The FIDE team comprising Geoffrey D. Borg and Israel Gelfer, CEO and vice-president respectively, made a visit to Hotel Hyatt Regency on Thursday to inspect facilities for the world chess championship between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen. They were extremely pleased with the arrangements made by the organising committee so far.
Speaking to newspersons here on Friday, Israel Gelfer said, “I am fully satisfied with all the arrangements, and Hyatt has been co-operating with us.
“I am sure this event will be one of the best in the history of the world championships.
“We expect millions to watch the matches live on the internet.”
While responding to the illness clause, Gelfer explained that it was earlier called ‘timeout’. He also said Anand “has been gracious and accepted it in a friendly way.”
D.V. Sundar, vice-president, FIDE, said the championship will be held from Nov. 7 to 27, with the opening ceremony on seventh and the first game on ninth. If the match goes to regulation 12 games, it will end on November. 25. If it doesn’t, a tie-breaker will be played to determine the champion on 27th.
Sundar further said that they are in discussions with Doordarshan for live telecast of matches.
Bharat Singh, CEO, All India Chess Federation, said AICF has taken all precautions to ensure the system doesn’t collapse even if millions across the globe watch it live on the internet.
V. Hariharan, secretary, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (and AICF), spoke about the association’s plans of conducting several tournaments in the city and districts as a build-up to the championship.
Sunjae Sharma, general manager, Hyatt Regency, said, “when Carlsen came to the hotel, his chef spoke to our Norwegian chef (staff) and it was a fruitful meeting.”
