The Opening
Ceremony of the 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-Hitmidelivered 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.
