press-report 02

13th International Chess Open in Bad Wiessee
31st October – 8th November 2009

Chess in Bad Wiessee is synonymous with perfect organization, strong participants and not to forget: a great holiday on the shores of picturesque Lake Tegernsee. Every year at the end of October, about 400 participants and regulars make it to this idyllic destination – and for nine days, all eyes are on the black and white squares. Inside the 65 metre long Wandelhalle venue chess pros and amateurs will this time compete at the 13th International Bavarian Chess Open.

Some changes are to be expected, including a change of guards at the top of the organisational structure, as announced by the Tourist Information Centre Bad Wiessee. The main responsibility for the event is passed on from hotelier Kurt Geiss to the tournament’s founder Horst Leckner, who will dedicate himself fully to the task.

The Bad Wiessee tournament for children and adolescents has become even more attractive. Youngsters cherish not only the prospect of spending each day of the autumn school holidays in front of a chess board and scoring against strong contestants. New monetary rating prizes for chess talents under the age of 14 mean winners get to pick their own rewards.  So as to foster the bristling atmosphere inside the Wandelhalle venue, the first six games will neither be transmitted online nor projected to the big screen on site. Those physically present will thus get to experience the battle for each checkmate without distractions. Afterwards, onlookers will get a chance to talk shop with the pros and to repeat interesting games in the analyst’s room. ‘Back to the roots’ is Horst Leckner’s motto. Together with Grandmaster Artur Jussupow, he created the Chess Open in the Tegernsee Valley in 1997 and has seen it move on from humble beginnings to great success. Today, it counts among the largest chess opens in all of Germany.

For nine days, renowned Grandmasters as well as Olympic contestant and Igor Khenkin will try their hand at the game. For the first time, co-founder and Grandmaster Artur Jussupow will participate at the tournament.
Exciting games are expected inside the main venue when chess pros such as Frenchman Andrei Sokolov and Alexander Shabalov from the US have to size up their enemies, display superior skill and turn it into points, Elo ratings and prize money.

Whilst the professionals get psyched up for their next game, hobby players can enjoy a little break and explore the colourful beauty of the Tegernsee Valley in autumn. A visit to the Bade Park indoor pool or the brand-new Monte Mare spa and sauna helps to soothe frayed nerves and to gather steam for the next challenge. A walk along the lake promenade – wrapped up in warm clothes – allows for amazing views onto the pre-Alpine landscape. Sporty regulars tend to hop on a bike and cruise around the surrounding woodlands and meadows.
An astonishing range of leisure activities, events and culinary delights across the Tegernsee Valley means that days will fly by. The ‘guest card’ issued to tournament participants gives free access to local buses so that the region can be explored in any weather.


Tournament overview:
Organised by: Tourist Information Centre Bad Wiessee
Phone: +49 (0) 8022 8603 0
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Date:31.10.2009 to 08.11.2009
Place: Wandelhalle playing hall in Bad Wiessee
Prize Fund: 16,500.00 Euros