World Team Chess Championships Open in Khanty-Mansiysk

Natalya Komarova read out greetings from Vladimir Putin.

On June 16, the Opening Ceremony of the FIDE World Team Chess Championships took place in Khanty-Mansiysk. The Governor of Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Ugra Natalya Komarova, RCF President, FIDE Vice-President Andrey Filatov, and FIDE Vice-President Boris Kutin greeted the participants and guests. 

Natalya Komarova read out the letter of greetings from the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

The message reads, in part:

“Hospitable Yugra Territory is famous for hosting chess tournaments at the very highest level, and it has repeatedly hosted the most prestigious among them. Now, for the first time, it will host simultaneous competitions among men’s and women’s teams selected according to the results of the World Chess Olympiad and continental championships.

In fierce and intense battle, the athletes will have to demonstrate their skill and willpower, as well as their creative and intellectual faculties, to earn the right to be considered the best in the world.

I would also note that our country holds chess in special esteem and is always focused on developing this ancient competitive art. And we will do our best to put on a worthy championship and make it a true festival for its participants and guests.”

Andrey Filatov thanked FIDE for allowing Russia to organize such an important tournament.  On behalf of all chess amateurs and on his own behalf, Andrey Filatov also said thank you to Natalya Komarova and Ugra in general for their hospitality and wished good luck to all the participants. 

Boris Kutin declared the Championships open. 

After the official part, the drawing of lots was held. The captains got the following starting numbers for their teams. 

Men: 1. China, 2. India, 3. USA, 4. Egypt, 5. Turkey, 6. Ukraine, 7. Russia, 8. Norway, 9. Poland, 10. Belarus.

Round 1 pairings:

China - Belarus, India - Poland, USA - Norway, Egypt - Russia, Turkey - Ukraine.

Women: 1. USA, 2. India, 3. Poland, 4. Egypt, 5. Russia, 6. China, 7. Vietnam, 8. Azerbaijan, 9. Georgia, 10. Ukraine.

Round 1 pairings:

USA - Ukraine, India - Georgia, Poland - Azerbaijan, Egypt - Vietnam, Russia - China.

The match days: June 17-21 and June 23-26. June 22 is the tournament's free day. The games start at 1:00 p.m. (Moscow time), the last round begins at 11:00 a.m. (Moscow time). 

Official website

Photos: Official website