FIDE President added that the previously planned mass side events were canceled, and announced a trilingual broadcasting – in English, Russian, and Chinese.
Anatoly Karpov, the 12
th World Champion, shared his vast winning experience:
"In order to win such tournament, one needs energy, health, and calm nerves. Tournament-specific preparation and general opening knowledge are needed, too. The participants of this event won many tournaments during their careers – they are truly cream of chess world."
The great chess player told about the history of chess development in the Urals. "We have never had such a high-level competitions in Sverdlovsk Region or in Yekaterinburg. However, the Ural chess school has been developing rapidly in the recent years, and the Chess Federation of the Sverdlovsk Region in now one of the most active in Russia. I believe this tournament will be held at the highest level. The player have ideal conditions, they will live and play in the same hotel", said Karpov.
Andrey Simanovsky, President of Chess Federation of the Sverdlovsk Region:
"We never had an event of this magnitude in our city. I think it will give a good impulse to promoting chess in the region. I became a president of the regional chess federation rather recently, but already recognized how exciting the chess world is, and how many extraordinary people are here. In my opinion, chess is the most peaceful, intelligent, and prestigious sport."
Mr. Simanovsky also showed medals that will be awarded to the winners of the Candidates Tournament.
"Our work in the information security industry is very similar to chess game. It represents constant confrontation and requires strategic thinking. In cybersecurity the ability to defend is crucial, every detail matters. In chess also one wrong move can change the course of the game. Therefore, Kaspersky is the official cybersecurity partner for FIDE World Championship. We are happy to be involved in such mind sport which cannot be imagined without the use of computer algorithms, " comments
Marina Usova, Head of Corporate Sales, Kaspersky.
W. Sean Ford, COO of Algorand, sent a message to the participants:
"As one of the leading blockchain organizations, we are honoured to join a lineup of other industry leading partners in supporting chess," said. "We look forward to being a part of the Candidates Tournament in Russia, where chess has been a longstanding tradition and produced some of the most skilled chess players in the world."
The official opening of the tournament will take place on 16th March at 7 PM at the Congress Centre – Ekaterinburg Expo. Before the beginning of the ceremony, between 6:15 and 6:45 PM, members of the media will be able to meet with officials and the participants.
Grandmaster
Kirill Alekseenko:
"This is my debut in a competition of such caliber. First of all, I am very grateful to Sima-Land company and Andrey Moiseevich Simanovsky in particular, and to FIDE for getting an opportunity to play in the Candidates Tournament, a tournament of the utmost importance for every chess player. Naturally, I will be playing for a win, as only the first place gives a chance to challenge Magnus Carlsen."
The first round will be played on March 17. Pairings: Vachier-Lagrave – Caruana, Ding Liren – Wang Hao, Giri – Nepomniachtchi, Grischuk – Alekseenko.
The match days: March 21-23, 25-27, 29-31, and April 2-3. Rest days: March 20, 24, 28, and and April 1. The beginning of all rounds will be at 4 PM local time, except for the 14th round, which will start at 3 PM local time.
The venue is Hyatt Regency Ekaterinburg. The prize fund is 500,000 Euros.
The organizers of the FIDE Candidates Tournament are the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Chess Federation of Russia (CFR) as well as the Government of the Sverdlovsk Region and the Chess Federation of the Sverdlovsk Region.
Partners: Sima Land - the title sponsor of the FIDE Candidates Tournament
Algorand - official blockchain partner
Kaspersky - official cybersecurity partner
Mercedes-Benz Russia - official auto partner
PJSC PhosAgro - General partner of the CFR
Pine Creek Golf Resort and SILA International Lawyers - partners
Official website
https://en.candidates-2020.com