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

Event Venue: IET Savoy Place, London
Address: 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL

Also Read: 

Big Chess Show 2013: Candidates' Opening Ceremony Today

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

World Chess Candidates 2013 in Khanty-Mansiysk?

Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

The UGRA Chess Federation has sent a bid to FIDE to hold the Candidates Tournament in March 2014 in Khanty-Mansiysk.
President of the UGRA Chess Federation, V.A.Filipenko, confirmed in his letter that the local organizers “guarantee the fulfillment of the requirements specified in the Regulations of the tournament".

According to the Rules & Regulations for the Candidates Tournament, FIDE should open a bidding procedure for the event before 31 December 2013, according to a Chessdom report.

In addition, the article 4.8.4 states that “In the event that FIDE receives a satisfactory open offer that covers all the necessary financial requirements, then FIDE may immediately terminate the bidding procedure.”

The proposed prize fund for the players should be minimum 420,000 euros and offered net of any applicable local taxes.

The decision should be taken at the FIDE Presidential Board.
 

The Candidates Tournament to determine the challenger for the 2014 World Chess Championship Match shall be organised in the first quarter of 2014 and represent an integral part of the World Chess Championship regulations for the cycle 2012-2014. Eight (8) players will participate in the Candidates Tournament and the winner qualifies for the World Chess Championship Match.

The players who qualify for the Candidates Tournament are determined according to the following, in order of priority:

- World Championship Match 2013 – The player who lost the 2013 World Championship Match qualifies.- World Cup 2013 – The two (2) top winners of the World Cup 2013 qualify. In case one of the two top winners of the World Cup qualifies from 2.1 above, then the qualification spot goes to 3rd place of the World Cup.- FIDE Grand-Prix 2012/2013 – The two (2) top players from the FIDE Grand-Prix 2012/2013 qualify to participate. In case any of the two top winners of the FIDE Grand-Prix qualify from 2.1 or 2.2 above, then the qualification spot(s) are given to the next player(s) in the final standings of the Grand-Prix.- Average FIDE Rating List of the 12 monthly lists starting from 1st August 2012 to 1st July 2013 – Two (2) players qualify to participate by rating (excluding the players who qualify from articles 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 above). A player can qualify by rating only if he/she participates in the World Cup 2013 or the FIDE Grand Prix 2012-2013. For the purpose of deciding the 2 rated player qualifiers, the average from the following twelve FIDE rating lists will be used: the sum of all 12 monthly lists starting from 1st August 2012 to 1st July 2013 divided by 12. A minimum of thirty (30) rated games in total is required for each player in the 12 monthly rating periods. In case of equality two decimals will be taken into consideration. If the numbers are still equal then the total number of games in all 12 rating periods shall be decisive. That means the player with the greater number of games shall qualify.- One nominated player by the Organiser – A player, nominated by the organiser, with a rating of at least 2725 in the FIDE rating list of 1st July 2013.- Replacements – If any replacement is needed due to withdrawal or refusal of participation, the first reserve player from the final standings of the FIDE Grand-Prix 2012/2013 will be invited. Any further replacement needed will be fulfilled from the average rating list described in article 2.4 above.

The 8 players will play a double round robin tournament (14 rounds). The players who are from the same federation will play each other in rounds 1 and 8 (if only two) and if up to four players are from the same federation in rounds 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

Fide Chess Candidates 2013 Photo Trivia Quiz!

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone,

Here are three crucial photos from the just-concluded Fide Chess Candidates 2013 in London. These photos are by Ray Morris-Hill. His entire chess album from the Fide Chess Candidates is a treat and you can view the gallery here.

In these three photos can you name the players, the round and the result of the game? You can find the answers in our Chess Blog reports on the Candidates 2013.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

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.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

Magnus Carlsen on FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament: Format great, schedule surprising!

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012


Hi everyone,


We just found this nice interview with Magnus Carlsen on the FIDE Candidates Tournament with www.chessbase.com. The world No. 1 in the chess world says he is happy with the format, but not sure why the schedule has been put in high chess-season ! Before you read further, here is also a delightful video from the same link that is via Norwegian TV2. You can click on the photo to go to the link.

