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)