Chess Grandmaster Boris Gelfand. Photo: streathambrixtonchess.blogspot.com.

Boris Gelfand, originally from Belarus, could become the first Israeli to win the World Chess Federation championship. He will attempt to defeat the current champion, Viswanathan Anand from India, in a 12-game, three-week tournament.

According to Israel Hayom, the championship officially opened May 10. The winner will be the first player to win 6.5 points, with each win worth one point and each draw half a point. If necessary, a tiebreaker game will be held May 30. The winner will get $1.55 million and the second place winner, $1 million. Anand has been the World Chess Champion since 2007.