Frederic Friedel: Magnus, I know that after the Tata Steel Chess event you have been busy promoting the Stavanger 2013 super tournament, and also appeared on a major Norwegian talk show. What are your tournament plans for the near future?
Magnus Carlsen: As you know I’m having a break from chess tournaments at the moment. Normally I would go to Amber, but unfortunately this wonderful tradition ended last year. I’m not sure if Linares will take place this spring. I certainly hope so, otherwise the break will be quite long. I think the Tal Memorial in June could be my next tournament. At the moment the fall and winter are the high season for top level tournaments.

Q: That's exactly when FIDE plans to stage the Candidate tournament this year, isn't it? In October/November. As far as I know the Tal Memorial was moved to June in direct response to this. Would you like to share your thoughts on this with our readers?
Last year I played the Grand Slam Final in Sao Paulo and Bilbao, in September and October, and the Bilbao organiser has already publicized similar dates for the 2012 final. I really enjoyed playing the Grand Slam Final last year. It’s well organized and the combination of Sao Paulo and Bilbao suited me very fine. I have qualified for this year's Final as well, and my plan is to go there. Normally I don’t comment upon FIDE rumours, but news reports indicating that the next Candidates will take place just after the Grand Slam Final worries me. If the rumours are correct, there will be ten days only between the two tournaments, and that is obviously too tight. I know how hard the top level tournament organizers struggle to get everything in place for their event, and the obvious choice for FIDE would be to avoid the fourth quarter for their Candidate events. The Tal Memorial has already been moved, but the Candidates would still have serious consequences for the Grand Slam Final and probably for London Chess Classic as well.
FIDE must have a very good reason to schedule the Candidates in the fourth quarter instead of for instance the late first quarter or the second quarter of 2013. I’m really curious to know what would drive FIDE to schedule the candidates in the middle of the high season of top level tournaments.
Frankly, I sincerely hope that FIDE will reconsider the schedule for the Candidates. Times are tough, financially, in Europe, and every step should be taken to protect and support the efforts of the top level tournament organisers.

Q: Apart from the schedule problem are you satisfied with the format of the Candidates? It is, I believe, pretty much what you proposed to FIDE?!
Assuming it will be a double round robin with eight players I think that is a good format, much better than the 2011 Candidates.
We await the comments of the other six candidates and of the grandmasters whose tournament schedule may be affected by the Candidates scheduling.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com

World Chess Candidates 2014 in Khanty Mansiysk March 12-30

Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hello everyone,

The Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk has won the bid to host one of the most prestigious chess events in the world, the Candidates tournament that will take place on March 12-30, 2014, Chess News Agency reports. 

The Candidates tournament traditionally attracts attention of chess enthusiasts around the world as it determines the next challenger to play for the world title against the current champion. This year, London hosted the Candidates tournament, and it drew an unprecedented attention - over a million people have watched the online broadcast of the first day matches.

Khanty-Mansiysk, about thousand miles away from Moscow, is well known for organization of the top chess events and has earned high reputation inside the chess community. The city hosted the 39th World Chess Olympiad in 2010, the Chess World Cup and Women World Championship in 2012 as well as the FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Championship in 2013.

City's Mayor and head of the bid committee Vasiliy Filipenko, taking part in the presentation during the FIDE Congress in Tallinn, Estonia, has underlined the importance and value of chess for the Khanty-Mansiysk residents and the whole region.

"We love chess and appreciate the educational aspect of the game. But we are also interested in the sports tourism which is important for the city's development. The city will certainly benefit if millions of chess fans will learn about Khanty-Mansiysk and we invite you and all chess enthusiasts to see the tournament with your own eyes," Filipenko said.

Russian city's rival, the Bulgarian Chess Federation, withdrew from the bid procedure. In their letter to FIDE, the Bulgarians stated that Khanty-Mansiysk will organize 'a brilliant event'.

FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said he was pleased that a major chess tournament will be held in Russia: "When Khanty-Mansiysk won the right to host the 2005 World Cup, grandmasters rushed to the map as most of them had no idea where the capital of Yugra is located. And now it is considered one of the capitals of the chess world. I am sure that grandmasters will enjoy playing and staying in Khanty-Mansiysk."

