This July, play one of the strongest tournaments in Europe
A total of 138 players in Masters and 23 in Accession have registered so far. The Masters field is a very strong one. So far 30 GMs, 30 IMs, 5 WGMs and 6 WIMs have registered from 29 countries across the world. Currently, 35 Indians have registered. The average rating being 2360 means that there will be great chances for scoring all possible norms.
History of the Club
The Chess Club was originally created under the name "L'Échiquier du Roy René", in homage to Duke René of Anjou, known as the Good King René, Count of Provence, a great lover of entertainment and parties and symbol of the city of Aix-en-Provence. The association merged in 1993 with the other club of Aix-en-Provence, the "Diagonale Aixoise", and took the name of "Diagonale du Roy", before returning to its original name in 2005.
The Club, which has won numerous team and individual trophies during its long existence, now has more than 200 members of all ages, from young beginners to elite categories. (Source, Translated by Bing)
Events, Venue, Date and Eligibility
There are a total of three events - Masters (>2100), Accession (<2200) and Petits Zelos (<1700). All of them will take place at Pasino Grand Aix, 21 avenue de Europe, 13090 Aix-en-Provence in Aix-En-Provence, France from 19th to 27th July 2025. There are no double rounds. The time control is 40 moves in 100 minutes + 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move no.1. More than €30000 prizes are up for grabs. The top three prizes are €8000, €5500 and €3500. For more details, check the image below.
Contact details
Terms and invitations on request by email: doleopen2025@gmail.com
Indian success at this event
Indian players had a success in the inaugural edition. Both Masters and Accession events were both by the brothers - GM Pranesh M and Dinesh Rajan M respectively. Not only that, in the Masters section five out of the top places were claimed by Indians.
Check out the details of the tournaments on our calendar: Masters, Accession and Petits Zelos.
I will be present at the venue to bring you all action and updates.
Players list in Masters
Players list in Accession
| No. | Name | FideID | FED | Rtg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BLANCHET, Mathieu | 26052610 | FRA | 2093 | |
| 2 | EL KAROUI, Adam | 651095599 | FRA | 2077 | |
| 3 | WFM | MALASSAGNE, Isabelle | 20670265 | FRA | 2068 |
| 4 | EL KAROUI, Noe | 651095602 | FRA | 2065 | |
| 5 | BOURG, Nicolas | 4006160 | LUX | 2064 | |
| 6 | MASSARDO, Quentin | 20666349 | FRA | 1992 | |
| 7 | BUSSON, Benoit | 631310 | FRA | 1937 | |
| 8 | RENAUDIN, Axelle | 36057290 | FRA | 1896 | |
| 9 | BARBAGGI, Sasha | 551018780 | FRA | 1855 | |
| 10 | HARTMANN, Dominique | 616354 | FRA | 1836 |
