SPORTS
2ND INT’L WOMEN`S CHESS TOURNAMENT STARTS IN BAKU
2nd International Women`s Chess tournament started in “UNS” theatre in Baku on Monday.
The tournament saw 10 female chess players from eight countries. Azerbaijan national team includes Ilaha Gadimova, Firuza Velikhanly and Nargiz Umudova. The tournament brought together Pia Cramling (Switzreland, 3rd in FIDE rating), Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria, 12) Monica Sochko (Poland, 13), Viktorija Cmilyte (Lithuania, 18), Leyla Javakhishvili (Georgia, 23), Yekaterina Lakhno (Ukraine, 30) and Sophie Milliet (France, 44).
At the opening ceremony, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov thanked the worldwide professional chess players for their accept of invitation. He also stressed Azerbaijani President, Head of National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev`s great efforts on sport development. Mr. Rahimov also stressed his confidence that the Azerbaijani chess players would achieve splendid wins in the future.
President of Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF), Chairman of NBA Board Elman Rustamov said that according to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev`s attention to sport, Azerbaijan has been turned to a host country of International contests. 2nd International Women`s Chess tournament is an example for this. He also noted existing high-level cooperation of ACF with International and Continental Chess Federations.
Honorary President of International Chess Federation (FIDE) Florencio Campomanes expressed his pride to see International women`s tournament to be held in Baku.
Afterwards, the participants saw the draw ceremony among the chess players.
Finally, the artists of “UNS” theatre performed for participants.