FASHION FOR CHESS

President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who was in Baku during the 42^nd World Chess Olympiad, has recently been an object of media coverage due to US sanctions and reports of problems in the Federation. R+ seized an opportunity to interview Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and clarify all the rumors about FIDE and get answers to all questions about the international development of chess.

- We can hear lots of rumors about FIDE during the recent months. There was even a statement about the bankruptcy of the International Chess Federation. Is it really the case?

- I could not even imagine that the interview would start with such an interesting question. First of all, I would like to say that Azerbaijan has organized the Chess Olympiad, which is one of the biggest competitions in the world, at the highest level. We will definitely remember the festive atmosphere of the event held in Baku. If the FIDE were in poor condition, would it be possible to hold such a competition together with Azerbaijan? Certainly, every organization is experiencing some difficulties. However, there is no need to dramatize the situation or blow up the rumors.

- Why such unpleasant rumors go about FIDE?

- The International Chess Federation is one of the largest sports organizations in the world. Today it consists of 187 countries. Each year we organize more than 100 thousand tournaments. These facts should make everyone to think about the scale of events. The Federation is a very influential sports organization. Therefore, it is always in the spotlight. Similar information is disseminated about any other sports federation.

- Let me specify the question. Does FIDE have financial difficulties?

- When I was elected the president, we had a lot of financial difficulties. I recall that in the 90s, FIDE was indeed looking for ways to solve serious problems. We could not even find necessary funds to hold the World Cup. At the same time, a few renowned players had sought to create an alternative organization. Back in that time, chess was not as popular as it is now. Today, more than 600 million people throughout the world play chess. Our goal is to increase this number up to one billion. Currently we organize Grand Prix tournaments annually. Every 2 years, we hold the World Cup and Chess Olympiad. The tournament calendar is approved and adopted by all members of the Federation. We have managed to save the chess family from splitting. Many organizations experience financial difficulties. But there are always ways to address the issue.

Unlike other sports, chess does not earn a lot of money from broadcasts and ticket sales. But it is possible to solve this problem as well. Now it has become a fashion to play chess. It makes me very happy.

- The next tournament to determine the world chess champion will take place in November. Magnus Carlsen and Sergey Karjakin will meet face to face in the United States. Will you be there as FIDE’s president?

- As you know, I cannot visit the United States currently due to the known sanctions. I had to visit the States to make necessary preparations for this meeting but I failed. The measures taken against me limit the powers of FIDE. I could, as a leader, to oppose the meeting between Carlsen and Karjakin in the United States. I will not do it because the most important thing is the organization of high-level tournament. There is a number of important documents that need to be signed. However, at present, I cannot deal with the organization of events of the World Championship. I have delegated the authority to sign important documents to Vice-President of FIDE Georgios Makropoulos. The grand meeting between Carlsen and Karjakin will take place. This will be our present to the American chess fans. Hopefully, it will stimulate the development of chess in the United States. We dream of the return of Bobby Fischer’s era.

- What will be the future of FIDE? Will the presidential elections be held in the coming years?

- The Presidential Council and the General Assembly continue to work. FIDE as a whole has operated at the highest possible level. The visit of the members of Congress to Baku confirms this. The elections for leadership positions at FIDE shall be held every four years. We have two years until the next round of elections. The dates and venues of several tournaments were approved at the General Assembly meeting held in Baku. As the highest authority of chess, we continue to implement the necessary projects for the development of chess. The chess family is expecting big projects. We are interested in continuing the development.

- Who will you support during the World Champion tournament, the Norwegian Magnus Carlsen or Sergey Karjakin representing Russia?

- I am fond of both of them. As the FIDE President, I wish that the strongest player wins. The more interesting is the competition, the greater will the chess be promoted. Please note that the virtual tickets will be sold for the event in the United States. Anyone anywhere in the world will be able to watch the games via Internet. In addition, you can choose a place in the hall. This will create the opportunity to virtually sit next to Karjakin and Magnus Carlsen. At present, both players are the leaders of the world chess. The average age of applicants for the title of world champion is 25 years. Both Carlsen and Karjakin are young grandmasters. Carlsen has been able to retain his title of the world champion twice. This year, we will follow the most interesting encounter in the world of chess.

- Azerbaijan loves chess and promotes them. What projects will be implemented in the future related to our country?

- Azerbaijan is one of the centers of world chess. President Ilham Aliyev is very fond of chess. He has honored us having made the first move in the first round of the Chess Olympiad in Baku. Azerbaijan is the country, where the State Program for the development of chess was signed for the first time in history.

A number of reputable chess competitions are held in Azerbaijan every year. This includes the tournaments Baku Open, Nakhchivan Open and the tournament dedicated to the memory of Vugar Gashimov (Shamkir Chess). In the coming years, Baku can hold the chess olympiad among children. It is also possible to hold one of the Grand Prix tournaments in the capital of Azerbaijan. At the end of this year, we will hold consultations with the Azerbaijan Chess Federation on this matter.