To the participants, organizers and guests of the chess supertournament “North Urals Cup – 2008”.
On behalf of the Russian Chess Federation I greet you in connection with the opening of the international women`s chess supertournament “North Urals Cup – 2008”!
This year a hospitable Ural town Krasnoturinsk again gathers the strongest chess players of the world. The current world champion Xu Yuhua, ex-world champion Antoaneta Stefanova, rating-favourite of the tournament Humpy Koneru and other talented players will take part in the competition. It is pleasant to realize that Krasnoturinsk tournament is now internationally acclaimed and becomes more and more prestigious.
I am sure that exciting battles between leading players of the world will please all chess admirers. From all my heart I wish participants honest uncompromising battles and beautiful rounds. Joy and new victories go with you!
Alexander Zhukov
President of Russian Chess Federation
Round 1
27 July 2008
Cramling – Muzychuk
Xu Yuhua – Sebag
Koneru – Stefanova
Pogonina – Ushenina
Why not Xie Jun and Chiburdanidze?