Rostov Hosts Chess Tournament, Attracts the Most Intelligent Women on the Planet

ROSTOV, Russia, Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of the most intelligent women on the planet, the chess grandmasters, have gathered in the Russian city of Rostov for the Women's Chess Grand Prix. The event, which opens the 2011-2012 Grand Prix cycle, takes place from August 1 to August 15, 2011 and is likely to become one of the most significant tournaments in the history of women's chess because of the players lineup.

Top-seeded, the incumbent champion, Hou Yifan of China, the two former world champions, Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia and Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria, as well as the world championship title challenger Humpy Koneru of India are the highest ranked female players in the world.

Rostov, a city located on Don river near the Azov sea 1000 miles south of Moscow, regularly hosts world-class sporting events. The organizers, including the city's top officials and the local chess federation, made sure the players enjoyed their stay in Rostov. "We are thrilled to host the smartest women on Earth. And we are very happy that the city hosts the Grand Prix that is so important to the chess enthusiasts around the world," said Sergey Gorban, the vice-governor of the Rostov region.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the president of the World Chess Federation, or FIDE, said at the opening ceremony that Rostov can be used as an example of the city which not only greatly supports chess, but also uses it for the benefit of its citizens. "Rostov is introducing the 'Chess in Schools' program which is proven to greatly improve children's math skills. Also, by hosting an international chess event, the city raises its international awareness and competitiveness," said Ilyumzhinov.

A week into the tournament, Hou Yifan emerges as the leader. The players had resumed the tournament after a short break and will play final rounds on August 14. The Grand Prix prize fund is 40,000 Euro. The next events in the Grand Prix cycle will take place in 2011-2012 in Turkey, Russia, Armenia and China.

To follow the tournament and check scores, visit the FIDE website at www.fide.com.

Michael Thompson
Chess Communications
+1 917 475 6452

SOURCE Chess Communications