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Chess Fans & Supporters,
The 39th Chess Olympiad has been officially opened and a total of 151 nations have trekked across the world to partake in the world's largest celebration of chess. Nearly 1300 players will vie for pride and honor as they represent their nation's flag with honor.
 The 11-round tournament will open Monday, September 20th and end with the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday, October 3rd. The games start at 3:00pm (Khanty-Mansiysk), 9:00am (UTC) and 5:00am (New York). The last day will start four hours earlier. Highlights of the tournament will be the presence of the world's top Grandmasters including the top-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen of Norway. Veselin Topalov will don Bulgaria's colors at board #1 and two-time defending champion Armenia will be looking for a "threepeat" with Levon Aronian leading the way.
One of the beautiful facets of the Olympiad is the assemblage of diverse nations and the subsequent expressions of friendship and cross-cultural exchange. Nations as small as Fiji and as large as China will share the same chess stage for two weeks and engage in the marquee event. The Chess Drum will be covering the action and invite your participation. Enjoy!
~ Dr. Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum
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