The 14th individual chess championships of Serbia for men (open) and women began in the hotel "Fontana" in Vrnjačka Banja. The 10-player round-robins stretch from December 07-13. Only players, organizers, and sponsors are allowed on the premises.

The vice-president of the Serbian Chess Federation Obren Ćetković greeted the participants on behalf of the organizers, the director of the Championship Marijan Stričević, and local officials.

Ivona Borojevic, director of marketing and sales of the hotel "Fontana", and Dane Stanojcic, deputy president of the Municipality of Vrnjacka Banja made the first symbolic moves in the competition.

The defending champion GM Ivan Ivanisevic (2608), GM Alexandar Indjic (2604), and GM Robert Marcus (2592) topping the starting list are considered to be the main favorites.  In Round 1 all three scored victories and took the lead in the competition.

Official website: http://serbiachess.net/

Photo: official website