Eight of the world's top-ranked chess players will take part in the Candidates Tournament. Six have already qualified - Russians Vladimir Kramnik, Sergei Kariakin and Dmitry Andreykin, Bulgarian Veselin Topalov, Levon Aronyan from Armenia and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov from Azerbaijan. Looser of the 2013 World Chess Championship match between the current champion Viswanathan Anand from India and Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, will join the list while the last spot to be decided by a wild-card from FIDE.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

World Chess Hall of Fame New Inductions for 2013: Two Women!

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

An induction ceremony on May 2, 2013, will recognize five exceptional chess players as three are inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame and two into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) nominated and selected Elizaveta Bykova, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Mikhail Chigorin for the World Chess Hall of Fame. They join 16 other players to receive the honor since the World Chess Hall of Fame’s creation in 2001. These are the first new inductees since 2011. “This year’s World Chess Hall of Fame induction is particularly unique because it includes two women. The first and only woman who had previously received this honor was Vera Menchik,” said Beatriz Marinello, FIDE Senior Vice President.

The U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee considers and sends candidates for the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame to the U.S. Chess Trust each year. The Trust votes on candidates, selecting Gregory Kaidanov and Mona May Karff to join the 50 other players currently in the Hall of Fame. “These two players join luminaries like Bobby Fischer and Frank Marshall as some of the top players in U.S. history. Their contributions to the sport are numerous and lasting,” said Harold Winston, chairman of the U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee.

Read more »

Fide Chess Candidates 2013 R3: Aronian in Sole Lead

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

Levon Aronian is the sole leader at the FIDE World Chess Candidates’ Tournament after three rounds of play. On Sunday the Armenian grandmaster beat Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine, who overstepped the time limit for the second day in a row. In what was a very exciting round, co-leader Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan lost to Russia’s Peter Svidler in a Sämisch King’s Indian. Magnus Carlsen of Norway beat Boris Gelfand of Israel with Black in 57 moves from the old Cambridge Springs variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined. Russian grandmasters Vladimir Kramnik and Alexander Grischuk drew a Grünfeld game in 35 moves. 
Two and a half hours into the third round of the FIDE World Chess Candidates’ Tournament a remarkable situation occurred: in all four games, between the two contestants there was a time difference of about an hour on the clock. Thanks to their preparation Peter Svider, Vladimir Kramnik, Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian enjoyed a big time advantage against Teimour Radjabov, Alexander Grischuk, Boris Gelfand and Vassily Ivanchuk respectively.

In the case of Grischuk, however, this was nothing special. The 29-year-old Muscovite is the reigning World Blitz Champion and known for getting into time trouble quite often in his classical games. At the press conference his opponent noted that things could have been even worse. Kramnik: “At some point when Sacha was thinking, I was trying to compete with Peter Svidler, I mean, who would have more advantage on time!”

Read more »

Fide Chess Candidates 2013: Magnus Carlsen Tournament Victory+Bonus Interview Videos

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

The Fide Chess Candidates 2013 is over with the qualification seat going to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to take on reigning World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand later this year. Here two videos from the official site. The first is a post-victory press conference and the second is a bonus interview with Lawrence Trent.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

London Chess Candidates 2013 R1: All Games Drawn

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

 

The FIDE World Chess Candidates' Tournament started peacefully on Friday in London with all four games ending in draws. In the first round the players playing the black pieces were all slightly higher rated than their opponents, and all four managed to avoid serious problems.

Over the last few days the IET’s Lecture Theatre has been transformed into an atmospheric chess arena, with specially designed tables, chess pieces and logos. Asked about his opinion, Magnus Carlsen of Norway said: “To say something about that I guess I need to play some more games, and perhaps some longer games as well!" The world’s number one drew rather quickly with world number three Levon Aronian of Armenia.

In what was the top game of the round, Carlsen played the Bogo-Indian and equalized rather comfortably. “In general, Levon with Black, that's as tough as it gets. It's an important game for me but at the same time it's the first round, and sometimes it's going to be quiet.” Aronian said he had “expected a bit more from this game”, but played inaccurately early on and then lost his opening advantage. 

