Top int'l chess players to compete in JAPFA Open

Top int'l chess players to compete in JAPFA Open

SANUR, Bali (JP): Top international Grand Masters will
participate in the JAPFA Classic International Open Tournament
2000 at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel here from May 3 to May 11.

GM Jaan Ehlvest of Estonia (elo rating 2,622), GM Gilberto
Milos Jr. of Brazil (2,620) and International Master (IM) Zaw Win
Lay of Myanmar (2,633), who finished the JAPFA Classic
International Tournament 2000 on Tuesday, will also take part in
the US$20,000 event.

Others in the draw are GM Eugene Torre, GM Ian Rogers of
Australia, and the 1998 FIDE world junior champion GM Sadvakasov
of Kazakhstan.

Indonesian players set to test their skills in the event are
GM Utut Adianto, GM Ruben Gunawan, GM Edhi Handoko, GM
Ardiansyah, IM Cerdas Barus, IM Salor Sitanggang and IM Ivan
Situru.

Chairman of the open tournament's organizing committee Jeffrie
Geovanie said the event was a prime opportunity for Indonesian
chess players to improve their elo ratings.

He said the players could also increase their experience
because they were likely to meet the world's top players in the
open tournament.

Jeffrie also expressed hope that the event could be held
annually and attract sponsors.

"Hopefully, the two tournaments can go on smoothly so JAPFA
Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. can sponsor a similar event in the
future," he said. PT JAPFA Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. is a national
livestock company based in Jakarta.

Separately, the head of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian
Chess Association (Percasi), TNA. Kusumayudha, said that local
players could use the tournaments to prepare for the 15th
National Games in Surabaya in June.

Anyone wishing to take part in the open tournament can
register at Bali Jeff Chess Center on Jl. Prof. M. Yamin No. 9,
Renon, Denpasar, or with the organizer's secretary at the Grand
Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur, phone (0361) 288511 room 822. (ivy)