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FIDE World Chess Championship Opening Ceremony |
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Wednesday, 21 April 2010 17:53 |
 The opening ceremony of the FIDE World Chess Championship match between Vishy Anand and Veselin Topalov had started at 17:00 CET as per schedule. More than 20 TV crews and about 100 journalists were present for the ceremony. Full photo gallery.
At the beginning there was a minute of silence in the memory of the former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, who passed away in Barcelona.
After the introduction, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Boiko Borisov was invited to give a speech. He greeted the players, guests and journalists, highlighted the importance of the match for Bulgaria and entire chess world, and wished luck to both players.
His excellency Ambassador of India was next speaker. He also wished luck to both players and said "Let the better player wins!". FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov also greeted the guests gathered in the playing hall. After his speech, the promotional video of India has started.
 FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Bulgaria Sports Minister Svilen Neikov
 Vishy Anand and Indian delegation
In the video block, films about Anand and Topalov, their biographies and careers, were presented.
To the delight of everyone present in the Military Club, the two players were invited on the stage. After the handshake between Anand and Topalov, the microphone was given to the Chief Arbiter Mr. Nikolopoulos, who elaborated the regulations.
In the drawing of lots, Veselin Topalov picked the box which carried White pieces. This means that he will have White pieces in the first game which is scheduled for Saturday, 24th April.
 Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Boiko Borisov giving a speech
 FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov during his speech
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