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Friday, January 14, 2011

OPEN LETTER to FIDE about the WWCC 2010



Hello everybody!

BREAKING NEWS: We have just received news about the OPEN LETTER signed by many of the recent 2010 Women's World Chess Championship in Hatay, Turkey.

The letter is published below. In summary, players complain about the poor level of organization, and ask FIDE to take steps to improve the situation before the next Women's World Chess Championship.



Open letter regarding the Women’s World Chess Championship 2010 in Antakya/Hatay

We, the players of the Women’s World Chess Championship 2010 in Antakya/Hatay who have signed this document below, would like to share with the chess community and FIDE our thoughts about the level of the organization of the recent women's world championship.

The reason for this letter is to make the governing chess body, FIDE, aware of the problems that exist. We are chess professionals and would like to see the women’s chess world championship as the ultimate chess event which should be organized at the highest level. After qualifying for this prestigious event, we have to pay our own expenses to come and play in this championship. As such we would like to feel that we are the participants of a world chess tournament rather than are being overcharged, starting from the transfer and ending with the hotel.

There are certain points we neither understand nor accept, and to avoid disappointments in the future, we would like to express them now, so that next time around, the same problems do not occur.

Hotel and location:

Full board in the Hotel Anemon Antakya for the participants of the championship cost 130 Euros. The regular price for the same hotel with no food is 60 Euro per day. The hotel was located far away from the center of Antakya on a noisy, dirty road with nowhere towalk around.
Some players tried to book their rooms through the official website of the hotel, where the room price per day was about 65-75 €, including breakfast. Obviously the remaining 60 € could be spent for a very adequate lunch and dinner. But they were informed that the hotel was booked out, and it was impossible to book a room without going through the organising committee.

Even though normally only the players are forced to stay in the official hotels, in Turkey everybody who came with a player needed to stay in the same official hotel. Which made the participation in the world championship even more expensive for players who decided to come with their trainers. It's an easy way for the organizers to force the players to pay more than they should.

The participants were given rooms in a four-star hotel, overlooking a dirty and very noisy highway, with unhealthy air conditions and nowhere to go walking at all! The walls between the rooms were so thin, the players could hear what was going on in the rooms next to theirs. Due to to all these conditions, the level of rest and preparation needed for players for such an important event was lower than usual.

Comparing to Nalchik 2008, where the players were obliged to pay only for accomodation and could buy lunch and dinner either in the hotel or in restaurants nearby, in Antakaya we didn’t have a choice. We had to pay for the food, but in the first few days the players were left starving, since the size of the portions offered were quite small and there was no buffet to choose from. In such important events as the world championships, since participants from all over the world are taking part in the event, we believe that some variety of food has to be proposed.

The price of 130 €, given the location and market conditions, was unreasonably high, and players and their families had no choice but pay for poor service at prices far above market value to the organizers.

Considering all of the above, we would like to ask FIDE that even though the prize fund hasn’t changed or improved since 2001, at least the venue of the championship shouldn’t become more expensive, and the event should not be located in places where conditions seem bad and unhealthy for the participants.
Transfer & Registration Fee

The participants were charged 40 € for a ten-minute trip from the airport to the hotel. A local taxi would have been DRASTICALLY cheaper, and these taxis had room for at least three players. So basically we were being overcharged!

The players were also asked to pay a "registration fee" or deposit of 100 Euros, which is something new for the World Championship, and not convenient for the players.

Organisation

Even though, this time, there were no politically interfering circumstances as in Nalchik, most players seemed disappointed when comparing this World Championship to previous editions. There we were no guides or warm welcomes for the participants in Turkey.

The first game of the first round was played in the Archeological Museum of Antakya which is a very beautiful place but was absolutely unacceptable for a serious chess tournament. All the noise of the road was heard inside the Museum and was disturbing to the players. A decision to move even a single round from the regular hall to another location is absolutely unacceptable for such high profile events.

There were also not enough qualified arbiters for the first rounds, especially for the tie-breaks. From the coverage of the championship, you could learn that coaches and other players who didn’t play helped the organizers to monitor the rapid games during the tie-breaks.This should be absolutely avoided.

Next Steps:

The 2010 Women’s World Championship was a real disappointment for most of us. The impression we got was that the organizers wanted to spend the least amount of money, while earning as much as possible from the players, which is unacceptable for such high profile events.
Therefore, in order to avoid such unpleasant situations in the future, we ask FIDE to take more serious steps for choosing a city-candidate for such important events. A FIDE representative, preferably a female player, should visit a site which is bidding for such an important event before it is accepted as the venue by FIDE. Before being accepted, the organizer of a future world championship should sign a special contract with FIDE, guaranteeing minimum quality of organization. All the points we discussed in this letter (quality of hotel, food, opening and closing ceremonies, hall of play, payments from players, etc.) should be specified in this contract and none of these should be changed before the event or without notifying FIDE.

