round four at 5 pm. The following rounds will be held each afternoon until Friday; Saturday has sessions at 10 am and 5 pm, while the ninth and final round begins at 10 am on Sunday. Games from the leading boards can be followed live online.

The field includes internationally titled players and representatives of Argentina, Belgium, Cuba, England, France, Panama, Peru, Spain, Ukraine, the United States and Venezuela. The organisers will award prizes to the top ten finishers and across several Elo bands, alongside honours for age groups, veterans, women players and members of the local club.

Sources: Federació d’Escacs de la Comunitat Valenciana, Info64 and Club Escacs Montserrat.