YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The highest group tournaments of men's and women's next championships of Armenia started at the Tigran Petrosian Chess House on January 16. Among men Karen Asrian, Zaven Andriasian, Arman Pashikian and Tigran Kotanjian got points at the 1st stage, and among women Siranush Andriasian, Nune Darbinian, Liana Aghabekian and Neli Aghinian got points. The championships of Armenia are of 11 category, the middle rating is 2520. Chess players won the 1st-5th places in the men's tournament and the one won the 1st place in the women's tournament will get the right of participation in the Europe individual championship.

---