USA's Top Daily Chess News Blog, Informative, Fun, and Positive
hosted by Chess Queen™ & 12th Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Making Chess Glamorous, Exciting: The Guardian on Andrew Paulson
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The Guardian report on Andrew Paulson who is gearing up to give chess a jazz new look makes an interesting read. Here is an excerpt.
Chess impresario hopes to bring back the Fischer v Spassky glory days
Andrew Paulson, a 54-year-old American businessman who has spent most of the past 15 years in Russia, is committed to reversing this decline. In a remarkable financial coup, he has persuaded Fide, the international governing body of chess, to hand him the media and marketing rights to the world championship for the next 10 years.
Suddenly, this chess enthusiast who admits to being a "patzer" – a player of no great ability – has become the game's potential king. "The characters in the chess world are fascinating," he says at Simpson's in the Strand, a famous chess coffee house in the 19th century and a possible venue for a new grand prix tournament to be staged in London next year. "When I first dove into the chess world, I felt incredibly comfortable with these people. It was like being back in college. These were passionate, eccentric, but deeply committed. They see themselves as the keepers of the holy grail."
Paulson, who ran publishing businesses in Russia and remains a director of an internet company based in Moscow, did not set out to become a major player in the chess world. He met Fide's controversial president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, by chance last September, and says he immediately realised chess had huge untapped commercial potential.
How did he convince Fide to let him take over marketing of the game? "Their fundamental error was that they were trying to get sponsors for [single] events. I said to them, 'No. If you give me all of the events connected to the world championship, I can reconceive this as a whole.' Then we're not selling an event, we're selling chess. We're selling chess as an idea, as a symbol, as a metaphor."
His company, Agon, is about to release the results of a YouGov poll on chess in the US which he says proves how extensive is the interest in the game. Fourteen per cent of adults play at least once a year; and the percentage is higher if you add the number of children playing regularly. Even more striking is the fact that two-thirds of American adults have played chess at some point in their lives.
Design group Pentagram is developing a new visual identity for the world championship, using the tagline "The best mind wins", and Paulson has commissioned a short film drawing on footage from the Fischer-Spassky match and from movies which have featured chess, notably From Russia with Love. He wants chess to be seen not as some nerdy pastime, but as central to the culture of both east and west.
Paulson claims he will shortly be unveiling long-term sponsorship deals with half a dozen companies in different sectors. They will provide the €6m (£4.8m) a year it will cost to finance the new biennial world championship series, which will incorporate grand prix events in leading cities, a world cup, a candidates tournament between the top eight players emerging from those earlier competitions, and then an extended title match between the challenger and the holder.
Paulson is allowed to choose one wildcard entry to the candidates tournament, and it is a testimony to the fact he intends to reintroduce some showmanship into chess that he has already sounded out Kasparov for what would be a sensational comeback. Kasparov, who will be 50 next year, has so far rejected the idea, but Paulson hopes he can be persuaded to change his mind.
As his play in exhibition matches shows, he remains a formidable opponent, and his return to competitive chess would generate widespread interest. "I see one of my goals as making chess a spectator sport," says Paulson. "You can make it interactive now. There are so many resources that can be brought to bear to make the watching of a chess event fun for individuals and for groups."
Agon Appoints Pentagram to Reposition Chess for the World Stage! (Updated)
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
We are updating our previous post about leading tycoon Andrew Paulson taking a keen interest in making chess the 'hot' sport for the world through multimedia and online projects. (Photo-Andrew Paulson: Showcasing the power of Sport & Technology)
Leading design agency Pentagram has been hired to rebrand the World Chess Championships, after the World Chess Federation (FIDE) accorded the commercial rights to the sport to technology entrepreneur Andrew Paulson.
Chess is the Sleeping Giant of the World in Popularity, Sponsorship!
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Here is the latest press release from Agon. Chess has been under the radar for the last 40 years since Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky fought the Cold War for us in Reykjavik. But outside the glare of the media spotlight, chess players now make up one of the largest communities in the world: 605 million adults play chess regularly – a number comparable to regular users of Facebook.
