Women’s FIDE Grand Prix stage started in Khanty-Mansiysk

The fourth stage of the women’s FIDE Grand Prix officially opened today in Khanty-Mansiysk. A concert where the main character was a unique musical instrument – an organ, was organized for the participants and guests of the tournament.

12 chess players representing 8 countries of the world will participate in the competition that will take place until the 21st of April.

Women Grand Prix is a series of six tournaments that are being held over a two years period. The tournament uses round robin system. The time control for each player is 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game with 30 seconds increment after each move.

In his welcome address Director of Physical Culture and Sports Department of Ugra Evgeniy Redkin wished everyone an interesting tournament.

“I wish that the stage in Khanty-Mansiysk would help you score more points in the overall standings and fight for the main prize of FIDE Grand Prix 2013/14. It should be noted that during the last month the attention of chess fans all over the world was focused on Khanty-Mansiysk. Now we will have Grand Prix, and it will be followed by FIDE Women’s World Rapid and Blitz Championships, once again proving the words of FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: “Khanty-Mansiysk is a chess Mecca”. I hope that participants will not only be interested in playing in the tournament, but will have time to visit all the tourist sights of the city”, – said Evgeniy Redkin.

The Head of Khanty-Mansiyks, President of Ugra Chess Federation Vasily Filipenko recalled that “chess spring” continues in Khanty-Mansiysk. “Today I welcome the best women chess players of the planet in the capital of Ugra. In the words of a famous poet, a woman can stop a galloping horse, and the participants of the tournament can even capture a knight! I wish everyone success and beautiful games”, – summed the mayor.

FIDE CEO Geoffrey Borg congratulated the participants and all chess spectators with the start of another Grand Prix stage.

Drawing of lots for the tournament was held during the opening ceremony. So, the pairs of the first round are:

Antoaneta Stefanova – Alexandra Kosteniuk
Anna Ushenina – Nafisa Muminova
Zhao Xue – Kateryna Lagno
Olga Girya – Nana Dzagnidze
Batchimeg Tuvshintugs – Anna Muzychuk
Tatiana Kosintseva – Hou Yifan

The opening ceremony was followed by a concert. Chamber Music Ensemble “Canzone” performed world classics. Opera vocal sketches alternated magical organ sounds, live chess pieces took the stage, reminding the audience that very soon new chess battles will start in Khanty-Mansiysk.

Official website http://khantymansiysk2014.fide.com/