An athlete pours water into a conch representing wisdom during the opening ceremony of the 1st World Mind Sports Games in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 3, 2008. The games comprise Bridge, Chess, Go, Draughts and Chinese chess with more than 3000 competitors competing for 35 gold medals. [Xinhua]

The 1st World Mind Sports Games opened in on Friday, October 3, 2008, Xinhua News Agency reports. The event comprises five mind sports competitions; Bridge, Chess, Go, Draughts and "Xiangqi", or Chinese chess.

More than 3,000 competitors from over 150 countries and regions will compete for 35 gold medals.

State Council member Liu Yandong declared the games open.