The FIDE World Chess Grand Prix Series 2019 will hold its final leg in Jerusalem beginning December 11.The 12-day international competition marks the first time that Jerusalem will be hosting a leg of the World Chess Championship cycle, with 16 of the world’s top grandmasters continuing their battle for the €800,000 prize as well as two spots in the next year’s Candidates Tournament. The winners will have a chance to face reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen in the 2020 Championship Match.The event will be held at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, with the tournament employing a knock-out format starting with 16 players. To win a Grand Prix, a player must defeat opponents in four rounds. Each round consists of two games with classic time control, and a series of tie-breaks in case of a tie. Unlike many other chess events, there are few draws and a clear winner in every round.Top-ranked Anish Giri of the Netherlands, Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France are slated to headline the competition, which will feature top grandmasters from nine countries.