Andrew Paulson
According to authoritative polling organization YouGov, across varied national demographic profiles (US, UK, Germany, Russia, India), a surprisingly stable 70% of the adult population has played chess at some point during their lives. Even if they played chess as children but left it behind as they grew up, they still retain a deep admiration for the game.
Across the board, chess players and non-players alike rank chess significantly higher than any other game or sport for attributes such as intelligence, sophistication, strategy, perfection and complexity, confirming top branding agency Pentagram’s view that: “Chess is about Thinking and Winning.”
GM Robert Fontaine joins Agon as chief of staff to Andrew Paulson
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
International chess Grandmaster Robert Fontaine has joined Agon Limited, the rights holder to the World Chess Championship cycle, as chief of staff to founder and chief executive Andrew Paulson.
Mr Fontaine, the six-times under-20 youth champion for France, becomes a principal aide as Mr Paulson implements his strategy to organise and commercialise the ongoing World Chess Championship cycles, starting with the opening Grand Prix for the 2012/2013 cycle at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand in London in September. Mr Fontaine has won a number of international tournaments over his playing career, including Las Vegas in 2006, Stockholm in 2007 and Paleohora in 2009. He became a Grandmaster in 2002 and a member of the Olympiad chess team in 2004.
He is also known as a presenter for Europe-Echecs, where he interviewed champion players and politicians for video reportage on the world’s leading chess events.
Mr Fontaine said: “I heard about Andrew’s plans to restore chess to its rightful place as a leading global entertainment form, and was extremely interested to see how I could bring my experience to help him realise his ambitions. What Andrew is proposing can only benefit the international chess community through raising the profile of the game and opening up chess to a new generation of players.”
Mr Paulson, the chief executive of Agon, said: “Robert is incredibly well-connected in the chess world, and his experience of interviewing top-ranking Grandmasters and his deep understanding of the complexities of the game will be invaluable as we build up to the start of the next iteration of the world’s most compelling sport.”
On semi-retiring from competitive chess in 2005, Mr Fontaine became a professional chess coach as managing director of the chess club Cannes-Echecs, where he managed a team of ten teaching chess in schools to 4,500 children.
He also introduced chess to the employees of French electricity and gas companies by working with CCAS, the energy industry social fund, to help co-ordinate a scheme that has taught chess to 45,000 people since 2007.
CNN Chess Video on Andrew Paulson, World Chess Rebranding
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Here is a nice CNN report on chess and how US entrepreneur Andrew Paulson is trying to rebrand it. You can read previous Chess Blog posts on Andrew Paulson at this link.
London Chess Candidates 2013 Opening Ceremony Held; Watch Live First Match Today 1400 GMT
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The long-awaited FIDE World Candidates Tournament 2013 was officially opened on Thursday night by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov at IET London, Savoy Palace. The tournament’s opening ceremony was attended by chess officials, sponsors, and international chess media. Over fourteen rounds, eight of the very best chess players in the world will fight for the right to challenge World Champion Viswanathan Anand in a world title match later this year.
At the start of the ceremony, head of AGON Andrew Paulson presented the specially designed Championship chess set of World Chess, and gave the very first set to Mr. Ilyumzhinov. Designed by Pentagram, the chess set will be available for sale in a number of different editions.
Paulson also pointed out the new design of the playing hall and the ChessCasting software that will be used to transmit the games live to the world. "It's a new design to make more aesthetic the experience of watching or being a spectator at a tournament," said Paulson. One novelty is that small interactive tablets will be handed out to spectators in the playing hall which will allow the audience to have a personal experience in the hall while watching the players – something that's unique for any sport. Andrew Paulson also mentioned the special security measures with unique technology prepared by the organizers that will be used for the first time on this event.
