40th Annual World Open

The 40th Annual World Open is underway in Philadelphia.  The event takes place at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel and runs from 2-8 July.

There projected prize fund is $250,000 and there is a guaranteed minimum of $200,800.

The main event is a 9 round Open Swiss with GM and IM norm opportunities, played over either 7-day or 5-day schedules.

There are also eight other 9 round Swiss competitions for different rating levels: Under 2400, Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800, Under 1600, Under 1400, Under 1200 and Under 900.

Last year's World Open was won by Gata Kamsky who beat Michael Adams in an Armageddon tie-break after both finished with a score of 7/9.  More details are available at the official website.

Kamsky and Adams playing at the 2011 World Open

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Video highlights of the 2011 World Open from the US Chess Scoop