The Inaugural 2017 King Salman World Open and Women’s Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships, Full of surprises after day 1 rounds

The inaugural King Salman World Open and Women’s Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships have begun, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the first time in history, with Chinese classical chess champion Ju Wenjun achieving a perfect opening score. Meanwhile the World Number One, Magnus Carlsen, got off to a less than ideal start. Surely, he will look to improve on his game today.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA- DECEMBER 26: Chess players compete at the King Salman Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 26, 2017. The Championship is taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time with participation of 236 players from 70 countries. (Photo by Salah Malkawi/ Getty Images)

The event, running until 30th December, marks an important advance in Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a sporting hub capital and provides a refreshing inclusion of women in such high profile public events.

The event has attracted attract more than 200 players from all over the world, providing aspirational role models for players in the region and sees famed male and female chess players compete on the World stage for a chance to prove their strategic prowess against some of the highest IQs in the world.

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Tags: #MediaStop, #worldnews, Blitz Chess, chess players, Ju Wenjun, King Salman, Magnus Carlsen, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, The Hype Magazine

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.