The 19^th Bangkok Chess Club Open, described as “arguably, the tournament of the year,” by respected web site Chess24.com, began on Saturday in the luxurious ballroom of the Centara Grand Hotel with a near-record attendance, which included 17 Grandmasters.

The field of 201 from 34 countries in the Open division includes three previous BCC Open titleholders: Nigel Short (England, winner in 2012, 2015 and 2017), Jan Gustafsson (Germany, 2011) and Zhao Zong Yuan (Australia, 2013).

All three won their first round comfortably against lower rated opposition, with Short launching a spectacular checkmating attack involving the sacrifice of a rook and then a queen, with his opponent resigning four moves later.

However the top seeds did not have matters all their own way, with Chilean Grandmaster Rodrigo Vasquez drawing with 13-year-old Singaporean talent Hariharan Ashwin. India has the biggest foreign delegation in Bangkok, with 44 representatives in the Open division alone.

The local fans also had something to cheer about with Chiang Mai junior Kavin Nattavutthisit holding Singaporean veteran Grandmaster Bong Villamayor to a draw despite a 600 point rating differential. Another Thai, Thoetsak Wongsawan, almost pulled off an even greater upset before spoiling a defensible endgame and losing to the sixth seed, 25 year old Italian Grandmaster Andrea Stella.

The Bangkok Chess Club Open is Thailand’s most popular tournament and one of the largest opens in South-East Asia. The tournament alternates between Bangkok and other major Thai cities.

The BCC Open will be held daily until April 14^th at the Centara Grand Hotel in Central Plaza, Ladprao, Bangkok. The second round of the Open division begins on Sunday April 7^th at 14.00, with the Challengers division beginning on April 8. Spectator entry is free.

The tournament web site is http://bangkokchess.com/19th-bcc-open/

For complete results, visit http://chess-results.com/tnr429651.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=1

The hotel reservation form is now available for the specially negotiated Bangkok Chess Club rates, starting from 2,950 Baht per night.

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Rates quoted are inclusive of 10% service charge and 7% VAT, breakfast and in room internet (Room Only excludes breakfast). More details available on the form (click below).

• Click here to make a reservation

• Tournament regulations
• Registration form
• Entry Fees

We are delighted to announce that the 19th Bangkok Chess Club Open Chess Championships will take place 6–14 April 2019 at the Centara Grand Ladprao.

Centara Grand is a luxury hotel close to Chatuchak Park and the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market, easily accessible by Skytrain and MRT. Here’s what they say on their website:

Bangkok is one of the intriguing cities of Asia; a place of glittering temples, a diverse cultural heritage, a majestic river, a myriad of exquisite dining opportunities and fabulous shopping options, and an energy that makes everything possible 24 hours a day. Located on the northern side of Bangkok, within the Ladprao business district and moments away from Chatuchak Park, the hotel is one of the city’s timeless landmarks.

Fully renovated to a modern and inviting style and re-opened in 2012, Thailand’s very first integrated five-star hotel and shopping destination has a reputation for attentive service, sublime dining and modern accommodations.

Integral to the hotel is the Bangkok Convention Centre Hall and the Central Plaza shopping and lifestyle complex, together offering all that is needed for guests staying in Bangkok on leisure or business. The hotel features extensive meetings and events facilities spanning over 10,000 square metres and complementing those of the adjacent 2,506-square-metre Bangkok Convention Centre Hall which can accommodate up to 3,800 persons in cocktail style and is serviced by separate kitchens. The hotel’s elegant, pillar-less Vibhavadee Ballroom can serve 2,000 for a reception, dazzling wedding party or product launch; and there also is a collection of 17 fully-equipped suites and boardrooms. 

Tournament details here. For more information on the hotel, please visit their website.

To register please complete this form.

• Tournament regulations
• Registration form
• Entry Fees