2019 Cairns Cup
For the first time, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the Cairns Cup, an elite level tournament for the top female players from around the world. Inspired by its mission to further promote the game of chess to women and girls, the Chess Club aptly chose the name Cairns Cup in honor of co-founder Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield’s maiden name. Fans can look forward to a chess tournament similar in style to the prestigious Sinquefield Cup with the ten best female players from around the world competing in the Chess Club’s world-renowned facility for the $150,000 prize fund.
This tournament, a nine-round classical event, will not only be one of the largest prize funds for a woman’s tournaments, it promises to be the strongest tournament ever held in the world. The top three finishers will will receive $40,000, $30,000, and $20,000 respectively.
| Dates | February 5-16, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Location | Saint Louis Chess Club |
| Format | 10-Player Round Robin |
| Prize Fund | $150,000 |
| Commentators | GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Maurice Ashley, and WGM Jennifer Shahade |
| Spectators | Purchase Tickets Here! |
| DAY | DATE | TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunday |
3-Feb |
Community Day: Scouts BSA All-Girls Chess Merit Badge Workshop |
|
| Tuesday | 5-Feb |
6:00 PM |
Opening Ceremony |
|
Wednesday |
6-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 1 |
|
Thursday |
7-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 2 |
|
Friday |
8-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 3 |
|
Saturday |
9-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 4 |
|
Sunday |
10-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 5 |
|
Monday |
11-Feb |
Rest Day |
|
|
Tuesday |
12-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 6 |
|
Wednesday |
13-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 7 |
|
Thursday |
14-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 8 |
|
Friday |
15-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Round 9 |
|
Saturday |
16-Feb |
1:00 PM |
Playoff |
Cairns Cup Prize Fund
| PLACE | PRIZE | PLACE | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $40,000 | 6th | $9,000 |
| 2nd | $30,000 | 7th | $8,000 |
| 3rd | $20,000 | 8th | $7,000 |
| 4th | $15,000 | 9th | $6,000 |
| 5th | $10,000 | 10th | $5,000 |
| Total Prize Fund | $150,000 | ||
-
Access to theater style seating in the main lobby to view commentary of the event
-
Access to watch the players live on the second floor (no cell phones permitted)
-
Live commentary and group discussion with Grandmasters next door at Kingside Diner
-
Kingside Diner will be open until 6 p.m. during the tournament schedule and a 50% off menu items from 12:00pm to 6:00pm for spectators with ticket purchase.
-
Complimentary valet parking available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during tournament rounds
| Chase Park Plaza Hotel 212 N. Kingshighway Saint Louis, MO 63108 (877)-587-2427 Chess rate: $159/night, $179/suite | Holiday Inn Express 4630 Lindell Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 361-4900 Chess rate: $114/night, parking $10/night, breakfast included | Hampton Inn & Suites 5650 Oakland Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63110 (314) 655-3994 Chess Rate: 10% off, call 314-655-3993 | Parkway Hotel 4550 Forest Park Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 256-7777 Chess Rate: $115/King, $119/Double, ask for CHESS TARIFF RATE |
