FIDE GRAND PRIX STARTS IN BAKU
An opening ceremony of the FIDE (International Chess Federation) Grand Prix tournament devoted to the 85th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev was held Sunday at the Muslum Magomayev State Philharmonic in Baku. Inaugurating the ceremony, President of Azerbaijan Chess Federation Elman Rustamov spoke on Heydar Aliyev`s exclusive role in development of chess in the country.
He added now Azerbaijan has a lot of world-famous chess players, including T.Rajabov, V.Hashimov, Sh.Mammadyarov, G.Huseynov and R.Mammadov.
President of FIDE Kirsan Ilyumzhinov described the holding of the Grand Prix in Baku as a vivid example of state attention to development of chess in Azerbaijan.
Ilyumzhinov said FIDE is ready to assist Azerbaijan in implementing projects aimed at developing chess, including creation of chess city, museum and academy.
Azerbaijan`s Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov spoke on attention shown by the President of the country, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev to development of sport.
The opening ceremony followed with a draw for the tournament, which brings together 14 international grand masters from 10 countries.
The six-stage tournament`s prize fund is 162,000 euros, and it will be held in 5 cities after Baku.
The winner of the Grand Prix will have a chance to face the World Cup winner and compete for the World Chess Crown.
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