KOLKATA, Nov 7: After a gap of one year, international chess returns to India with top players and young talents from 13 countries, including Pakistan vying for honours in US$12,500 prize money open tournament from Nov 8 to 17 in Kolkata.

The Goodricke meet has become a much-awaited annual event in the metropolis, and gained its status as highest rated tournament in Asia-Oceania zone. It could not be held last year since the tea company has backed off as sponsors.

This will be 17th edition of international chess championship in the city.

The tournament will see a high voltage competition with participants coming from Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, besides India.-PPI