Azernews.Az

By Lamam Ismayilova

Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin, who will take part in the Shamkir Chess 2017, has arrived in Azerbaijan.

Karjakin has paid tribute to the late Azerbaijani grandmaster, Vugar Gashimov, at the second Alley of Honors, and laid a wreath at his grave.

Then he visited the Vugar Gashimov Chess Academy, Azertac reported. President of Vugar Gashimov Chess Foundation Anar Allahverdiyev highlighted the activity of the academy.

The Shamkir Chess 2017, the 4th edition of the tournament in memory of Vugar Gashimov, is scheduled for April 20-30.

The world’s strong grandmasters will compete in the memorial, organized by "Synergy Group" and Azerbaijan Chess Federation.

The grand opening ceremony will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Shamkir on April 20. The nine-round tournament will end on April 30. Total prize fund is €100,000 and €25,000 for first place.

27-year old Gashimov, who was one of the world’s top players for a decade and who helped lead Azerbaijani team to the gold medal in the European Team Chess Championship in 2009, died in January 2014.

Gashimov became an international master in 1999 and earned the top title of grandmaster in 2002.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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