Travel to Vietnam this March for the 9th HDBank 2019

by Shahid Ahmed - 12/02/2019

Vietnam Chess Federation will organize the 9th edition of HDBank Cup International from 7th to 13th March 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Former Asian Continental Champion GM Wang Hao of China will be the top seed in the Masters section. GM Ivan Cheparinov will be the second seed. 21 GMs, 31 IMs and 7 WGMs have already confirmed their entry in a star studded strong line-up. Indian challenge is represented by three strong GMs Sandipan Chanda, Gukesh D and Vishnu Prasanna. Total Prize money is USD 60,000 (roughly Rs.42 lakhs). The tournament will be played in a 9-round Swiss League. In this article we not only give you all the information of the tournament but also assist you in planning your trip with the help of ChessBase India Power.

9th edition of HDBank Open 2019 is poised to be the strongest HDBank Cup in history

The tournament will take place at The Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Schedule:

The tournament schedule has double rounds on alternate days.

Format:

The tournament will be played in a 9-round Swiss League format. Time control will be 90 mins + 30 seconds increment from move no.1. There will be two groups: Masters and Challengers. Masters is for players rated 2100 and above. Challengers is for players rated 2100 and below or unrated.

Prize fund:

Total Prize fund is USD 60,000 (roughly Rs.42 lakhs).

Entry fee:

Entry is free for GM, IM, WGM and players FIDE rated 2500 and above. For others the structure is mentioned below:

Players list:

GM Wang Hao is the top seed and the only 2700+ player registered until now for the event

It will be wonderful to see the ever creative GM Sandipan Chanda in action | Photo: Vijay Mahajan

Currently the youngest GM in the world, Gukesh will also be participating at the event! | Photo: Niklesh Jain

Gukesh's trainer Vishnu Prasanna will also be playing here. It will be interesting to see if Gukesh and Vishnu are paired against each other!| Photo: Amruta Mokal

Starting rank:

No.		Name	FideID	FED	Rtg	sex	Typ
1	GM	Wang Hao	8602883	CHN	2714
2	GM	Cheparinov Ivan	2905540	GEO	2691
3	GM	Mareco Sandro	112275	ARG	2664
4	GM	Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son	12401110	VIE	2647
5	GM	Iturrizaga Bonelli Eduardo	3901211	VEN	2640
6	GM	Van Wely Loek	1000268	NED	2622
7	GM	Predke Alexandr	24107581	RUS	2611
8	GM	Wen Yang	8602956	CHN	2599
9	GM	Sokolov Ivan	14400030	NED	2590
10	GM	Pichot Alan	110973	ARG	2584
11		Sviridov Valery	4120680	RUS	2551
12	GM	Chanda Sandipan	5004225	IND	2534
13	GM	Megaranto Susanto	7101384	INA	2526
14	GM	Vishnu Prasanna. V	5030692	IND	2524
15	IM	Xu Yi	8605564	CHN	2520
16	IM	Gukesh D	46616543	IND	2508		U16
17	GM	Stefanova Antoaneta	2902257	BUL	2486	w
18	IM	Nguyen Anh Khoi	12404675	VIE	2484
19	IM	Iniyan P	25002767	IND	2480
20	GM	Dao Thien Hai	12400084	VIE	2475
21	IM	Vignesh N R	25012215	IND	2473
22	IM	Saduakassova Dinara	13700090	KAZ	2462	w
23	GM	Nguyen Anh Dung	12400025	VIE	2458
24	IM	Taher Yoseph Theolifus	7105347	INA	2446
25	WGM	Tokhirjonova Gulrukhbegim	14203626	UZB	2446	w

Complete list

ChessBase India's Shahid Ahmed will be playing in the Challengers section and covering the event for ChessBase India

Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Binh Tay Market | Photo: Shutterstock

Cu Chi Tunnels | Photo: Vietnam-guide

Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office | Photo: Vietnam-guide

Bitexco Tower and Sky Deck | Photo: LGM/Shutterstock

Reunification Palace | Photo: Vietnam-guide

War Remnants Museum | Photo: Shutterstock

Ha Noi city is 2-hours flight journey away

By Atul Dahale

Ha Noi city is located on the banks of the Red River, visiting the river shore will surely be a pleasant experience! | Photo: www.tripadvisor.com

Hoan Keim Lake. Known as the lake of the returned (or restored) sword, this lake marks the historical center of ancient Hanoi. | Photo: www.touropia.com

This is one of the temples of Confucius and home of the nation’s first university. Originally built in 1070, the temple is meant to honor all scholars.| Photo: Touropia

The old quarter is a mesh of the old and the new, as antique narrow streets snake between old brick buildings, covered in modern motorbikes and street vendors. | Photo: www.ndh.vn

Arguably one of the most incredible destinations in all of Vietnam is Halong Bay. Although it is over 160 km (100 miles) east of Hanoi, it is definitely worth the journey. |Photo: Robert Balwin

The scenery of Tam Coc is the first thing you’ll notice. Tam Coc is just 90 minutes south of Hanoi. | Photo: Vietnampackagetravel.com

Just 25 km (15 miles) outside of Hanoi, on the other side of the Red River, is Bat Trang.The village itself is ancient, dating back more than 1,000 years, and it is known for its ceramics.| Photo: Dalat Trip

ChessBase India Power:

For all those who are interested to play at the 9th HD Bank from the 6th to 13th of March, here's the package offered by ChessBase India Power:

Package cost: Rs 42,000

Includes:

Flights (Flight ex-Mumbai)

Stay on sharing basis

Insurance

Visa Fees

Excludes:

Visa stamping fees (Around $25 at the airport)

Food

Entry fees as per rating (Please check the article above)

Airport Transfers ( Rough cost around Rs. 500 to Rs.1000)

*Please note: Rates are dynamic due to flight fares and it may change at the time of booking.

Contact for more details:

Hotline and Whatsapp: 09106908500/ 07878860008 (10 a.m to 8 p.m.)

Email: chessbaseindiapower@gmail.com

Because chess players must just play chess!

Download the circular for HD Bank open from ChessBase India calendar.

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	HD Bank 2016: Diptayan pulls it through @ 14/03/2016 by Priyadarshan Banjan (en)