 

Read more »

Fide Chess Candidates R14: Magnus Carlsen Wins Tournament, Qualifies to Challenge Vishy Anand in Nov, 2013

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

Breaking Chess News:  Magnus Carlsen has earned the right to challenge World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand later this year. The tournament ended with a crazy quirk of fate.

Carlsen won the the Fide Chess Candidates 2013 a few minutes back in an exciting last round. Both Vladimir Kramnik and Magnus Carlsen went into the last round with equal scores. If both were to win their last-round games, Carlsen would have qualified on the basis of the tiebreak as he had more wins. Carlsen would also have qualified if both drew, or both lost. Kramnik would have qualified if he were to win and Carlsen were to draw or if he were to draw and Carlsen were to lose. No one expected both Kramnik and Carlsen to lose their last round games this Monday to Vassily Ivanchuk and Peter Svidler respectively! 

The illustrious line-up in London included Magnus Carlsen, Vladimir Kramnik, Levon Aronian, Teimour Radjabov, Peter Svidler, Alexander Grischuk, Boris Gelfand and Vassily Ivanchuk.  

Final report now updated.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

Candidates Chess London March 14 - Pairings ad Curtainraiser

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

The Guardian has carried a super curtainraiser on the upcoming Candidates Chess matches in London from March 14. Most fans are betting on World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to win the tournament and obtain the chance to challenge Viswanathan Anand for the world title. Here is one of the best articles with a preview and analysis of this must-watch historic event!

Chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen enters endgame for world title

22-year-old grandmaster labelled greatest ever player hopes to earn right to play for world championship at London tournament
Stephen Moss in Oslo

  

Magnus Carlsen has been described as the greatest chess player of all time. Photograph: Fred Jonny for the Guardian

Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen is the Tiger Woods of chess. In a good way. Just as Woods, before his fall, established an iron grip on golf, so Carlsen, at the age of 22, has made himself supreme in his own more esoteric field. He became world No 1 while still a teenager, and is now officially rated the strongest player of all time.

What he is not, however, is world champion. That title has been held since 2007 by India's Viswanathan Anand, a great player but 20 years older than Carlsen and now rated only No 6 in the world. The time may be ripe for the young genius, and, in a three-week tournament that starts in London on Thursday, Carlsen and seven other top grandmasters will compete for the right to challenge Anand for his crown later in the year. (Continue reading here.)

Meanwhile, the official website of the event has details of the venue and profiles of the players as well. You can access the site here. In the extended post, you can read the full pairings for all the rounds of the Candidates Chess matches 2013.

Read more »

Beijing Chess Grand Prix Opening Ceremony Held

12th Women's World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Latest Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

The opening ceremony of the 5th stage of FIDE Grand Prix Series 2012-2013 took place in the New Century Grand Hotel in Beijing (China) on the 3rd of July. The players and guests were greeted by President of Chinese Chess Assosiation Yang Junan and FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: “Generous support by the leadership of the Administrative Center of Cards of Board Games, FIDE Vice President Mr. Chu Bo, Chinese Chess Association and its President Mr. Yang Junan has been key in bringing this event to its realization, to which I’m deeply grateful.”

Yang Junan: “We think that holding FIDE Grand Prix Series in China is not only about the trust of FIDE to Chinese Chess Association, but also will promote the development of chess in China.” After the speeches FIDE Vice President Chu Bo announced the opening of Grand Prix in Beijing. Deputy arbiter Anastasiya Sorokina then proceeded with drawing of lots. She called up the players to come to the table and pick of the Chinese classical figure sculpture with the number inside.

The top seed of the tournament Alexander Grischuk picked number eight and will play against Gata Kamsky tomorrow. Anish Giri chose the number one to play against Sergey Karjakin at the first round.

Also attending the opening ceremony were FIDE CEO Geoffrey Borg, President of the European Chess Union Silvio Danailov, Director of FIDE Office in Moscow Berik Balgabaev, former world women champions Xie Jun, Xu Yuhua, and other distinguished guests. The players list in Beijing is impressive with former World Champion Veselin Topalov trying to repeat his performance in Zug, Switzerland earlier this year and clinching one of the two places for the forthcoming Candidates tournament in 2014.

