Shakhriyar Mammadyarov to lock horns with top GMs in Sofia

All together six of the world's strongest GMs will be in action in the 12-day event at the luxurious five-star Grand Hotel in the Bulgarian capital. The tournament falls in FIDE's 20th category.

Azeri Grandmaster will have to face some tough competition from the world No.1 and home favourite Veselin Topalov.

The other participants are Gata Kamsky of the US, Michael Adams of England and Krishnan Sasikaran of India.

'Along with the experienced fighters this year we invited the promising talents Mammadyarov and Sasikiran. We hope this will make the competition a spectacular one,' said tournament director Silvio Danailov.

Georgi Parvanov, President of Bulgaria, will be the patron of the competition for the third consecutive time.

In the tournament, there will be two rounds with seven-hour control with each participant playing two games against each other in exchanged colors.

In case of a draw the winner will be determined via the tie-breaker.

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