Before officially opening the event, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov reminded the guests of the long chess tradition in London, where 19th-century players like Howard Staunton, Wilhelm Steinitz and Emanuel Lasker achieved successes. "Over the next three weeks London will be the main chess centre in the world. Attention of millions of chess lovers will turn to London. It's here the challenger for the title of World Champion will be determined. The Candidates Tournament is the main and most expected tournament of the year in the chess world," said Ilyumzhinov.
The FIDE World Candidates Tournament takes place March 14th-April 2nd, 2013 at IET London, Savoy Place. It is sponsored by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and organized by AGON and the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The eight participants are Magnus Carlsen of Norway, Levon Aronian of Armenia, Vladimir Kramnik of Russia, Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan, Alexander Grischuk of Russia, Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine, Peter Svidler of Russia and Boris Gelfand of Israel. The first round will start Friday, March 15th, 2013 at 14:00 GMT. Games and information can be found at http://london2013.fide.com. (Report by Peter Doggers/Pictures by Anastasiya Karlovich) Schedule Day Date Time Opening Ceremony Thursday 14/03/2013 Round 1 Friday 15/03/2013 14:00 Round 2 Saturday 16/03/2013 14:00 Round 3 Sunday 17/03/2013 14:00 Free day Monday 18/03/2013 Round 4 Tuesday 19/03/2013 14:00 Round 5 Wednesday 20/03/2013 14:00 Round 6 Thursday 21/03/2013 14:00 Free Day Friday 22/03/2013 Round 7 Saturday 23/03/2013 14:00 Round 8 Sunday 24/03/2013 14:00 Round 9 Monday 25/03/2013 14:00 Free day Tuesday 26/03/2013 Round 10 Wednesday 27/03/2013 14:00 Round 11 Thursday 28/03/2013 14:00 Round 12 Friday 29/03/2013 14:00 Free day Saturday 30/03/2013 Round 13 Sunday 31/03/2013 14:00 Round 14 Monday 01/04/2013 14:00 Tie-Breaks if needed/ Closing Ceremony Tuesday 02/04/2013
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone, Pentagram partner Daniel Weil has created a new design for the chess set, which is making its debut at the World Chess Candidates Tournament in London, according to a nice feature in DesignWeek.
The heights of the pieces reflects the facade of the Parthanon. This provides visibility for the pieces throughout the game, while hierarchy is expressed through the width of the pieces, with the King having the largest base
Weil was asked to design the new pieces following Pentagram’s earlier work with organisation World Chess, which saw John Rushworth create a new identity for the organisation, Naresh Ramchandani work on campaigns, and Weil design the playing environments. World Chess is operated by entrepreneur Andrew Paulson, who wants to return chess to its 1970s levels of popularity with new interactive and televised coverage.
Those competing in the current tournament include 23-year-old Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, who is rated as the best player in history. Weil says, ‘Chess is such an extraordinarily popular pursuit, and we’re aiming to give it more visibility.
BBC Chess Interview Video with Magnus Carlsen, Andrew Paulson
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Here is a short BBC News interview with World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and organiser of London Chess Candidates 2013 Andrew Paulson. BBC presenter Ros Atkins enjoys his "brief moment of glory" at the chess board with the World No. 1!
London's Simpson's-in-the-Strand to Host Chess Grand Prix
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Agon, the company that had bagged the commercial rights to the World Chess Championships by FIDE has announced that Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, London would be the venue for the first Grand Prix chess event between September 20 and October 3 with a prize fund of 240,000 euros.
Andrew Paulson, the Chief Executive and Founder of Agon, said: “I am delighted to confirm that Simpson’s-in-the-Strand will be the venue for the September Grand Prix. As possibly the best-known chess venue in the world, it is the perfect place to kick off the new Championship cycle. However, the requirement to transfer the event to London from Chelyabinsk at this relatively late stage means that it will be a smaller, invite-only event.
