Tough Times For Elite Chess Players

15 February 2011, Kuala Lumpur – There is  indications that chess tournaments in Europe of high quality are continuing to dwindle. The Linares will not happen in February of this year and the Chess Classic Mainz also will disappear from the chess calendar.

Mark Crowthers of TWIC reports some of the early signs of decline of chess in Europe - The Chess Classic Mainz will not have an edition in 2011. The Brainchild of Hans-Walter Schmitt it started in Frankfurt before changing to the city of Mainz. The event brought new ideas of presentation to chess and championed Chess960. Last year there was a slimmed down event and this year no sponsor could be found. Knowing the determination of its creator I would not at all be surprised if it is revived when and if economic times improve. With the Linares tournament not taking place in February and possibly not at all and the Sofia tournament also not happening these are tough times for elite chess. There is a press release below from Hans-Walter along with a summary of all the results.

To read more, please click here.

Links:

• TWIC