Čatež ob Savi - The European Individual Chess Championship kicks off today in Čatež ob Savi just months after the team event was held at the same venue. While the team event was held amidst strict restrictions, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is at the forefront this time.

Both the European and world governing bodies of chess have banned players from competing under the Russian or Belarusian flags, whereas the Ukrainian players, there will be 23, will not have to pay a fee to join the competition.

Because many Ukrainians cannot afford the cost of travel and accommodation, there will be a special campaign throughout the duration of the championship to raise funds for them.

Over 300 competitors from 40 countries have registered for the event, including 116 grand masters and 32 female players. The prize money is EUR 100,000, with 20,000 EUR reserved for the winner.

The event, running until 6 April, will be played in 11 rounds, Swiss system, with time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move.

You can check more images and informations about tournament on offical website eicc2022.eu