7 Armenian grandmasters - Gabriel Sagrissian, Robert Hovhannisyan, Samvel Ter-Sahakyan, Zaven Andriasyan, Arman Pashikyan, Averik Grigoryan and Hrant Melkumyan won their first round games at the 12th European Championship which kicked off in Aix-les-Bains, France, on March 21.

Vladimir Akopian played in a draw.

Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, European Champion, tops the tournament standings. Gabriel Sargissian has the best result among the Armenian participants. He is currently 11th.

The Championship is qualification event for the next World Cup. According to the FIDE Regulations and the decision of the ECU Board, 23 players will qualify. General Prizes amount to € 113 700 and Special Prizes (performance minus rating) are worth € 6 300.