The President of FIDE, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, arrived today on a working visit to Astana where he took part in the press conference devoted to the World Blitz and Rapid Championships to be held in the capital of Kazakhstan on the 1-10th of July. Also present were Mr. Darmen Sadvakasov, Vice President of Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Mr. Daulet Toykenov, Executive Director of Kazakhstan CF. World Blitz and Rapid Championships are dedicated to the Astana Day. Prize fund of the championships is $ 400, 000 and sponsor is “SAT and Company”, a metallurgical holding company.

The issues on preparations for World Blitz and Rapid Championships the FIDE President discussed with the Head of Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Aslan Musin. The qualifying tournaments for rapid will be held on the 2-3rd of July and for blitz on the 4th of July. Those who will not pass the qualifying tournaments will participate in "Kazakhstan Open" to be held in Karagandy on the 5-13th of July.

During the championships it is planned to hold a match among the girls of all age groups between the teams of Kazakhstan and the world. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, will make the first move for Kazakhstan team. It is also planned to conduct FIDE Arbiters' and Trainers' Seminars during the championships.