He will be challenged by several world class players. Boris Gelfand, coming from his recent epic victory in Moscow Tal memorial, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov who has had a very good month of June starting with winning the world Rapid Championship in Khanty Mansiysk. Also not to forget world top ten players such as Sergey Karjakin, Alexander Grischuk as well as former Candidates players Vasily Ivanchuk, Peter Leko.

GM Teimur Radjabov has withdrawn from the Beijing Grand Prix for personal reasons and has been replaced by GM Wang Yue from China. The top Chinese player Wang Hao, who placed fourth in overall Grand Prix at the moment, will also play in Beijing.

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 Grand Prix Series consists of six tournaments to be held over two years (2012-2013). 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.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

Khanty Mansiysk Chess Candidates 2014 Round 1: Anand beats Aronian, Others Draw

Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014

Hello everyone,

Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has begun with a victory over World No. 2 Levon Aronian at the FIDE World Chess Candidates 2014 in Khanty Mansiysk on Thursday.

The other games were all drawn: GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS, GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Svidler Peter RUS and GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Topalov Veselin BUL.  

Replay all the games with Chess King.

Earlier, the opening ceremony of one of the most important chess tournaments of the year took place on Wednesday. Eight top Grandmasters of the world are competing over three weeks for a 600,000 Euro prize fund and the chance to challenge World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen (Norway). 

The line-up consists of the former World Champion Vishy Anand (India), who lost his title only a year ago, 2013 World Cup winner Vladimir Kramnik, 2013 World Cup runner-up Dmitry Andreikin (both Russia), 2012-13 FIDE Grand Prix winners Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria) and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Azerbaijan), two players qualified by rating Levon Aronian (Armenia) and Sergey Karjakin (Russia), and the player nominated by the organizers – Peter Svidler (Russia).

Official website

The opening ceremony took place at the concert hall Ugra-Classic and was attended by Natalia Komarova, Ukra Governor and Vice-President of Russian Chess Federation, and Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE President.

“We are just as nervous as the candidates, – said Natalia Vladimirovna. – A chess board has 64 squares. The candidates tournaments are also played for 64 years. Each square of the board saw thousands of combinations, but we nevertheless expect more brilliance and ingenious games from our players. Chess teaches honesty, fairness and respect to the opponent. I’d very much like to see these rules universally accepted,” concluded the Governor.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov noted that Khanty-Mansiysk continues to bring pleasant surprises: “This tournament and its opening ceremony is a great gift to the players. Since 2005 Ugra is recognized as Chess Mecca. Three great champions gathered here today, and together with five other outstanding players they will have to determine a new title contender”.

He also drew attention to the fact that chess in Ugra is not only a professional sport, but a mass sport, and sport in Ugra is highly developed. Ugra representatives recently won four Olympic medals in Sochi, including two gold medals.

The opening ceremony continued with a concert show peformed by Ugra-Classic creative team. The unique 8 ton pipe organ with mammoth bone keys was the center of attention – and chess, of course!

“Life is like chess, it’s just a clever arrangement of pieces on the black and white board”. This quote by writer Oleg Roy was a theme of the show. Enchanted by mysterious sound of organ, the spectators watched a historical show with elements of dance and theater, filled with quotes about the most intelligent game in the world.

Stay tuned with us as we follow all the exciting chess to come this fortnight!

 

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

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.” 

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com

Don't miss Chess Queen™  

YouTube Channel

 

Beijing Chess Grand Prix 2013: Shakhriyar Mamedyarov Wins Clear First

Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

This completes a hat-trick of sorts for Azerbaijan Grandmaster Shakhriyar Mamedyarov as he wins the Beijing Chess Grand Prix event in China on Tuesday. He came to Beijing right after winning the Geneva Chess Masters and the World Rapid Chess Championship 2013.

