The guest of honour at the event today was Ricky Krause (picture of the opening move Kulon vs Song), General Manager of the partner hotel. The modern IntercityHotel is the tried-and-tested main hotel for the Chess Days and is popular with many players, as not only are the transport links excellent, but the room rate also includes a Dortmund City Ticket for local public transport.

An abridged version of the interview with Matthias Blübaum has already been published today in the Ruhr Nachrichten. To read the German grandmaster’s additional insights, check out the full interview exclusively here on the Sparkassen Chess Trophy website.

In the clash of the undefeated, Dr. Martin Werner and FM Milan Kandic emerged victorious. David Belka also cleared a crucial hurdle ahead of the final phase of the B-Open.

On Thursday 6 August, a rapid chess tournament will take place at the Dortmund Chess Club 1875 e.V. as part of the International Dortmund Chess Days.