Stockholms Schacksällskap, one of the world’s oldest chess clubs, celebrates its 150 years jubilee with a grand tournament at the venerable Scandic Hotel Hasselbacken**** in the heart of The Royal Djurgården in Stockholm, Sweden.The Hasselbacken Chess Open 2016 will be held from April 30 through May 8, 2016 and prize fund in total of 300 000 SEK (nearly 32,000 €) will be distributed.
Tournament website/ Registration/ LIVE games with analysis
The reigning Russian champion will join the field GM Igor Lysyj (2671). When Igor Lysyj won the Russian championship last winter, he joined an exclusive company of Russian champions. The last ten years have seen winners like Garry Kasparov, Peter Svidler and Alexander Grischuk.
Was the victory Igor Lysyj’s greatest success of his career? We decided to ask him.
– Well, it is clearly my biggest success so far, says Igor Lysyj. I’m very proud that I managed to keep a high level.
Has your success changed you as a chess player and person?
– No, I can not say.
After your victory you reached 2700 in rating. Can you explain what it’s like to reach 2700?
– I do not think 2700 is a high a rating nowadays. It was fun, but nothing special.
What are your next goals at the chess tour?
– Russian Championship and the World Cup will be my next tournaments. I hope to be able to show my very best in both tournaments.
What is your goal for Hasselbacken Chess Open?
– As usual I will give everything in each round. We’ll see what it gives me.
You have played before in Stockholm, namely Rilton Cup 2009/2010. What do you remember of Stockholm?
– I remember it was cold in Stockholm! I hope that there will be many more opportunities to take strolls in Stockholm in May.
You have written opening books along with Roman Ovetchkin. What is your favourite opening?
– I really think that the Berlin wall in Ruy Lopez is the most interesting opening!
