Women's World Championship Begins

Despite some much publicised off-the-board battles, and the consequent absence of some strong Georgian players from the event, the Women's World Chess Championship kicks off tomorrow (29 August) in sunny Nalchik, Russia.

A total of 53 entrants are taking part, including reigning champion Xu Yuhua of China, and former champ (and winner of the recent North Urals Cup super-tournament) Anoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria.

Aside from the title and a cool $60,000 the winner will receive a crown decorated with 46 diamonds and 3 large sapphires.

The tournament will follow a knock-out format, with paired players playing 2-game matches with each other (and rapid tie-breaks if needed) until there are just two players left to challenge each other in a 4-game final.

The entrants include:

UPDATE: The highlighted players below are NOT taking part in the event.