Tigran Petrosian Chess House hosted a draw for 2012 Armenian Men’s Chess Championship January 10.

The following pairings were announced for round 1: Samvel Ter-Sahakyan-Hrant Melkumyan, Robert Hovhannisyan - Levon Babujyan, Artashes Minasyan - Tigran Petrosyan, Avetik Grigoryan - Zaven Andriasian, IM Karen Grigorian - Arman Pashikian. Hrayr Simonyan won’t be playing in round 1, with Ashot Anastasyan having refused to participate in the tournament.

The 11-round tournament is due January 11-22, with the champion to join Armenian national team. Winners of 1-3rd places will gain an entry to 2013 Armenian Championship; winners of 1-5th and 6-8th places will qualify for European Individual Championship and Aeroflot Open respectively.