Mangalore: United Karnataka Chess Association (UKCA) will conduct second UKCA Cup All India Open Fide Rated Chess Tournament at Subrahmanya Sabha on Jail Road in Mangalore from August 15 to August 19, said M. S. Gururaj, the president of UKCA.

UKCA is recognized by Department of Youth Services and Sports, Govt of Karnataka and affiliated to All India Chess Federation will conduct Ten All India Open Fide Rated Chess Tournaments in Karnataka in the year 2012.

He was speaking at the press meet held at Press Club on July 25, Wednesday. He said that the tournaments will include the under 13 and the under 15 age championships and the state senior championship as Fide rated events.

UKCA is the second in the Karnataka, which conducts the largest number of fide rated chess events per year, while Tamil Nadu conducts the first largest number of such events, he said.

Mr. Gururaj said that four All India Open Fide Rated Chess Tournaments will be conducted for the first time in Karnataka under the banner of UKCA and six will be conducted by the District Chess Association and other chess organizations affiliated to the UKCA.

This year, UKCA is providing good platforms and opportunity for players by conducting 15 fide rated tournaments, including the under 13, the under 15, and the State Open Championships close to home.

The event is associated with a total prize pool of Rs. 2 lakh, which will be shared among all the 65 players. Food, water, and beverages will be served to all players and those accompanying them for five days. Around 300 players will participate in the tournament he said.

Further, Mr. Gururaj said that only players registered with the AICF are permitted to participate and that organizers can either accept or reject entries without furnishing reasons. All participants must be registered at the AICF for 2012 – 13 and all players from Karnataka must be registered with the UKCA. Players are also required to bring their own clocks and chess sets. The last date for registration is August 12, 2012.

UKCA Secretary V. Raghavendra and UKCA member M. S. Madhava and Sumith Bhat were also present at the press conference