January 20, 2014: Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial tournament, stage of Grand Prix - Cup of Russia Rapid Chess 2014, was held January 15-16, 2014 in Taganrog, Russia. Mayor Vladimir Prasolov, Sergey Nesterov - President of Rostov Oblast Chess Federation, Anatoly Safronov - Assistant Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the South of Russia; Mikhail Kryukov - Chairman of the Russian Chess Federation participated in the opening ceremony. "The Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial tournament continues the successful tradition existing in Taganrog for many years, boosting chess popularity and attracting young players into this intellectual game." Mr. Vladimir Prasolov said in his speech at Taganrog Don-Plaza Congress Hotel, thanking the Russian Chess Federation and the Rostov Oblast Chess Federation who organized the event.

More than 120 players (30 of them with grandmaster titles) from Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia competed in the 11-round Swiss event. European Blitz Champion Anton Korobov, Dmitry Bocharov, Pavel Smirnov and Vladimir Onischuk shared the first place with 8,5 points each. Korobov took the winner's trophy on best tie-break. The rapid event is followed by the classical tournament January 18-26, 2014.

Click here for all photos from the event bestoftaganrog.com