Dibrugarh, Dec. 14: Nearly 300 players will battle it out for the top honours in the 28th all-Assam chess championship, beginning here at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School tomorrow.

The top two players from the under-7 and under-9 sections, top four from the under-11 and under-13 and top six from the junior boys, girls and women categories will join the best in the business in the open events.

The general secretary of the tournament reception committee, D.R. Panging, said Rajen Gogoi of Sonari was appointed chief arbiter for the championship.

Top-ranked player of the state, Manoj Baruah, would be the favourite this year, too, to retain his title that he won in Rangiya last year.

Among the women, Purabi Singha will be the player to beat.

The championship, organised by the Dibru Chess Academy in association with the All Assam Chess Association, will conclude on December 24.

The annual general meeting of state chess association will be held on Sunday. The association?s new central committee would be constituted at the meeting, Panging added.