Over the course of two days – Jan 31 and Feb 1 – an unusual biathlon called Shogi + Chess was held within the frames of the Moscow Open 2015, RSSU Cup. 25 players took part in the competitions. Athletes had to play one game in two kinds of chess with a split time control - Japanese shogi and classical chess.

The winner of the tournament is Moscow State Social University student Aleksandr Rusanov, who scored the maximum possible number of points. The second place is awarded to Igor Sinelnikov (Moscow), and the young player Danila Nafikov (Yamal-Nenets Autonomous region) is the third.

One representative of Japan Taiki Umetsy took part in the competition. He finished eighth.

“Shogi is guite a young game in Russia, and chess biathlon contributes into the growth of its popularity, - the Shogi Association of Russia President Igor Sinelnikov says. – Japanese chess has been present at the Moscow Open for several years already thanks to the hospitality of the RSSU and is becoming more and more popular.  I’d like to mention the participation of young players, including those from different regions of Russia that proves the extension of the geography of the shogi popularity.”

Please be reminded, the main shogi tournament will be held in the RSSU on Feb 7 & 8. The strongest players from Russia and other countries will participate in the event.

Photos by Galina Popova.