19 September 2008, 17:18
Winners of the world chess championship awarded in Nalchik
On September 18, the city of Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, hosted a ceremony of rewarding ladies-winner of the Women's World Chess Championship.
President of Kalmykia Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who is also President of the International Chess Federation, awarded the gold medal to Alexander Kostenyuk, the first Russian woman-chess player in history, who has become World Chess Champion among Ladies. Another award to the winner - a crown in the form of a diadem made of white and yellow gold and decorated with 46 brilliants and three big sapphires - was handed over to the winner by President of Kabardino-Balkaria Arsen Kanokov. The Russian chess player has stated that she was happy to bring the chess crown back to Russia.
The leader of Kabardino-Balkaria has noted that the championship had huge value for Kabardino-Balkaria. "First of all, this improves the image of the Republic. It is very important that citizens of different countries saw Northern Caucasus with their own eyes," he said.
The fight for the chess crown was started by 64 players. The tournament brought an immediate surprise: two previous world champions - Chinese Xu Youhuo and her predecessor from Bulgaria Antoinette Stefanova - unexpectedly left the competition in the second and fourth rounds. The Chinese Hou Ifon, 14, is the Vice-Champion. The bronze medals were awarded to Humpi Koneru from India and Pia Kramling from Sweden.
Author: Luiza Orazayeva, CK correspondent
