World Chess Olympiad started in Baku

The 42nd World Chess Competition started in Baku on September 1, Vestnik Kavkaza reports. The opening ceremony will last about an hour at the National gymnastics arena and the competitions will be held at the Sports and Concert Complex Baku Crystal Hall that was built four years ago.

The opening ceremony of 42nd World Chess Competition in Baku was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva. Before that, the head of Azerbaijan, met with members of the national team, who represent the country of Azerbaijan at the competitions.

176 countries have registered for participation in the competition. The games will be played on four chessboards in accordance with the the Swiss System in 11 rounds. The victory will bring two points, a draw – one and a loss – zero. Time control in the matches is as follows: 90 minutes for 40 moves and 30 minutes before the end of the game with another 30 seconds a move, starting from the first.

The 42th World Chess Competition in Baku will become record-breaking: it is expected that about 2,500 players, coaches and officials will be involved. In addition, the contest will become the most massive sporting event.