The Open takes place from the 22nd to the 28th of October in the theatre in Bastia.
The highest-rated players are Laurent Fressinet of France, Krishnan Sasikiran of India, Ivan Cheparinov of Bulgaria and Rauf Mamedov of Azerbaijan.
There are seven 2600+s and 14 GMs in all.
Then the top 14 will qualify for a knock-out rapidplay event where two invited stars will also compete. Last year's winner Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is already here, watching his probable opponents before giving a simultaneous display on Thursday, whereas World Champion Viswanathan Anand will be coming later.
There are excellent prizes 60,000 Euros, with another 5,000 Euros for a Blitz tournament (sponsored by Orange, with the rate of play being 3' (+2") per move) on the 29th, also in Bastia, when most of the Knock-out rounds will take place.
The Final however will be held in Ajaccio (Corsica's second largest town) on the 30th.
A junior event with many interesting non-cash prizes takes place on Sunday the 23rd, where several hundred are expected to take part!
The rate of play is 90' (+ 30") for the whole game. Draws by mutual agreement are not allowed.
Schedule in the Corsica Masters:
Rounds 1 and 2: Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of October at 5.30pm local time.
Round 3: Monday 24th of October at 11am.
Round 4: Monday 24th of October at 5.30pm.
Round 5: Tuesday 25th of October at 5pm.
Round 6: Wednesday 26th of October at 11am.
Round 7: Wednesday 26th of October at 5.30pm.
Round 8: Thursday 27th of October at 5pm.
Round 9: Friday 28th of October at 10am.
The knock-out stage with the rate of play 15' (+3").
1/8 final: Friday 28th of October at 5pm.
1/4 final: Saturday 29th of October at 2pm.
1/2 final: Saturday the 29th at 4pm.
The Final will be on Sunday the 30th in Ajaccio.
Official site: http://www.opencorsica.com/
But also useful is the French Federation site:
Live games: http://www.echecs.asso.fr/Toma.aspx?Tournoi=Corsican%20Circuit
