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Govt could move to support chess tournament
THE 16th Monarch Assurance Isle of Man International Chess Tournament got off to an intense start in Port Erin on Saturday.
And government ministers said they wanted to see the event continue in future years.
It followed the announcement from Patrick Taylor, of Monarch Assurance, that it was its last year as principal sponsor. He called on the government to give more support.
Tribute was paid to Mr Taylor at the opening of the tournament, in the Ocean Castle Hotel, by Chief Minister Tony Brown, who also wished new organiser Jean Pierre Depin well in his plans to revive the tournament as the Manx International Chess Congress.
Mr Brown also praised the event's founding father, Denis Hemsley, and said: 'I would like to thank him for the foresight for grasping something unique to the Island at that time and his commitment to making it a success.'
Mr Hemsley said he was immensely proud of what the tournament had grown into.
Tourism and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw said the tournament was an important event in the calendar.
'It comes at the right time of the year,' Mr Earnshaw added.
'It is good to see it in Port Erin, we do not want to see everything happen in Douglas.
'I'm very pleased with the news that they are changing the format to build it into an even bigger event.
'This is very much an event we encourage in the Isle of Man.'
He said his department would consider any applications for government support.
'We have got to look at the benefits to the Isle of Man. We are happy to lend a helping hand.'
On Saturday, players, including 41 grandmasters and nine international masters, hunched over chess boards assembled in the ballroom of the Ocean Castle to embark on some of the highest level of playing in the world.
'This has been the strongest event in the British Isles for at least the last seven to eight years,' said arbiter David Sedgwick, who has been visiting the tournament since its inception in 1991 and has been an arbiter since 2001.
He added: 'Everybody in the British chess community is sincerely grateful to Patrick Taylor and Monarch Assurance.'
The event runs until Sunday. It is open to the public.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
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Wind direction: South east
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