The first round of FIDE Women's Grand Prix with participation of 12 strongest chess players of the world kicked off in Jermuk Resort on June 24.

Nine-time Olympic Champion and World Champion from 1978 to 1991 Maia Chiburdanidze (Georgia) said that Grand Prix has brought together very strong chess players. “I would like to mention Hou Yifan and Tatiana Kosintseva, who have good chances to win,” noted Chiburdanidze.

Two-time World Champion Tatiana Kosintseva (Russia) also stressed that the competition will be tough at the tournament.

Armenia will be represented at the tournament by winner of the European team championship, silver medalist of European championships Lilit Mkrtchyan and winner of the European team and club championship Elina Daniyelyan.

In the first round Mkrtchyan will play vs. Xu Yuhua (China), while Daniyelyan – vs. Maia Chiburdanidze (Georgia.)