  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

World Chess Federation (FIDE) President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov nominated on Tuesday two Chinese chess players - Hou Yifan and Wei Yi to participate in the World Cup 2013. "Intellectual sports are growing in popularity, particularly among young people. As a result, I have nominated Hou Yifan and Wei Yi to participate at the World Cup 2013," said Ilyumzhinov during the closing ceremony of the FIDE World Chess Grand Prix Series Beijing. A former women's world champion, Hou was the youngest ever to win the title at the age of 16. Her countryman Wei Yi, whose name sounded the same as "only", was the youngest Grandmaster(GM) at 13 years 8 months and 23 days and the only GM in the world who is under 15 years old. FIDE World Cup 2013 will be held from August 10 to September 3 in Tromso, Norway.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mamedyarov drew against Boris Gelfand of Israel in the last round of the Grand Prix to take the clear first place with 7 points. Earlier, he was in sole lead. Based on the results of the five stages of the FIDE Grand Prix, Mamedyarov is in second place (behind Veselin Topalov) for earning the right to participate in the Candidates Tournament in 2014.

Under the rules of the series each participant can take part in four tournaments of the six stages, of which the top three will be counted. Two winners of the Grand Prix tournament can participate in the Candidates Tournament.

Mamedyarov has represented Azerbaijan at the Chess Olympiads in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2010. In 2009, he won a gold medal for Azerbaijan at the European Team Chess Championship, having won a bronze medal in 2007 and silver in 2011.

Final Standings

1. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 7 

2. Alexander Grischuk 6.5

3. Peter Leko 6.0

4. Veselin Topalov 6.0

5. Alexander Morozevich 5.5

6. Sergey Karjakin 5.5

7. Anish Giri 5.5

8. Wang Yue 5.5

9. Vassily Ivanchuk 5.0

10. Boris Gelfand 5.0

11. Wang Hao 5.0

12. Gata Kamsky 3.5

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

Another confirmation by Magnus Carlsen that he would take part in world chess championship cycle

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011

Hi everyone,

Do you remember this interview that World Chess No. 1 Magnus Carlsen gave to Brazilian website Folha in Portuguese?

Here is our earlier www.chessblog.com post:

Exciting chess news: Carlsen likely to play in World Chess Championship cycle 2012!


Well! There is fresh confirmation of the news by the talented grandmaster. According to www.chessdom.com, Magnus Carlsen is deciding to end the boycott of the World Championship Cycle that he announced in May 2010. The announcement was made right after he won the Bilbao Grand Slam Chess Masters and spoke to Norwegian VG.


Carlsen admits to have come to the decision after FIDE announced that the next Candidates Tournament will be a round robin event.Magnus Carlsen said, "If the changes that are predicted come true, I am ready to fight for the World Championship title.” Besides the change to tournament format, Carlsen will also have as a requirement a “waterproof contract”. More info by Eirik Gullaksen at bergensjakk.no.


Chessdom has also compiled a nice refresher for you that includes the following data:


World Championship 2012


The World Chess Championship 2012 between the defending World Champion Viswanathan Anand and the challenger from the Candidates Matches Boris Gelfand will take place in May 2012 in Moscow, Russia. The runner-up of the World Championship in Moscow will be one of the participants in the Candidates tournament.


The next Candidates Tournament 2012-2013


FIDE has published the official Rules & regulations for the Candidates Tournament of the FIDE World Championship cycle 2011-2013. According to the regulations the 3 top players from the World Cup 2011 qualify (Svidler, Grischuk, and Ivanchuk), the player who loses the World Chess Championship 2012, three players on rating from the average FIDE Rating List of July 2011 & January 2012, and one nominated player by the organizer.


The total prize fund of the event is 420 000 eur and the format is double round robin. The time control is 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game plus an additional 30 seconds per move starting from move 61. A kind of a Sofia rule will be implemented. The players cannot draw a game by agreement. A claim for a draw is permitted only through the Chief Arbiter (or his Deputy) in the cases of perpetual check, stalemate, threefold repetition, the 50-move rule or insufficient material. Other kinds of theoretical drawn positions are allowed to be claimed by one or both players through the Chief Arbiter (or his Deputy). The Chief Arbiter can then declare it, or not, as a drawn game after consulting his/her Technical Advisor.


Read more about the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2012 regulations

Tweet

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com

FIDE World Chess Championship 2014 Venue Bid Deadline Extended to April 30

Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014

Hello everyone,

You will have to wait to book your tickets for the FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2014 just a bit more. FIDE and Agon are extending the deadline to 30 April 2014, 13:00 GMT, according to an official notification by FIDE.




