1st Korea Open 2008 (29th Nov-5th Dec 2008)

Ottoshimnikka? means how are u? in Korean.

The Korea Chess Federation has announced the 1st Korea Open Chess Tournament to be held from 29 November to 5 December 2008 in Seoul, Korea. This first ever Korea International Open Tournament which is being sponsored by the City of Seoul is also the third leg of the APAC Pro Tour.

1. Schedule

29th November: Arrival of Players, 1700: Technical Meeting
30th November: City Tour
1st December 0900: Round 1, 1500: Round 2
2nd December 0900: Round 3, 1500: Round 4
3rd December 0900: Round 5, 1500: Round 6
4th December 0900: Round 7, 1500: Round 8
5th December 0900: Round 9, 1800: Closing Ceremony
6th December Departure of Players

2. Time Control & Format

FIDE Rated, 9 Round Swiss System (Accelerated). Rate if play is 90 minutes for the whole game with 30 seconds increment for every move starting from the first move.

3. Nett Prizes (after 22% tax and APAC Pro Tour deductions)

1st: USD 6,240
2nd: USD 3,744
3rd:  USD 2.496
4th: USD 1,972
5th: USD 1,248
6th-9th: USD 624
Top Woman: USD 624
Top Under 2200: USD 312
Top Under 2000: USD 312

4. Venue & Official Hotel 

The tournament will be played at the Olympic Park Convention Centre, Seoul, Korea and the official hotel is the 5 star Olympic Parktel, Seoul, Korea. Free rooms on a twin sharing basis with 3 meals will be provided to Grandmasters (and other titled players) subject to availability.
 
5. Registration & Entry Fees

The closing date for entries is 30 October 2008 and a deposit of USD 100 is required. Men and Women Grandmasters and International Masters and those rated over 2400 will have free entry. Between 2201-2400 the entry fee is USD 200 and between 2000-2200 the entry fee is USD 300. Below 2000 the entry fee is USD 400.

Registration is to be directed to peter@aseanchess.com 

Registeration Form: koreaopen2008.pdf 

Payment (Nett of bank charges) is to be made to:

Account Name: Korea Chess Federation
Bankers: Korea Exchange Bank
Address: 181, 2-Ka Euljiro, Chung Ku, Seoul 100-793, Korea
Account Number:   630-006504-293
Swift Code: KOEXKRSE