The London Chess Classic takes place from 8-15 December 2009 at the Olympia Conference Centre. It will be the highest level tournament in London for 25 years and will be the first in a series of events designed to increase enthusiasm for chess in the UK and promote the game and its undoubted educational benefits in schools and communities. It is also our objective to bring the world championship to London in the Olympic year 2012. Olympia will provide excellent facilities including a 400 seat soundproof auditorium, two commentary rooms and multimedia presentation. There will be ample space for Open, weekend and speed chess tournaments plus junior training which will run alongside the main event from 8-15 December inclusive.

England's four leading grandmasters; Michael Adams, Nigel Short, Luke McShane and David Howell will be pitched against a world-class field that comprises: former world champion Vladimir Kramnik; 18-year-old Magnus Carlsen ranked world number three, now coached by Garry Kasparov and widely seen as a future holder of the world crown; one of China's finest players, Ni Hua; and the US Champion Hikaru Nakamura.

Adult tickets are £10 per day or £50 for all seven rounds. There is free admission to children for the duration of the event. Adult and junior ticket holders receive admission to the tournament plus a guaranteed seat in the auditorium and access to the Commentary Room where some of the UK’s leading grandmasters will give insights into the play and answer questions. For those who cannot attend there be will live coverage and commentary on the games on the internet. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.londonchessclassic.com/ or call the London Chess Centre on 020 7388 2404.

The London Chess Classic is delighted to announce that Viktor Korchnoi, one of the all time greats of world chess has agreed to be the tournament’s Guest of Honour. Korchnoi still plays high level chess at the age of 78 and recently played on board one for Switzerland at the European Team Championship.See or online at www.londonchessclassic.com