“Agon’s stewardship of the World Chess Championships really only starts with the London Candidates tournament in March 2013, but I felt compelled to support FIDE when it became apparent that Chelyabinsk wasn’t going to work. ”
CJ de Mooi, the President of the English Chess Federation (ECF), said: “I am delighted to welcome the Agon Chess Grand Prix to London in our Olympic year. The ECF looks forward to a long partnership with Agon, an innovative company that has proven itself on both the world stage and the chess board.”
Simpson’s originally opened in 1828 as a chess club and coffee house and soon became known as the “home of chess” after attracting the patronage of such chess luminaries as Howard Staunton – the first English world chess champion.
Raymond Keene OBE, chess columnist for The Times newspaper and The Spectator magazine and one of the world’s most respected commentators on the sport, said: “I am relishing the return of the World Chess Championships to Simpson’s. It is the home of the immortal game and the Grand Prix in September represents the start of a long journey to restore chess to its rightful place in the public imagination after decades in the media wilderness.”
The announcement of Simpson’s as a venue is indicative of Agon’s ambitions for the World Chess Championships.
Agon will be bringing the World Chess Championships to European capital cities, as part of its commitment to bring a sustainable business model to the sport.
Mr Paulson added: “We will shortly be announcing a number of illustrious and historic venues for the World Chess Championship cycle. We are also in discussions with a number of global companies that want to be associated with the pinnacle of this wonderful game.”
In 2013, the Championship cycle will be hosted by London, Lisbon, Madrid, Berlin, Paris and Tromsø.
World Chess: Chris King is Agon Commercial Director
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Chris King, the co-founder of executive search firm Sports Recruitment International, has been appointed commercial director of Agon Ltd, the rights-holder of the World Chess Championships. King, who will retain a board position and advisory role at Sports Recruitment International, will work on securing sponsors and distribution rights for the next World Chess Championships cycle which begins next March. King will report to Agon chief executive and founder Andrew Paulson. “I’ve seen many opportunities in the sports and entertainment sector in the last 11 years, but this was just too good an opportunity to pass up," King said in a statement.
“I am enormously excited to work with Andrew and his focused team to help establish World Chess as a commercial proposition that can and should be in the same commercial league as poker and golf, for example.”
The Agon statement added that the organisation is already negotiating with potential partners in the technology, media, financial and industrial fields.
Agon has the rights to the World Chess Championships for the next 11 years in a deal struck with the World Chess Federation in February. According to King, there is no rival event and chess is currently an untapped sponsorship opportunity, though brands such as IBM and Intel have associated themselves with the game in the past on one-off occasions.
King said: "This is the first time a cycle has been put together and the first time we can give a marketing partner commitment and consistency."
The cycle consists of nine events that take place during a two-year period. It will start with a tournament in London later this month and includes events in Tashkent, Madrid, Paris and Berlin.
In London in March 2013 there will be a more important tournament, in which the world’s top players compete for the right to take on the reigning World Chess champion, India’s Viswanathan Anand, in the World Championship Match in November 2013.
Agon has an outline agreement with an undisclosed international broadcaster, which King described as "well-known in the UK and genuinely global", to broadcast highlights of games, which can last between three and six hours.
Big Chess Show 2013: Candidates' Opening Ceremony Today
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The big chess show of 2013 is here. Today is the opening ceremony of the World Chess Candidates Tournament being held in London
London from March 15-April 1. The event has been announced by FIDE and AGON – the World Chess Federation’s
commercial partner.
The London Candidates will be the strongest tournament of its kind in history. The Prize Fund to be shared by the players totals €510,000. The winner of the Candidates will become the Challenger to Viswanathan Anand who has reigned as World Champion since 2007.
Format: The Candidates is a double round-robin tournament with four rest days.
Venue: The IET at 2 Savoy Place
Address: 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL
Tickets will be available on the official website and at the venue.