BIDDING PROCEDURE FOR THE FIDE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH 2014

1. Following the success of last year's World Championship match in Chennai, FIDE and its commercial partner AGON are searching potential venues for the 2014 FIDE World Championship match, where the world champion Magnus Carlsen will defend his title against a challenger to be determined from the Candidates Tournament in Khanty-Mansiysk this March.

2. The World Championship Match 2014 shall take place from 6 November (game 1) to 25 November 2014 (possible tiebreaks/closing ceremony).

3. Each bid shall contain the following particulars as minimum:

a) Proposed venue of the event.

b) Proposed prize fund for the players (should be offered net of any applicable local taxes). The prize fund for the 2013 event in Chennai was 1,850,000 euros.

c) The contribution to FIDE (net of any applicable local taxes and not less than 20% of the prize fund), as stipulated in article 13.2, as well as the financial obligations stated in article 14 of the World Championship Match 2014 regulations.

d) Commitment to cover all the other financial obligations to FIDE, in accordance with the regulations of the World Championship Match 2014.

e) Commitment to cover all organizational costs, in accordance with the regulations of the World Championship Match 2014.

f) Category of official hotel (minimum 4 stars), and name if possible, with special room rates for visitors, including meals.

g) A statement that the applicant accepts the regulations of the match without any reservations.

h) An invitation for 2 (two) members of the FIDE Commission for World Chess Championships and Olympiads to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all travel/hotel expenses paid by the bidder.

i) The applicant's name, signatures and authentication.

4. In order for a proposed bid to be considered, it should be accompanied by a 9-month term bank guarantee covering the amount of prize fund (in Chennai 2013 this was 1,850,000 euros), the FIDE contribution (20% over and above the prize fund), 5% for WCOC budget and 5% for the commercial rights plus 32,500 euros covering stipends of Principals as described in article 14.5 of the match regulations. This guarantee should be from a bank that FIDE bankers, UBS of Switzerland, are able to confirm as acceptable.

5. Alternatively to the above paragraph, a bidder can deposit in FIDE's bank account the amount of 200,000 euros by the deadline of 10 March 2014 (refundable if the bid is rejected), another 50% of the prize fund before 31 May 2014 and the balance of all remaining obligations before 31 August 2014.

6. A bid is considered valid if it is accompanied with a non-refundable Bid Fee of 2,000 euros payable to FIDE.

7. No bidder can propose a sponsor which shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

8. The bids, including all original documents and particulars, should arrive by registered post to the FIDE Secretariat, post address: 9 Syggrou Ave., 11743 Athens -Greece. The bidding process will close on 30 April 2014, 13:00 GMT.

9. When the deadline has expired, the FIDE President or his representative shall open the received envelopes in order to assess the bids. FIDE will inform the bidding parties of the results within 3 days after the deadline. The final contract with the successful bidder shall be signed within 10 days afterwards.

10. FIDE reserves the right to accept a bid based on the evaluation of all criteria under article 3 of the present bidding procedure and not only that of the prize fund. FIDE also reserves the right not to award any bid at all, however favorable it might be.


Released by the FIDE Secretariat, 9 January 2014
Updated by the FIDE Secretariat, 11 March 2014

Regulations for the FIDE World Championship Match (FWCM) 2014

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

World Chess Championship 2014: FIDE Invites Venue Bids

Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hello everyone,

BIDDING PROCEDURE FOR THE FIDE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH 2014 

1. Following the success of last year's World Championship match in Chennai, FIDE and its commercial partner AGON are searching potential venues for the 2014 FIDE World Championship match, where the world champion Magnus Carlsen will defend his title against a challenger to be determined from the Candidates Tournament in Khanty-Mansiysk this March.

2. The World Championship Match 2014 shall take place from 6 November (game 1) to 25 November 2014 (possible tiebreaks/closing ceremony).

