Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    CHESS players in Shenzhen will soon have the chance to test their skills against the best at Shenzhen International Chess Open Tournament 2014, which will be held at Sea World in Shekou on Dec. 6.

    The annual tournament will feature both local and expatriate players of all abilities as well as a very special guest. Liu Shilan, China’s first female grandmaster, will attend the tournament as an observer.

    “I’m eager to participate in this wonderful event and look forward to meeting players from around the world,” said Liu, who is also the head of the Shenzhen Chess Academy, an organizer of the event.

    Organized by several groups including Hanbridge Mandarin School, the tournament is designed to promote understanding between people of diverse backgrounds through their shared love of chess. More than 100 players from at least four continents are scheduled to participate.

    “Chess is a universal language that helps to build bridges of friendship and understanding. We’re honored to be a part of the tournament because it allows Hanbridge to move forward in our mission of building bridges of cultural and linguistic fluency,” said Mary Bao, general manager of Hanbridge Mandarin School.

    The event continues to grow in its third year. Umberto Dulpian, a Shenzhen Airlines pilot hailing from Brazil, is one of the players who participated in the tournament previously.

    “This tournament is always a highlight. Living in another country can be stressful, and I find playing chess to be a great way to relieve the stress of learning the language or securing a visa,” said Dulpian.

    “Before this tournament, chess players in Shenzhen might just get together to play in a bar, but this provides an excellent opportunity to play against competitors from around the world.”

    Entry to the tournament is free for all participants. The player crowned champion will receive a medal, trophy and certificate of achievement.

    For more information or to register, interested players are encouraged to visit www.hanbridge.com or call before registration closes Nov. 25.