World Women Ch Saga Continues

Today it's time for a 3rd update on the Women World Championship saga. More players have cancelled their participation and FIDE President Ilyumzhinov wrote a letter to Georgian President Saakashvili.

The developments around the World Women Championship, scheduled for August 28 - September 18 in Nalchik, already led to a heated debate at our site. New developments keep on coming.

Two days ago, in a reaction to Chessbase's publication of the open letter of the Georgian players, Maia Lomineishvili remarked that eight more (non-Georgian!) players withdrew as well:

Dear ChessBase,

I would like to remark that when FIDE and the Organizing Comitee write that the open letter was written by Georgian chess players they never say that it was later signed by eight more players from different countrys. They all agree with us 100%, that this champioship should be moved to another place. Here are their names:

1. Irina Krush, USA 2. Claudia Amura, Argentina 3. Monica Socko, Poland 4. Iweta Rajlich, Poland 5. Anna Gasik, Poland 6. Ketino Kachiani-Gersinska 7. Tea Lanchava-Bosboom, The Netherlands 8. Marie Sebag, France

These are playes whom we were able to contact. I'm sure that if we had the emails of others they would suport us as well. So, please, if you have a chance, ask them to contact us at one of the following addresses:

* info@gcf.org.ge * wchampionship@yahoo.com

Many thanks and best regards IM Maia Lomineishvili, Georgia

In an attempt to save the Women World Championship, FIDE President Ilyumzhinov has now asked for Georgian President Saakashvili's assistence:

Elista, 21 August 2008

Mr. M. Saakashvili President Republic of Georgia

Dear Mikhail Nikolozovich!

I am addressing my letter to you on behalf of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and millions of aficionados of the wisest game on the planet in respect of the statement of the Georgian Chess Federation regarding participation of Georgia's representatives in the Women's World Chess Championship.

Following the decision of the FIDE Presidential Board regarding the said tournament, it is scheduled to be held in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russian Federation, from 28 August to 18 September 2008.

Six Georgian sportswomen- Maia Chiburdanidze, Leila Dzhavahishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Maia Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili, Nino Khurtsidze ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú received the right of participation, having gone through a most difficult process of selection, or, by a personal invitation, due to personal high rating. Highly esteemed Nona Terentievna Gaprindashvili has been appointed a member of the appeals committee of the tournament. Mr. Evgeni Melikset-Begi ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú is a member of a arbiters' board. Thus, it was supposed that the Georgian representation be one of the largest at this most prestigious event in women's chess. I think that one should not mention the level of authority and respect which is being enjoyed in the world by the Georgian chess school and its representatives, who personify intellect and beauty of Georgia.

Several days ago we all have become witnesses of a horrible humanitarian catastrophe. In my previous statements I have expressed my most sincere condolences to families of the catastrophe's victims and FIDE's position on this issue. Unfortunately, we are unable to change the dates and venues of the Championship.

Fully realizing all complexity of the present situation for the Georgian chess players and understanding their dear wish to defend honour of their country at the chess board, I am appealing to you for your kind assistance in providing the sportsmen with conditions for smooth participation in the World Championship. This is especially valuable and urgent during the days of the Olympic Games.

Looking forward to your understanding.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov President