Photo report from Turkey
The Opening Ceremony of the Women’s World Chess Championship was held in the Hotel Anemon. It was attended by the President of Turkish Chess Federation Ali Nihat Yazici, the governor of Hatay M.Celalettin Lekesiz, and the mayor of Antakya Lutfu Savas who welcomed the participants. During drawings of lots the World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk chose the rose with the white earring which means that in all odd matches the players with better rating will have white pieces.
Current World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk commenting during the opening ceremony
Armenians gunning for top positions – Elina Danielian and Lilit Mkrtchian
Pia Cramling (Sweden), one of the hidden favorites of the Women World Chess Championship. She is the European Chess Champion
India is one of the most represented countries at the final – at the championship are present Humpy Koneru, Harika Dronavalli, Kruttika Nadig, Meenakshi Subbaraman, and Soumya Swaminathan
Muzychuk sisters, Anna playing for Slovenia and Mariya for Ukraine, together with Anna Ushenina
Ex World Champion Antoaneta Stefanova will have a very strong second for this event, Ivan Cheparinov, in search of another title
Official site: http://wwcc2010.tsf.org.tr/