RASHT The contests of Gilan Province Seniors' Chess Championships started in the Chess Hall of Rasht on Saturday.

A number of 32 chess players from different towns of Gilan Province will compete in the tournament.

The seven-day competitions are to be held on the basis of Swiss style, IRNA reported.

The head of Gilan Province Chess Board told IRNA, "The first three chess players of the competitions will find their way into the nationwide chess competitions."

Akbar Baqeri added, "Iran's chess tourney is to begin on Friday June 29."