Players:
Levon Aronian (ARM)
Magnus Carlsen (NOR)
Boris Gelfand (ISR)
Alexander Grischuk (RUS)
Vassily Ivanchuk (UKR)
Vladimir Kramnik (RUS)
Teimour Radjabov (AZE)
Peter Svidler (RUS)
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the president of FIDE, said: “FIDE is happy that this major tournament will take place in London and that UK chess fans will be able to see the greatest chess players live. We support AGON’s efforts to bring important chess events to the great cities of Europe.” Andrew Paulson, the founder of AGON, said: “I am pleased to confirm that the 2013 Candidates Tournament will take place in a great venue on the banks of the River Thames and be broadcast online to a global audience.”
The World Chess Championship Cycle is the pinnacle of chess and consists of nine events over two years. The Championship Match between Viswanathan Anand and the winner of the Candidates Tournament will take place in November, 2013. The commercial rights for the World Chess Championship Cycle were accorded to AGON by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in February 2012.
World Chess Candidates Tournament in London from March 14
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hello everyone,
The FIDE and AGON – the World Chess Federation’s commercial partner – are pleased to announce the players, dates and venue of the 2013 Candidates Tournament. The London Candidates will be the strongest tournament of its kind in history. The Prize Fund to be shared by the players totals €510,000. The winner of the Candidates will become the Challenger to Viswanathan Anand who has reigned as World Champion since 2007.
Dates: March 14, 2013 - April 1, 2013Format: The Candidates is a double round-robin tournament with four rest days. For detailed schedule: www.worldchess.com/candidates/calendar Venue: The IET at 2 Savoy Place Address: 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL
Tickets will be available on the website and at the venue.
Players: Levon Aronian (ARM) Magnus Carlsen (NOR) Boris Gelfand (ISR) Alexander Grischuk (RUS) Vassily Ivanchuk (UKR) Vladimir Kramnik (RUS) Teimour Radjabov (AZE) Peter Svidler (RUS) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the president of FIDE, said: “FIDE is happy that this major tournament will take place in London and that UK chess fans will be able to see the greatest chess players live. We support AGON’s efforts to bring important chess events to the great cities of Europe.”
Andrew Paulson, the founder of AGON, said: “I am pleased to confirm that the 2013 Candidates Tournament will take place in a great venue on the banks of the River Thames and be broadcast online to a global audience.”
London Chess Candidates R2: Aronian, Radjabov First to Score Wins
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Levon Aronian and Teimour Radjabov went into shared first place in the second round at the FIDE World Chess Candidates' Tournament in London on Saturday. Aronian won against Boris Gelfand, who blundered material. Radjabov outplayed Vassily Ivanchuk, who eventually lost on time in what should be a lost position any way. Magnus Carlsen got no opening advantage against Vladimir Kramnik and the two quickly drew. Alexander Grischuk and Peter Svidler also split the point, but not before both players had had an advantage in the game.
In December Magnus Carlsen of Norway beat Garry Kasparov’s record of the highest ever elo rating. Being 62 points ahead of Russia’s number one Vladimir Kramnik, the Norwegian is the clear favourite in all the polls. Because of this, and perhaps his temporary side-career as a model for G-Star, on Friday Carlsen was asked by one journalist whether he felt he could make the game “more attractive, more sexy”. The top seed replied: “I drew both of my games in a total of less than three hours and an average of 30.5 moves so… that’s going to change the game a lot!” According to Kramnik, his opponent made “the wrong opening choice”. “I consider it just harmless. In fact after ten moves there was not much to play for. It happens sometimes in modern chess.” Carlsen: “I guess the opening line in question is not very dangerous for Black but I had had some hopes beforehand that I could be able to press a little bit. Many times also with White against Vladimir I’ve been doing quite badly so at least equality is an improvement for me!”
World Chess Championship 2013: Tromsø Might Bid for Anand – Carlsen Match
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
President of the Norwegian Chess Federation Jøran Aulin-Johnsen told NRK TV that he hopes Tromsø will be awarded with the organization of the World Championship match between Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen. He estimates that around 30-40 million NOK (4 – 5,4 million EUR) would have to be raised for the budget.
