Major chess tournament to be watched by millions, organisers say

A total of 164 players from 45 countries are competing

A major chess tournament on the Isle of Man is set to be watched by millions around the world via online streams, organisers have said.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) Grand Swiss, held at the Villa Marina until 6 November, will see players from 45 countries compete.

Two local participants will also play for the £495,000 ($600,000) prize fund.

Tournament director Alan Ormsby said it would put the island at the centre of the sport's world for a fortnight.

Financed by the Isle of Man-based Scheinberg family, the competition was planned to fall outside of the traditional summer season for chess to provide a boost to the local economy, Mr Ormsby said.

Up to 250 people, including officials and family members accompanying players, had travelled to the island for the event, Mr Ormsby said.

The two highest rated players at the event are Hikaru Nakamura (left) and Fabiano Caruana

Three of the world's top five players feature among 164 players competing in the tournament, with 11 rounds at the Royal Hall alongside local competitors, Li Wu and Dietmar Kolbus.

Chairman of the Isle of Man Chess Association Howard Dobson said it was a "delight" to watch some of the best players in the world in action.

He said he hoped the event would "raise the profile" of the sport and inspire more people to join the local club.

Since the island last hosted the event in 2019, it has been awarded affiliated member status by FIDE.

Mr Ormbsy said a case was put together to recognise the Isle of Man as hosts in their own right and separate from England after six international tournaments were held on Manx soil between 2014 and 2019.

It means local players could now compete under the Manx flag and enter a team into the "Olympics of chess" the Chess Olympiad in Budapest next year, he added.

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