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Welcome adress by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE President |
Dear participants and guests of the 3rd lap of FIDE Grand Prix 2014/2015!
On behalf of World Chess Federation, I welcome you to the third lap of FIDE Grand Prix 2014/2015 in beautiful and hospitable Tbilisi. During next two weeks, twelve chess players that belong to the elite of the global chess will fight for the chance to participate in the Candidates Tournament.
Sunny and flourishing Georgia is famous for its great chess traditions. The names of Women’s World Champions Nona Gaprindashvili and Maya Chiburdanidze are known among all chess lovers around the world. Georgia annually becomes a host of FIDE international chess events and has already deserved reputation of a reliable organizer. The role of Georgian Chess Federation got even more important now that GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili has won the presidency in European Chess Union. In 2017 Georgia will deservedly hold the World Chess Cup and in 2018 it will become a host of the 43rd World Chess Olympiad.
I have no doubts that this tournament will be a success and the participants will have a chance to enjoy the charm of old Tbilisi.
Let me wish you exiting games and uncompromising chess battles.
Gens una sumus! - We are one family!
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE President |
