On May 29, the FIDE President visited Luxembourg where he met with the President of Luxembourg Chess Federation Pierre Fattenbene. The presidents had a frank and constructive dialogue on how to organize the federation's work in a small country, considering its territory and population, which borders with gigantic countries in economic, political and even chess understanding. On the next day President Ilyumzhinov met with the General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee Marlyse Pauly and the member of the administrative council Daniel Dax. The both sides discussed the including of chess in the Olympic Games programme. It was noted that the main problem of chess is the fact that in the USA, Great Britain and other European countries which have a great influence on the olympic movement, chess is unrecognized sport.


Meeting with the leadership of the Luxembourg Chess Federation

Visiting the National Olympic Committee of Luxembourg

After Luxembourg the FIDE President travelled to Liechtenstein. In Vaduz he participated in the Liechtenstein Open making the first symbolic move of round 8. The tournament is organized under the patronage of the head of Principality. In parallel the seniors tournament is held with the leading multiple world champion Nona Gaprindashvili. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov welcomed the 92-year-old elder Herman Schmid who actively started playing chess only twelve years ago. 87-year-old Kurt Studer, President of Liechtenstein Chess Federation, has no less life experience. The presidents discussed the chess issues not only at the meeting table but also during the blitz games.

With Kurt Studer, the President of Liechtenstein Chess Federation

Making the first symlolic move of round 8

Chess legend Nona Gaprindashvili

Kurt Studer vs Kirsan Ilyumzhinov


Welcoming 92-year-old elder Herman Schmid