The Bethune International Open


Every year since 1980 the Bethune International Open has been organised from the 26th to the 30th December. Henri KUC, founding president of our club the A.E.B. created this tournament between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Since his death, the tournament has been bearing his name: Henri KUC's challenge.

The 25th tournament in December 2004 was again very succesful welcoming 210 players from the whole France and from 10 different countries.

In Tournament A (ELO > or =1600) French Andrei SOKOLOV (GM - 2591) won the event and the 1st prize in the tie with 6 points over 7 only conceding 2 draws against his 2 GM followers Russian Oleg KORNEEV (GM - 2583) and Azev MIRZOEV (GM - 2513).
HERE you can find the general standing of 2004 Tournament A.
HERE you can find the American grid of 2004 Tournament A.

In Tournament B (ELO <1800) Surprising unrated player Omar SELMI (1699) won the 1st prize.
HERE you can find the general standing of 2004 Tournament B.
HERE you can find the American grid of 2004 Tournament B.

The following photos have been reduced on purpose so as to speed up their downloads but if you want to see them in their original size just click on them.

Here are the photos of some of the greatest players taking part to the previous Bethune Open: (to see their names just let your mouse point on their pictures without moving)

GMI ArbakovGMI ChuchelovGMI DegraeveGMI Ivanov
GMI KomarovGMI LegkyGMI LupuGMI Prié
GMI RöederGMI ShchekachevGMI WinantsGMI MiezisMI Shirazi
GM Spiridonov GM GolubevMI SprengerMI VanderweideGM Safranska

Playing conditions during the Bethune International Open are renowned to be perfect for the players mainly thanks to the Olof Palme room which welcomes the Bethune Open every year. You can judge by yourself with these photos :

Salle Olof Palme during the OpenSalle Olof Palme before the Opensalle Olof Palme before the Open

During the Open, French Grand Master Jean-Marc Degraeve will offer to the players intersted the possibility to analyse their games played and prepare them for the next round. For more information please contact Jean-Marc at jean-marc.degraeve@neuf.fr

Archives of the Bethune Open 2004

The Bethune Chess club is currently preparing the
26th Bethune International Open from the 26th to the 30th December 2005
Salle Olof Palme, Commercial center La Rotonde, 62400 Bethune, FRANCE
9 rounds this year within 5 days !
Accelerated appariements, possibility to obtain a FIDE rating.

2 tounaments by ELO categories formula so that everyone can play interesting games:
- tournament A only for players whose ELO rating is above or equals 1600 (> or =1600), playing rhythm: 1h30+30s/move KO.

- tournament B only for players whose ELO rating is strictly under 1800 (<1800) and not FIDE, playing rhythm: 1h30+30s/move KO.

Only the non FIDE players whose ELO rating is between 1600 and 1799 can choose between tournament A or B

Both tournaments will take place in the same room and in the same conditions !

At least 5500 € prize (7300 € given in 2004)
1st prize tournament A : 1500 €
1st prize tournament B : 300 €
General standing and ELO-category prizes for both tournaments
Inscription cost : 40 € (adults) 20 € (youngsters under 20)
GM, IM and FIDE Masters : Free
(for information 1 $ (US dollar) = 0.80 € (euros))

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR IM AND GM, contact Mr Chemali at the adress below

A map of the city is available just HERE

For more information, you can join us at :
open@bethunechess.com