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World Rapid and Blitz Championships Press Conference and Opening Ceremony |
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Friday, 06 July 2012 05:02 |
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FIDE President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Kazakhstan Chess Federation President, Mr. Aset Isekeshev held a press conference just before the opening ceremony of the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Also attending the conference were the tournament number one, GM Magnus Carlsen from Norway, former World Champion Veselin Topalov from Bulgaria and GM Murtas Kazaghalev from Kazakhstan along with other FIDE and Local Federation officials.
FIDE President thanked the Kazakhstan Chess Federation for the commitment they made to these events and this was a first in chess history as these events were organized together. the Kazakhstan Chess Federation President was very pleased to host the events and welcomed all the Grandmasters to Kazakhstan. He also introduced the young girl stars who had won world championships for Kazakhstan and were promising a very bright future for local chess.
The players also thanked the organizers and promised to provide some exciting chess and to fight for the first place. Journalists present then asked some questions relating to GM Carlsen's new rating high and also regarding his plans for the World Championship.
Press Conference
Former World Chess Champion GM Veselin Topalov (BUL) answering questions
Opening ceremony
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan attended the opening ceremony
FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov delivered a speech
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev
With young chess players
GM Vassily Ivanchuk (UKR), GM Veselin Topalov (BUL)
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