2020 Cairns Cup
For the second 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 females, 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 a $180,000 prize fund.
This Tournament, a nine-round classical event, will not only be one of the largest prize funds for a women’s tournament, it promises to be the strongest female tournament ever held in the world. The top three finishers will receive $45,000, $35,000, and $25,000 respectively.
| Dates | February 6-17, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Location | Saint Louis Chess Club |
| Format | 10-Player Round Robin |
| Prize Fund | $180,000 |
| Spectators | Purchase Tickets Here! |
| DAY | DATE | TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 6-Feb | 6:00 PM | Private Opening Ceremony |
| Friday | 7-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Saturday | 8-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Sunday | 9-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Monday | 10-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 4 |
| Tuesday | 11-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Wednesday | 12-Feb | Rest Day/Community Day: Scouts BSA All-Girls Chess Merit Badge Workshop | |
| Thursday | 13-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 6 |
| Friday | 14-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 7 |
| Saturday | 15-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 8 |
| Sunday | 16-Feb | 1:00 PM | Round 9 |
| Monday | 17-Feb | 1:00 PM | Playoff |
| 6:00 PM | Private Closing Ceremony |
Cairns Cup Prize Fund
| PLACE | PRIZE | PLACE | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $45,000 | 6th | $10,000 |
| 2nd | $35,000 | 7th | $9,000 |
| 3rd | $25,000 | 8th | $8,000 |
| 4th | $20,000 | 9th | $7,000 |
| 5th | $15,000 | 10th | $6,000 |
| Total Prize Fund | $180,000 | ||
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies and rounds will be streamed live daily from Feb. 6-17 at 1 p.m. Central Time with an expert commentary team including WGM Jennifer Shahade, GM Yasser Seirawan and GM Alejandro Ramirez, as well as a Russian language broadcast with IM Almira Skripchenko and WGM Anastasiya Karlovich on www.uschesschamps.com.
Tournament Tickets will include:
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Access to theater style seating in the main lobby to view commentary of the event and refreshments provided.
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Access to watch the players live on the second floor (no cell phones permitted).
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Live commentary and group discussion by WGM Tatev Abrahamyan and GM Cristian Chirila next door at Kingside Diner
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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.
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Complimentary valet parking available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during tournament rounds.
| Chase Park Plaza Hotel | Hampton Inn & Suites | Parkway Hotel | |
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212 N. Kingshighway Saint Louis, MO 63108 (877)-587-2427 Chess rate: $159/night, $179/suite |
4630 Lindell Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 361-4900 Chess rate: $114/night, parking $10/night, breakfast included |
5650 Oakland Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63110 (314) 655-3994 Chess Rate: 10% off, call 314-655-3993 |
4550 Forest Park Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 256-7777 Chess Rate: $126 king and $136 doubles (plus tax that applies) |
