2nd London Chess Classic 2010

Olympia Conference Centre, Kensington, London

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Press Releases

Malcolm Pein announces a new edition of the London Chess Classic

Tournament Director Malcolm Pein   photo © John Saunders

- 05 Jun 2010

IM Malcolm Pein announces a new edition of the London Chess Classic where he is tournament director. Viswanathan Anand strengthens the field from last year.

I am delighted to announce that the 2nd London Chess Classic will be held at the Olympia Conference Centre from December 8th to 15th. I have managed to put together an even more illustrious field than last year for what will indisputably be the strongest chess tournament ever held on these shores. Seven of the eight players from last year will return but Ni Hua of China will be replaced by Vishy Anand who will become the first reigning world chess champion to play a major tournament in London since Anatoly Karpov in 1984.

The prize fund has also been increased from €120,000 to €145,000 with 1st prize being worth €50,000.

Anand, who will turn 41 during the tournament, recently retained his world title by defeating Veselin Topalov in the latter's home city of Sofia. In London he will meet his immediate predecessor as champion, Vladimir Kramnik, 36, of Russia, and also the world number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway, 19, who is widely tipped to be Anand's next challenger. Spectators will be privileged to witness a clash of the past, present and likely future chess champions.

Five more players make up the field of eight, all of whom played last year and earned their place for fighting play. The fourth non-British player is Hikaru Nakamura, ranked 19th in the world. The 23 year old American is known as the 'H-Bomb' for his explosive and totally uncompromising style of play. He has won the US Championship twice and also won major events in San Sebasti&aacuten and Gibraltar in the past couple of years.

England's finest will return and I hope they will be able to challenge the stars as successfully as last year. Michael Adams, 39, from Cornwall, has recently wrested back his position as England number one and was the winner of the 2010 prestigious Gibraltar International. Nigel Short at 45 remains a fearsome opponent and last year delighted the spectators with his post-game commentary. Luke McShane, 26, is back to playing chess full time and last year's tournament gave his return to the game a great boost. David Howell, 20 in November, had a sensational elite tournament debut at the Classic last year when he finished third behind Carlsen and Kramnik and like Adams went through his seven games unbeaten.

Tournament Line-Up

Tickets will go on sale in July.

For further information please call:

Malcolm Pein, Tournament Director, London Chess Classic

T: 020 7388 2404

E: info@chess.co.uk 

© SC

© 2010 London Chess Classic

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