3. Each bid shall contain the following particulars as minimum:

a) Proposed venue of the event.
b) Proposed prize fund for the players (should be offered net of any applicable local taxes). The prize fund for the 2013 event in Chennai was 1,850,000 euros.
c) The contribution to FIDE (net of any applicable local taxes and not less than 20% of the prize fund), as stipulated in article 13.2, as well as the financial obligations stated in article 14 of the World Championship Match 2014 regulations.
d) Commitment to cover all the other financial obligations to FIDE, in accordance with the regulations of the World Championship Match 2014.
e) Commitment to cover all organizational costs, in accordance with the regulations of the World Championship Match 2014.
f) Category of official hotel (minimum 4 stars), and name if possible, with special room rates for visitors, including meals.
g) A statement that the applicant accepts the regulations of the match without any reservations.
h) An invitation for 2 (two) members of the FIDE Commission for World Chess Championships and Olympiads to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all travel/hotel expenses paid by the bidder.
i) The applicant's name, signatures and authentication.

4. In order for a proposed bid to be considered, it should be accompanied by a 9-month term bank guarantee covering the amount of prize fund (in Chennai 2013 this was 1,850,000 euros), the FIDE contribution (20% over and above the prize fund), 5% for WCOC budget and 5% for the commercial rights plus 32,500 euros covering stipends of Principals as described in article 14.5 of the match regulations. This guarantee should be from a bank that FIDE bankers, UBS of Switzerland, are able to confirm as acceptable.

5. Alternatively to the above paragraph, a bidder can deposit in FIDE's bank account the amount of 200,000 euros by the deadline of 10 March 2014 (refundable if the bid is rejected), another 50% of the prize fund before 31 May 2014 and the balance of all remaining obligations before 31 August 2014.

6. A bid is considered valid if it is accompanied with a non-refundable Bid Fee of 2,000 euros payable to FIDE.

7. No bidder can propose a sponsor which shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

8. The bids, including all original documents and particulars, should arrive by registered post to the FIDE Secretariat, post address: 9 Syggrou Ave., 11743 Athens -Greece. The bidding process will close on 10 March 2014, 13:00 GMT.

9. When the deadline has expired, the FIDE President or his representative shall open the received envelopes in order to assess the bids. FIDE will inform the bidding parties of the results within 3 days after the deadline. The final contract with the successful bidder shall be signed within 10 days afterwards.

10. FIDE reserves the right to accept a bid based on the evaluation of all criteria under article 3 of the present bidding procedure and not only that of the prize fund. FIDE also reserves the right not to award any bid at all, however favorable it might be.

Released by the FIDE Secretariat, 9 January 2014

Regulations for the FIDE World Championship Match (FWCM) 2014
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog 
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel

World Chess Championsip 2013: Will India Host Anand and his Challenger?

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

Chances of India hosting the 2013 World Chess Championship (WCC) final featuring Viswanathan Anand brightened once more, after Jitendra Singh, the minister of state for youth affairs and sports, confirmed that the government would do its best to bring the match to the country, according to a report in Indian newspaper Indian Express.

"If an opportunity arises for India to play host to Viswanathan Anand's World Championship match, we will do our best to make it happen," said Singh. The WCC final was one of the topics on the agenda when FIDE vice president Ali Nihat Yazici met Singh earlier this year. Yazici also confirmed the possibility. "The main subjects (of discussion with the minister) as you may guess were CIS (FIDE's Chess in Schools program) in India and the World Championship match. For me it looks like India may host the next World Chess Championship match between WCC GM Anand and his challenger. Let's wait and see," he said.

Yazici also said that the minister had promised an 'open check book' for the CIS scheme. Jitendra Singh said, "We would be happy to take the scheme to the interiors of the country, through schools in towns and villages."

After India's failed bid to host the final between Anand and Israeli Boris Gelfand last year, FIDE had granted India a three-month window during which they could exercise a 'first right' option to host the 2013 final. However the All India Chess Federation had let go of the opportunity. Subsequently, it fell to Agon Limited, an American corporation who have been contracted by the FIDE to develop and popularise the WCC cycles, to determine the hosting rights. India will now have to make a winning bid with Agon, as have SOCAR, Azerbaijan's state oil company, for the ongoing Candidates tournament in London.Though the sponsor could not determine the city which was to host the Candidates tournament, it is widely believed that SOCAR had a say in nominating one of the wildcards for the eight-member field, Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan. If India are to host the match in November 2013, it will be the first time that Anand will play the final at home.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel