Bangkok--Mar 10--SET
TSD to Host the Biggest Chess Competitions in Thailand--“Youth Chess Team Championship” and “TSD Thailand Open 2005”— with Scholarships & Prizes Worth Over THB100,000
Thailand Securities Depository Co., Ltd. (TSD), The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Bangkok Chess Club (BCC) will host the biggest chess championships ever in Thailand for both Thai youth teams-- “The Youth Chess Team Championships”-- and for individuals, the “TSD Thailand Open 2005”. More than 200 contestants are expected to participate. Prizes for winners are worth over THB100,000.
TSD President Mrs. Nongram Wongwanich disclosed that the TSD, in conjunction with the SET and the BCC, will host the biggest chess championships ever held in Thailand for the youth teams and individuals. The championships are aimed at encouraging Thai youths to spend their time more constructively, especially during their summer school break. The activity also promotes unity, more chess enthusiasts, and improve the skills of both amateur and professional players.
The “Youth Chess Team Championship” will take place on Saturdays and Sundays March 19 — 20, and 26 — 27, 2005. After that, the “TSD Thailand Open 2005”, which is open to both Thai and foreign individuals, will be on Saturdays and Sundays April 2 — 3, and 9 — 10, 2005, at the SET Building on Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok.
“TSD is proud to be a part of these championships. Youngsters will gain from playing chess as they will learn to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which can further be applied to other areas, such as their studies and life planning. Likewise, their expertise be applied to investing, as it requires careful thinking and decision-making, under acceptable levels of risks. Supporting games that helps develop these skills therefore helps develop our youth, who are important human resources of the country,” Mrs. Nongram said.
The President of the Thailand Chess Federation, Mr. Prajuab Nimityongskul, said confidently that both the youth team and individual championships will be a phenomenon in terms of the number of contestants, since the championships are quite open and would be conducted under an internationally-accepted Swiss system.
The Youth Team Championship will be for 1) Primary school level students not older than 12 years old, 2) High school level students not older than 19 years old and 3) Tertiary level students not older than 25 years old. Each team should have 3-4 members, including the team leader.
For the ‘TSD Thailand Open’, the championship will be divided into 3 categories: 1) the Open category (With an ELO or TELO score of higher than 1800), 2) the Amateur category (No ELO/TELO scores, or TELO scores lower than 1800) and 3) the Novice category (No ELO/TELO scores, or TELO scores under 1400). Contestants with comparable rankings will be matched to play. Scores will be counted within each of the individual systems.
“Players, either beginners or experienced, whether they are keen to play in teams or as individuals, can participate in the category they are good at, with nobody being able to take a clear advantage over any others” the President of the Thailand Chess Federation said.
Winners, first runners-up and second runners-up in all categories of the youth team championship will receive trophies and special sponsorships worth THB12,000 each to participate in the 5th BCC International Open at the Regent Cha-Am Hotel. There will also be prizes for the outstanding teams and individual players.
The winner of ‘TSD Thailand Open 2005’ in the Open category will receive a THB30,000 cash prize and a trophy. In the Amateur category, the winner will receive a THB10,000 cash prize and a trophy. Finally, in the Novice category winner will receive prizes worth THB5,000 and a trophy. There will also be prizes for the first and second runners-up, consolation prizes, and prizes for other outstanding players.
Any youth interested in playing in a team in the “Youth Chess Team Championship” and individuals interested in the “TSD Thailand Open 2005” can apply by phone by calling 0-2229-2219-20 or apply in person at the SET Building (adjacent to Queen Sirikit Convention Center), with student certification from their academic institution, a copy of their student ID card, and a copy of their Thai ID card or passport, by March 15, 2005
For more information,
please contact the Corporate Communication Dept.:
Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 /
Kulvida Jintakawong Tel: 0-2229-2037
Nattaporn Boonprapa Tel: 0-2229-2049 /
Watsamon Saowakhonsathien Tel: 0-2229-2797 End.