Russia-Chess News just a little while ago published an article about Russian President Vlad Putin appearing at a children’s competition at Dagomys (Hotel) earlier in the day:

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”Dagomys has welcomed officials of Russian and world chess organizations. The main reason is the children’s competition Belaya Ladya (The White Rook), which was visited by Vladimir Putin.

Russian chess federation website quotes Putin, “There was a time when chess lessons were held in every school at every district. It is great and pleasant that this tradition is being revived.” The president noted the rich chess traditions of Russia, “Chess is the most intellectual sport, we always took the leading positions in all international ratings,” he said.

 Karpov held a simul on 73 boards. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov made the first move in one of the games.

“Kirsan Nikolayevich, as a well-known chess player, will play е2-е4,” Putin laughed, Ilyumzhinov did so. “The assignement is fulfilled.”

According to R-Sport, later the president had a talk with FIDE president behind closed doors.”

(Note that a written  english translation of Putin’s remarks can be found HERE.)

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Photos by Vladimir Barsky

Ian Nepomniachtchi, Anatoly Karpov, Dmitry Peskov, Gennady Timchenko, Alexander Zhukov

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BREAKING NEWS!

There is a rumor circulating that the chess Olympiad might be transferred to Sochi if the Norway organizers fail to guarantee that they can hold the event as originally planned.  More on this when details become public.