YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Opening of the FIDE Grand Prix Tournament took place late on August 8 in the city of Jermuk, Armenia. It was dedicated to 9th world champion Tigran Petrosian's 80th birthday anniversary. President of Armenia as well as President of the Chess Federation of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan participated in the ceremony. The country President mentioned in his greeting speech that the fact of showing hospitality to such a chess tournament can do credit for any country. The tournament has another important advice, he mentioned, emphasizing that it is dedicated to Tigran Petrosian's jubilee, T. Petrosian is not only a chess giant for Armenia and Armenians but he is also a symbol of national dignity. The men's chess team of Armenia uninterruptedly twice became the chess Olympic champion in 44 years after T. Petrosian's world victory. FIDE President K. Ilyumzhinov also welcame the tournament participants and those present. 14 best world chess players, including double champions of the Chess Olympiad Levon Aronian and Vladimir Hakobian representing Armenia, participate in the tournament.

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