The first ever Open Chess tournament organised by the Interim Committee of The Gambia Chess Association will commence on Saturday April 18th 2009 at the President Award Scheme Hall.

The maiden tournament will be a two day affair and will be the first championship to be organised by the Interim committee of the Gambia Chess Association which was set up by the National Sports Council six months ago.

According to the Secretary General of the Interim committee, Isaac O Nichol, the two day tournament is open to all categories of players pointing out that champions will be identified in both male and female categories.

“Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the respective 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in both categories,” he explained.

Nichol pointed out that the tournament is sponsored by Gambia Electrical Company and the Lord Mayor of Banjul, Samba Faal.

As part of the competition, registration is said to be open to all clubs and individuals and is pegged at D100.00 and D50.00 respectively.

Each team should register four players and two reserves.