World Chess Championship for Disabled 2015 - Dresden

Round 1: A great start into a promising tournament

 
Written by Kema Goryaeva

Herbert BastianRound 1 of the World Chess Championship for Disabled 2015 started on 18 October at 9:30 as per the schedule. The first ceremonial move was made by Herbert Bastian, the President of the German Chess Federation.

It is remarkable to have 63 players from three continents and 13 national federations participating in the tournament.


All was off to a smooth start, the organisers did a great job in accommodating all needs of the players. No surprises happened in the first round, all the favourites won. However, there was one remarkable game: Alena Mikhalionak (Belarus), who played black, drew with Miheso Chomu Clement (Kenya) despite having a rating difference of 500 elo with her opponent.

The state TV company was present to cover the start of the World Chess Championship for Disabled. Over the course of the tournament they will be conducting interviews with players and volunteers which will then feature in a program about the event. It is a great achievement to have the German TV dedicating their time and programmes to Chess for the Disabled as this will provide great publicity on all levels.