Brian Callaghan, organiser of the tournament with Minister Reyes and First Princess Maxine de la Rosa, on arrival for the pairings draw for the start of the Open. Also in the picture is GM Stuart Conquest who will be the commentator of the live games on the internet.

The action began yesterday for the 2010 Gibtelecom Chess Festival at the Caleta Hotel. Until Thursday next week the Challengers and Amateurs events will begin each day at 10am, and the Masters at 3pm. The events can be followed live at the official site: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/gib2010/live/index.html

Stuart Conquest, Maxine de la Rosa, Minister Edwin Reyes and David Welch, Chief Arbiter, in the drawing of lots.

On Monday night Brian Callaghan, organiser of the tournament, welcomed Sports Minister Reyes and First Princess Maxine de la Rosa, to the opening event of the tournament, the pairings draw for the start of the Open. The two guests were invited to help make the draw for the top three rated players, plus the top three rated women players. After the ceremony, the players and guests - who, like last year, included former world champion Boris Spassky, enjoyed their first evening dinning amongst friends, making new ones and catching up with old ones, and importantly planning their strategic moves against their opponents for the start of competition.

Some of the local players at the opening event on Monday night: Mario Garcia, Luis Manetto, Mark Canepa, Luis Raffo, and Freddie Poggio.

Admission is free to spectators further details on www.gibraltarchesscongress.com