2008 Asian Team Championships

The Asian Team Chess Championships are set to begin (January 2 - 10, 2008) As per usual, an Indian newspaper reported the event. Indian newspapers in general give excellent coverage to both domestic and international chess events in which Indian players are participating. From newindpress.com (January 1, 2008): VISAKHAPATNAM: Sasikiran and Neelotpal Das will head the India-A and India-B men’s teams respectively for the 15th Asian Team Chess Championship-2007 to be held at Swarnabharati Indoor Stadium from Jan 2 to 10. Dronavalli Harika and Swati Ghate will lead the Indian-A and India-B women’s teams respectively. While 15 teams from seven countries are taking part in the event, Wang Yue from China holds the highest rating with 2,703. The winners of the men’s championship will qualify for the the World Team Chess Championship conducted by the World Chess Federation. The event will be organised by East Coast Chess Association, All Vizag District Chess Association and Andhra Pradesh Chess Association. State Bank of India, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation are the sponsors. The video footage and images of these tournaments can be watched over the websites: www.vizagchess.net or www.apchess.net