Venue set for Kamsky v Topalov

Lvov, Ukraine to host match

After many delays, extended deadlines and negotiations behind the scenes, the date, venue and prize fund for the Gata Kamsky (pictured)  - Veselin Topalov semi-final candidates match has finally been announced.

The 8-game match will take place from 26th November - 11th December 2008 in Lvov, Ukraine  The prize fund for the players is $750,000 - FIDE also get $150,000 plus $35,000 expenses.  The choice of Ukraine over Sofia (in Topalov's home of Bulgaria) is already a small victory for Kamsky, whose manager, Alexander Chernenko put together the Lvov bid.  The Sofia bid had been worth $150,000.

The winner of this match earns the right to face the winner of the Anand - Kramnik World Championship match being held later this year.