The first of 64 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship participants to arrive in Khanty-Mansiysk were the strongest chess players of China, Russia, India, United States, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Qatar, Lithuania and Slovenia.
In total, they were on the way for two and a half hours. According to the guests of the Ugra capital, they reached it with comfort, however when landing, they got a little confused by a snowstorm, but all the agitation vanished – the flight was good. Now the participants are accommodated in a comfortable hotel “Olympic”.
We remind you that tomorrow, on the 10th of November, the Opening ceremony of the Championship will be held in the CTC “Ugra-Classic”. And the next day, on the 11th of November, at 15.00 starts the first game of the first round. Everyone who wants to see the brilliant games of outstanding grandmasters in Ugra Chess Academy can do so, entrance is free of charge.
Deputy Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Pavel Kolobkov read a congratulatory telegram from the Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Vitaly Mutko. Then FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, after his welcome speech, declared the championship officially open. The opening ceremony was attended by Natalia Komarova, the Governor of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Area – Ugra, and Evgeny Redkin, director of the Department of Physical Education and Sports of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Area – Yugra.
Drawing of colors was an important technical aspect of the ceremony. For that purpose Chief arbiter Hal Bond (Canada) and the reigning Women’s World Champion Hou Yifan (China) went up to the stage. Hou Yifan chose one of the two proposed chess boards and found a white pawn. This means that Hou Yifan and all participants with the odd numbers will have white pieces in the first game.
The opening ceremony continued with the colorful theatrical show. Participants and guests of the championship saw the performances of the artists of dance theater “Ugra-Classic”, an ensemble of wind instruments, dance group “Courage”, illusionist Yevgeniy Kaverzina, dance theater “Show-karapuz”, and the program was completed with the fantastic vocals and music of “AngeliQuie and The Band”.
The official part was followed by a banquet.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Looks like fun.