The RSSU School Champions’ Cup and the Championship of the National student chess league started Friday morning, Jan 27 within the frames of the XIII International RSSU Cup, 2017 Moscow Open. The RSSU Rector, President of the National student chess league Natalya Pochinok, Vice-President of the Moscow Chess Federation Nikita Kim, international grandmaster, current European Champion Ernesto Inarkiev and the tournament director, head of the RSSU Chess house Artem Akhmetov welcomed the participants at the Ceremony Opening held in the assembly hall of the Russian State Social University.

“Several generations that participated in our tournament conquer the world chess arena, and it’s our visiting card, - Natalya Pochinok marked. – I would like to especially welcome student teams representing different universities that came to the competitions for the second time to show their talent”.

Artem Akhmetov noted that 10 days of intellectual and fascinating struggle are waiting for us. He told that at the moment more than 850 participants have been registered for these two tournaments. “It’s a new number and new achievement for us”, - the tournament director concluded.

Nikita Kim also wished success to all of the festival participants and asked all the guests to express gratitude and applaud to the mistress of the hospitable hall – Natalya Borisovna Pochinok. 

“I’m very glad that the tournament is held in the RSSU – the university where I studied and took part in several tournaments from year to year. Each of them is memorable and provided me with something specific,” – Inarkiev said in his welcome speech. Ernesto wished best of luck and development of skills at the RSSU Cup to all of the participants. 

After that Natalya Pochinok together with Ernesto Inarkiev pronounced the cherished words: “The XIII International RSSU Chess Cup, 2017 Moscow Open is open!”

Besides the official part, the entertainment program was prepared to the guests of the Ceremony Opening: circus act with balls and umbrellas with the participation of young participants of the tournament, “Dynamic Guys” music band performance and a beautiful show by the musician, who used drinking glasses as an instrument.

Photos by Galina Popova.