Aulin-Johnsen also pointed out that other cities might enter the bidding process. FIDE has India holding the first option for the 2013 match following the resolution to hold the 2012 match between Anand and Gelfand in Moscow instead of Chennai. AICF Honorary Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan told the Indian press that they are considering the options. Andrew Paulson of AGON mentioned several possible venues in conversation with VG: “New York is a possibility, but it is also Miami, St. Tropez, Paris, even Tromsø! We have communication with the Indians, so we’ll see what they say. New York would be a good opportunity for the media, for chess promotion and partners.” Chess Olympiad 2014 CEO Børge Robertsen said that Tromsø is fully capable of hosting the World Championship match: “If we get the opportunity, we have a top streamlined organization that is ready to handle such an event.”
London Chess Grand Prix: Watch Live Streaming+Opening Ceremony Photos
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The first round has begun in the London Chess Grand Prix. You can watch the live streaming of the games at this link. Meanwhile, here are some photos by Ray-Morris Hill straight from the opening ceremony.
All the players with Andrew Paulson.
Alexander Grischuk of Russia during the drawing of lots.
The first day's pairings are as follows: Round 1 on 2012/09/21 at 14:00
FIDE Announces Draft Dates for World Chess Championship Cycles
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Here is the latest chess press release from Fide. They have announced the draft dates for the next World Chess Championship Cycle.
Athens – March 6, 2012 – FIDE, after consultations with AGON, its new partner for organizing the World Chess Championship Cycle, is pleased to announce a draft calendar of event dates for the next two cycles over four years. Once finalised, FIDE and AGON intend to retain the 2014-15 competition schedule as the model for the indefinite future.
2012 Championship Moscow May 10 – May 30 Olympiad Istanbul August 27 – September 10 Grand Prix Chelyabinsk September 19 – October 3 Candidates London October 24 – November 12 Grand Prix Tashkent November 21 - Dec 4
2013 Grand Prix Lisbon April 10 – April 24 Grand Prix Madrid May 22 – June 4 Grand Prix Berlin July 3 – July 17 World Cup Tromsø, Norway August 10 – September 5 Grand Prix Paris September 18 – October 2 Championship TBD October – November, TBD
2014 Grand Prix TBD May 14 – May 28 Grand Prix TBD July 2 – July 16 Olympiad Tromsø, Norway August 1 – August 14 Grand Prix TBD September 10 – September 24 Candidates TBD November 5 – November 24
2015 Grand Prix TBD May 13 – May 27 Grand Prix TBD July 1 – July 15 World Cup TBD August Grand Prix TBD September 9 – September 23 Championship TBD November 4 – November 25
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, President of FIDE, said, “I am pleased finally to be able to bring a grand European Tour to our European colleagues! And, even more important, players and fans are already excited and energised.”
Andrew Paulson, Director of AGON, said, “We are glad to be bringing a series of World Chess events to the capitals of Europe. In the future we will be progressing continent by continent, bringing great competitions to the world’s capitals in a regular and predictable schedule.”
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
FIDE and AGON have announced the 18 participants in the Grand Prix series, which are part of the World Chess Championship cycle. The participants come from the previous World Championship, the World Chess Cup, the highest average ratings of July 2011 and January 2012, one FIDE President nominee, and nominees of AGON.
1. From World Championship Match 2012 GM Boris Gelfand (ISR)
2. From World Cup 2011 GM Peter Svidler (RUS) GM Alexander Grischuk (RUS) GM Vasily Ivanchuk (UKR) GM Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR)
4. FIDE President Nominee GM Fabiano Caruana (ITA)
5. AGON Nominees GM Alexander Morozevich (RUS) GM Wang Hao (CHN) GM Peter Leko (HUN) GM Leinier Dominguez Perez (CUB) GM Anish Giri (NLD) GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov (UZB)
After the Russian Chess Federation refused to hold the Grand Prix in Chelyabinsk, Agon has scheduled a new event in London. In fact, with the current player’s list and schedule this will be the strongest of all events, with ELO average of over 2750.
