The 17th Mikhail Chigorin Memorial has just concluded in St. Petersburg, Russia. More than hundred titled players participated in the 9-round open tournament which is also a stage of Cup Russia circuit. The playing venue was Moskva hotel (2 Al. Nevsky square).
Thanks to the draws on top nine tables in the last round, Azerbaijan champion Eltaj Safarli maintained the leading margin acquired in round seven and celebrated a clear first place in the tournament.
International Masters Vladimir Fedoseev, Anton Demchenko and Vasily Papin have earned GM norms.