The Perth International Open kicks off this Friday with a seven-round Swiss that draws mid-level talent from across Australia and beyond. Players get 90 minutes plus 30 seconds, a format that rewards solid preparation without punishing natural time trouble. Round 1 starts 11:30 AM local time, so Lichess watchers in Europe and North America get evening coverage. The 2600+ rating ceiling means you'll see sharp, principled chess without the theory sludge of super-GM events. Watch for aggressive Australasian players who thrive in over-the-board conditions but still need online rating points.