Below is a brief synopsis of
the issues discussed at the FIDE Presidential Board Meeting, held in Athens, Greece, May 31-June 1. Topalov-Kamsky - The match will be played in Lviv, Ukraine from November 26th - December 15th. Unfortunately the timing of this match, just two days after the Olympiad ends, means that it is unlikely that Gata will be playing for the US team. It was the only time available on the crowded FIDE schedule. That said, it will still conflict with the FIDE Grand Prix in Doha, Qatar which will begin on December 13th.
Women's World Championship - The Women's World Championship tournament is now scheduled to be played in Nalchik, Russia from August 28th -September 18th. The tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Argentina, but the organizers withdrew at the last moment due to financial problems.
For those of you who are not professional geographers, Nalchik is the capital of the Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria which is located in the northern Caucasus about 100 miles from Grozny the capital of Chechnya. Not exactly the ideal vacation spot. On the bright side, we have had assurances that the area is safe, and the prize fund will be $450,000.
Global Chess - The FIDE Presidential Board approved the transfer of 50% of Global Chess stock to the company Chess Lane SA, which is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Chess Lane SA is owned by the Russian-Israeli business man, David Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan has a lot of energy so hopefully he will be able to secure sponsors for chess, which at the moment are in short supply.
World Mind Sports Games - This looks like a very interesting event. It will be held in Beijing, China from October 3rd - 18th. Chess will be one of four events. The others will be Bridge, Draughts and Go. China will pay the participants airfare on Air China plus room and board. One caveat: There will be drug-testing in Bridge and Chess because they are recognized sports by the IOC.
The games will include team, mixed doubles and individual events. The only real cost for the players are the entry fees. These are 300 Euros per (4 person) team, 150 Euros for mixed doubles, and 75 Euros for individuals. FIDE is hoping that a large number of federations will attend, and they will be sending out new information to all federations. Ed.Note- John Donaldson is spear-heading the initiative to form a U.S. team and he will provide more details soon.
Titles - Ray Robson was awarded the IM title.
Walter Brown and Sevan Muradian were awarded the FIDE Arbiter title.
Sevan was also awarded the International Organizer title.
Congratulations to all.
Bill Kelleher
Vice President
FIDE