Following the approval of the Executive Board in Krakow, Poland in 2011, the FIDE World Championship and Olympiad Commission has agreed on these Regulations which will apply to the Grand Prix Series which forms part of the World Championship Cycle for 2012/2014.
Each Grand Prix tournament shall consist of the 12 players playing a round robin of 11 games. Time control: 120 minutes for the first forty moves, 60 minutes for the next twenty moves and then each player will be allotted 15 minutes after the second time control and an increment of 30 seconds per move will be allowed from move 61 onwards.
The total Grand Prix prize fund for the six tournaments in aggregate is 1.44 million euro. The Prize Fund will be split equally between each tournament. The prize money which will be paid by AGON for each tournament is 240,000 Euros (170,000 Euros for the tournament and 70,000 Euros towards an accumulated prize fund for the overall Series positions).
Andrew Paulson, Director of AGON, said, “We are glad to be bringing a series of World Chess events to the capitals of Europe. In the future we will be progressing continent by continent, bringing great competitions to the world’s capitals in a regular and predictable schedule.
Candidates Chess Tournament 2012 to take place in London this October
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
According to the latest chess update from Fide, the Candidates Chess Tournament will take place in London from October 24 - November 12, 2012. According to a news datelined Athens/Moscow, Agon, the World Chess Federation's new partner for organising the World Chess Championship Cycle, has announced these dates and the venue.
Andrew Paulson, General Director of AGON, said, “I am glad to be bringing one of the main Chess events to London and hope that both players and spectators will enjoy it.” From Alexandra Kosteniuk's www.chessblog.com Also see her personal blog at www.chessqueen.com
Fide Chess Grand Prix (Fourth Stage) Begins in Thessaliniki; Watch Live
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The opening ceremony of the 4th stage of FIDE Grand Prix Series 2012-2013 took place in the Amphitryon hall of Makedonia Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki (Greece) on the 21st of May.
The players and guests were greeted by the Tournament Director Theodoros Tsorbatsoglou, President of the Greek Chess Federation Georgios Makropoulos, General Secretary of Sports Kiriaki Gianakidou, Minister of Macedonia & Thrace Theodoros G. Karaoglou, Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.
Chief Arbiter Takis Nikolopoulos then proceeded with drawing of lots. He called up the players to come to the table and pick of the rooks in the shape of White Tower, the famous landmark of Thessaloniki.
Veselin Topalov approached first and picked number 1. Next was Alexander Grischuk who chose number 12 and immediately the first match-up was known.
Also attending the opening ceremony were MP of the Greek Parliament and former Minister of Health Andreas Loverdos, FIDE Vice-President Ali Nihat Yazici, Head of the Appeals Committee Zurab Azmaiparashvili, AGON Chief Andrew Paulson, FIDE CEO Geoffrey Borg, consuls of USA and Bulgaria, and other distinguished guests.
The technical meeting for players, arbiters and organizers took place at 20:30. The players were briefed about the playing room and facilities and about the most important regulations - time control with increment only after move 60, no draw offers, zero tolerance rule, dress code.
Participants include three former World Champions Ruslan Ponomariov (Ukraine), Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria), Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Uzbekistan). GM Teimour Radjabov has withdrawn from the Thessaloniki Grand Prix for personal reasons and has been replaced by GM Etienne Bacrot from France.
Official commentators are GM Ioannis Papaioannou and GM Stelios Halkias.
Time control: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then each player will be allotted 15 minutes after the second time control and an increment of 30 seconds per move will be allowed from move 61 onwards.
The Chess Grand Prix Series consists of six tournaments to be held over two years (2012-2013). The 18 top players participate in 4 of these 6 tournaments. The winner and second placed player overall of the Grand Prix Series will qualify for the Candidates Tournament to be held in March 2014. Watch live at official website of the Chess Grand Prix.
Don't be shy about contacting me
to share women's chess news
or to propose collaboration
Best chess wishes to you! Alexandra Kosteniuk
12th Women's World Chess Champion
Facebook, Twitter, Youtube
