Arco Hosts 11th Senior Chess Championship and International Open Festival

The eleventh edition of the Senior Category World Chess Championship will commence next Tuesday at the Municipal Casino of Arco. For 15 days, the city of palms will transform into the capital of brain sports par excellence.

Events and Competitions

Starting October 20, and lasting for about a week, another top-level chess competition will take place at the casino: the 23rd International Open Chess Festival City of Arco. This event is now among the leading tournaments both nationally and internationally, in terms of both quantitative and qualitative standards.

Approximately 400 players from around the world will participate in the two events. The only withdrawal, due to serious international issues, involves Afghan athletes blocked by a ban from CONI. Organizers are worried about possible repercussions, such as requests for political asylum in Italy.

Participating Nations and Guests

Thirty-three countries are registered. Among them will be the reigning world champion from 2000, the Russian Oleg Chernikov, and the female world champion, Russian Elena Fatalibekova.

On October 23, the Head of State of the Republic of Kalmykia will also be present in Arco, attending the concert by the Rondò Casanova Orchestra with the participation of singer-songwriter Franco Simone. (Event hall, free admission)