Four Ukrainians started with victories in the World Cup chess tournament in the Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk. Vasyl Ivanchuk defeated Russian Alexander Sibryaev, Oleksandr Moiseyenko overcame his compatriot Yuriy Kuzubov, Pavlo Elyanov won against American Sergey Kudrin, and Oleksandr Areshchenko defeated Alexander Stripunsky of the USA.
Lviv resident Andriy Volokitin began the competition with a loss, losing to Hungarian Gao Sang. Sergey Karyakin drew in the first round with Hungarian Balogh Gshaba. Zakhar Efimenko also finished his match in a draw, playing against Pole Maciej Bartelomeja.
In total, 128 grandmasters are competing in the tournament, and the Cup is being held under new rules. Previously, athletes competed only for first place. Starting this year, the grandmasters who take the first ten places will earn berths in the world championship.