28 August to 18 September in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
As already mentioned on the weekend while FIDE Presidential Board was ongoing in Athens, World Women’s Championship 2008 will be held in Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria (Russian Federation), from 28 August to 18 September with a prize fund of $450.000 USD. FIDE has approved the list of qualifiers and the schedule of the Championship.
The event was originally entrusted to organisers from Argentina, but they eventually had to withdraw from the process after internal problems have occurred. Since then, FIDE has been looking to find a new host, but first Turkey and then Azerbaijan (during the FIDE Grand Prix) politely backed away from the honour. FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov once again pulls a pair of aces out of nowhere to ensure that match Kamsky-Topalov and World Women’s Championship take place as planned.
Some of the interesting articles in the player’s contracts:
- During the tournament, players will have to give interviews and make appearances as described in article 3.13.3 of the Women’s World Championship Regulations.
- For the two years following the Championship, the Women’s World Champion shall agree to promote chess around the World and be ready to attend promotional events at no fee but with her expenses paid by FIDE provided the prescribed date(s) for the promotion are not in conflict with any established tournaments in the calendar. This period of promotion shall not exceed fourteen days in total (excluding days of travel).
- Players will be required to wear clothes or apparel with special branding from sponsors when specifically approved
by the FIDE President.
The full Player’s Undertaking (pdf). The deadline to confirm participation is 17 June 2008.
28 August 2008 – Opening Ceremony/Player’s Meeting
29-30 August 2008 – Round 1
31 August 2008 – Tiebreaks
1-2 September 2008 – Round 2
3 September 2008 – Tiebreaks
4-5 September 2008 – Round 3
6 September 2008 – Tiebreaks
7-8 September 2008 – Round 4
9 September 2008 – Tiebreaks
10-11 September 2008 – Round 5
12 September 2008 – Tiebreaks
13 September 2008 – Free Day
14-17 September 2008 – Final match
18 September 2008 – Tiebreaks/Closing Ceremony