Update from Nalchik

World Women Chess Championship LIVE!
LIVE updates from Nalchik
by Chessdom.com

Welcome to the live coverage of Women World Chess Championship 2008 on Chessdom.com! Every day we will have constant live updates from the capital of Kabardino Balkaria. These updates will be interactive as the audience will have the opportunity to participate, comment, and ask questions through our live chat system.

09:30 CET
We start with the most recent from Nalchik. The President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev has sent a letter to the organizers and the participants in the World Women Chess Championship.

“These days Kabardino Balkaria will host some of the greatest chess talents, which will engage in an honorable fight to demonstrate their skill and mental strength,” says President Medvedev. “I am convinced that this championship will become a true celebration for the lovers of this interesting sport. I wish all the participants success and to the thousands of fans – enjoy this beautiful intellectual game.” he continued.

09:40 CET
FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has officially opened the Women`s World Chess Championship 2008 in Nalchik, Kabardino Balkaria. During the pompous ceremony yesterday, local dancers and singers entertained the public and the chess game was also personified through youngsters in costumes. In his welcome speech, President of the Republic, Arsen Kanokov expressed the gratitude and hapiness of the republic to have the World Championship in its capital and promised good organization, great interest from the inhabitants, excellent conditions and clean, healthy environment for the tournament.

Alexander Zhukov, President of the Russian Chess Federation delivered the greeting address of Dmitriy Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation praising the beautiful, intellectual game and the Russian chess school. He also expressed the belief that the peaceful competition of chess players turns into a real festival of that sport, promoting development and strengthening of international relations among the nations of the chess world.

09:50 CET
Round 1 of the WWCC starts today at 15:00 local time (two hours earlier CET). A few hours before that, photos will be available at the Chessdom photo gallery

10:00 CET
The solid organization of the WWCC 2008 deserves true respect. It is headed by the FIDE President – Kirsan Nikolaevitch Ilyumzhinov, supported by Georgios Makropoulos – FIDE Deputy President and Chairman of the Appeals Committee. The chief arbiter is Zsuzsanna Veroci, and on her team are Mikko Markkula, Evgeni Melikset-Begi, Galina Strutinskaia, and Vyacheslav Khamruev. The appeals committee is Nona Gaprindashvili, Boris Kutin, and Lakhdar Mazouz. The medical commission is headed by Jana Bellin and the press officer is Peter Rajscanyi.

10:15 CET
A day before the start of the competition Elizabeth Paehtz visited a the medical center for children “Duga” (Rainbow) in Nalchik, informed the Chessdom.com correspondent from Kabardino Balkaria. There she played a simul with 12 kids.

10:30 CET
If you ever wondered where is Kabardino Balkaria and how does it look like, there is a nice video presentation at the official website. The nature there is beautiful and you can see the highest peak in Europe, Mt. Elbrus

11:15 CET
Many young talents will have a chance to show their skill in the first round of the competition. In the battle of the youngest Yifan Hou (who got her last GM norm just a few weeks ago) will play Mona Khaled from Egypt. They are both 14 and eager for victory. The rating difference of over 500 ELO points gives clear advantage to Yifan Hou, but Khaled will surely play her best as well.

The World Junior Champion for 2007 WGM Vera Nebolsina will start against the current World Junior Champion IM Harika Dronavalli.

WGM Anna Muzhycuk will play with WGM Maria Velcheva, while IM Anna Ushenina will play with Le Thanh Tu.

11:30 CET
The top seeded Xu Yuhua starts against Anzel Solomons, Humpy Koneru against Yorsa Alaa El Din, while the ex world champion Antoaneta Stefanova will play against Karen Zapata. All 32 boards will be broadcast on the official website and a live chat discussion will be available on Chessdom.com in this thread during the games.

11:48 CET
The first photos from the opening ceremony are available at the Chessdom photo gallery

12:00 CET
The live discussion has been activated. Scroll down this page to find it. We will continue posting minute by minute updates, be sure to refresh the page to get them.

12:30 CET
One of the surprises has been uncovered by Madina Dyshekova, the Deputy Prime Minister of KBR and President of KBR Chess Federation. The coronet for the chess queen from the WWCC will be decorated with 46 diamonds and 3 large sapphires. The weight of the coronet will be about 80 gr. and will be a combination of the white and yellow gold. It will be produced by the master-jeweler of the open joint-stock company “Terek-Almaz” Saphar Tarchokov.

13:00 CET
And the games are on! The first move on board 1 was 1.e4 by Xu Yuhua.

13:15 CET
Besides on the boards of the Georgian players, there are no moves from Karen Zapata, Irina Krush, Marie Sebag, Le Thanh Tu….

13:19 CET
Currently there is a press conference with President of Kabardino-Balkaria and FIDE President. The editor-in-chief of Chessdom.com is there and will report for you live.

President of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Arsen Kanokov is hoping that the WWCC will encourage strong chess development in the Republic. FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov thanked Arsen Kanokov and organizing committee for the “fantastic achievements in preparation”.

13:25 CET
There is an extreme interest from the media in the country, the press conference hall is full. Expect the photos from there soon.

13:30 CET
First results are already a fact, Antoaneta Stefanova, Anna Gasik, and Elena Sedina win as Karen Zapata, Marie Sebag, Irina Krush did not show up.

Official website: http://nalchik2008.fide.com/