3rd Danzhou GM tournament starts strong

by ChessBase
6/1/2012 – Showing it was not a one-of series, the third edition of the Danzhou GM Chess Tournament has begun in Danzhou. It brings most of China's brightest talents such as Wang Yue, Ding Liren, Bu Xiangzhi, and Hou Yifan. The event also has more than just a generous prizefund, the champion will be also earn a spot on the Chinese team in the upcoming Olympiad. Pictorial report by WGM Gu Xiaobing.

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The third Danzhou Grandmaster tournament starts strong

Report and pictures by Gu Xiaobing

The third Hainan Danzhou Super Grand Master Chess Tournament began on May 29 in Danzhou. This year the ten players are: Wang Yue, Ding Liren, Ni Hua, Bu Xiangzhi, Yu Yangyi, Zhou Weiqi, Hou Yifan, Zhou Jianchao, Zhao Jun, and Wen Yang. China’s top two rated players, Wang Hao and Li Chao, for reasons unknown are not participating. The competition is more than simply a national tournament of the highest level, with a generous prizefund, the champion will be also earn a spot on the Chinese team and join them in the upcoming Olympiad in Istanbul.

After three rounds, Ni Hua, Bu Xiangzhi and Wang Yue all have 2.0/3, while Ding Liren, Wen Yang, Yu Yangyi and Zhao Jun have 1.5/2, and the rest at 1.0/3.


The organizers and VIPs jointly start the tournament


Last year's champion, Yu Yangyi, shares some words


Bu Xiangzhi also makes a short speech during the opening ceremony


The only female participant, and Women World Champion, Hou Yifan


Wang Yue is always very confident


Bu Xiangzhi said that, "Chess in China is not very professional yet, and our generation
must do more and more to pave the road for the next generation of players."


Hou Yifan explained that for her it is an opportunity to play the strongest players and
learn from them.


Ding Liren, reigning Chinese champion, said that his foremost goal is not to break 2700,
but to perform his best at the Olympiad.


Ni Hua said that he strongly hopes he is able to make the Chinese team as it might
be his last participation. Next year he plans to make changes in his life.


GM Zhao Jun


GM Zhou Weiqi


GM Zhou Jianchao


Wen Yang, playing in the event for the first time, is all smiles

On May 31, Ni Hua celebrated his 29th birthday. Coincidentally, senior chess reporter from Sports Sina, Ms. Fan Lulu, also had a birthday. The organizing committee prepared a surprise for both of them, and ten minutes before the start of the round, presented two cakes with their names on them! Everyone sang a joyous "Happy birthday" and when asked what he had wished for when he blew out his candles, Ni Hua joked, “I wished to be in the tournament’s top nine…”


Chess journalist Fan Lulu and GM Ni Hua enjoy a surprise birthday celebration


Ni Hua showed good cheer and a sense of humor

Copyright ChessBase


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