Sixth FIDE Women Grand Prix has started!

Fide.com

The Opening Ceremony of the of Women’s Grand Prix chess tournament was held next to the sea in the Sharq Village and Spa in Doha on February, 21st, 2011.   It was attended by the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE Honorary Vice President Mr. Khalifa Mohammed Al-Hitmi and other officials. Mr.  Khalifa Mohammed Al-Hitmi delivered a greeting speech to all participants and guests. FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov greeted all players and guests of the event and used an opportunity to congratulate all Women on the forthcoming International Women`s Day.  - I would like to thank the Qatari authorities, Qatar Olympic Committee, Chess Federation of Qatar and FIDE Honorary Vice President Mr. Khalifa Mohammed Al-Hitmi for their generous support and help in organization and preparation of this great event which was carried from Santiago, Chile due to the terrible earthquake happened last year.  The chess players during the national anthem of Qatar. Five former World Champions were presented on the opening ceremony: Xu Yuhua, Maia Chiburdanidze, Nona Gaprindashvili, Antoaneta Stefanova and Zhu Chen. During drawings of lots the rating favourite Humpy Koneru chose the number one.  General photo with players and oficials. The participants of the Woman national team of Qatar.