Kozhikode, Nov 06: Grand Masters Koneru Humpy, S Vijayalakshmi, Aarthie Ramaswamy and Nisha Mohota will lead the challenge in the 30th National Women's 'A' Chess Championship commencing here on Saturday. From the 18 contenders in the competition, top four would represent the country in the World Chess Olympiad to be held in Spain in October next, P T Ummer Koya, Fide Vice-President told reporters today.


The all-play-all round robin tournament, sponsored by Oilum beauty soap with a total prize money of Rs 1.4 lakh, will be inaugurated by inspector general of police (North) Venugopal K Nair.

Super GMs (with more than ELO 2600) I Vladimirov (Kaz) and R Sherbakov (Russia) will see the position on the board for the benefit of the players attending the coaching camp throughout the championship.
While the players' meet and draw of lots will be held on the inaugural day, the 17-round event spread across 12 days will start on Sunday. The players will also vie for GM norms based on their performance during the tournament.

Arrangements have been made to provide the proceedings live on the internet. Kerala is hosting the tournament for the sixth time. Bureau Report