We are also asking FIDE to improve the contract that all the participants sign before the world championship, as some points are not acceptable such as the requirements for the players to wear any clothes or brands that FIDE proposes (point 4.4).

The contract between FIDE and the players for the upcoming world championship should include the name of the hotel and the exact price the player will need to pay and exactly for what services. That price should be reasonably close to market prices for those accommodations.
We hope that FIDE will take into serious consideration this open letter and will make sure all these very important questions are addressed in order to ensure all future events are held with fair conditions for the players.

Elina Danielian
Nana Dzagnidze
Jovanka Houska
Tatiana Kosintseva
Alexandra Kosteniuk
Maia Lomineishvili
Evgenia Ovod
Amina Mezioud
Lilit Mkrtchian
Elisabeth Paehtz
Anna Muzychuk
Maria Muzhychuk
Natalia Pogonina
Marina Romanko
Irina Slavina
Soumya Swaminathan
Anna Zatonskih
Natalia Zhukova
(in alphabetical order)

Please feel to leave comments, constructive criticism, and suggestions for improvement.

Posted on Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog


162 comments:

  1. An event of such a magnitude must be an icon of perfection. This seems to be a litany of woes, actually. Good that you are bringing up these on the international platform and presumably FIDE will spruce up things at the next gala event.

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  2. Sebastian Wolff, MarylandJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Very sad to read all this. Yes, we did hear that some players did their own cooking and frankly the live telecast was off track because on chessdom live telecast the game would end but the camera would show the players still playing. As a chess player myself - though not of that level - i understand how important playing conditions are. They are crucial for the players actually. The tendency of organizers trying to earn as much as possible is visible in even regular tournaments all over the world. I support all the suggestions made in the letter. Kudos to all the women players who have signed the letter. Congratulations for taking the lead to start a change for the better for everyone and not being focused on just yourself.

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  3. Great Alexandra. Thanks for supporting this cause. Am sure it will set some reform in motion and the next championship won't see such problems.
    Kenneth Haslow
    HK

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  4. Alexis Cochran, New ZealandJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    I suggest FIDE draw up a panel of four volunteers from the contestants of the Hatay Women's World Championship plus a men's grandmaster volunteer to okay the playing conditions and other accommodation, food etc. situation before the next world championship is held.

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  5. sita edwards, torontoJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    All this is really unfortunate. It shouldn't have happened in the first place. After all chess players are heroes and they too need to be treated like soccer stars or cricketers for that matter. On the face of it such issues look trivial but even a small sense of discomfort during an international tournament can affect one's performance and that cannot be compromised. Good that you are taking up the issue.

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  6. All world championships should be held in well-known international cities only or national capitals.

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  7. Michael Mia, Honk KongJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    I suggest an independent panel to look into matters like accommodation, food, travel, comfort, etc, so that our grandmasters put up grand shows and lighten up the world of chess around the world.
    Kudos to all the signatories.--Michael Mia

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  8. I think we need to draw a list of cities which have the resources and infrastructure to handle events of this kind.
    Lina, Kathmandu

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  9. Saira Fernando, MadridJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    It is sad that a championship of this level was held in such a hotel. Was it really four-star? Sounds like two-star really. I've been to the best of three- to five-star hotels but these conditions I doubt if they exist. In any case A five-star is the done thing for this level of competition. Would the men have played in such conditions? The organizers must have thought that it is easy to take for granted the women chess players. I congratulate the women who have spoken up. Keep it up. You make us proud.

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  10. lets roll out a set of global chess standards (for accommodation and related issues) and if they are not followed by the host country or city, we don't consider their requests to hold int tourneys there in future. V Subiah, Chennai

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  11. international women's chess tournaments must be of the same standard as those of the men.
    let's be fair to the fair sex.
    george neville, ohio

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  12. i hope you people got proper food to eat there. sad to hear all this.

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  13. i never knew this kind of stuff happens at international level events. sad sad sad.
    joan from canberra

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  14. Hi this is Kenneth from Sheffield. Nice to hear that you gals have put up a brave face and said somewhere the standards were compromised. i am sure F.I.D.E. will look into all this and they next time you play, there will be no such problems.

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  15. i think the earth is too polluted for any kind of sport. next championship on the moon, probably. but on a serious note, congtrats for taking up the issue.
    g. smith

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  16. u girls and woman do grate job for chess. so good hotel is right for you play good game. good air also be given.
    b gurung. pokhra dist nepal

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  17. unfortunately, i am not on the forbe's list. no billionaire me, not even a millionaire. else i would have taken the burden of hosting all global chess events to perfection on my shoulders. you are my stars and even an iota of discomfort to you brings tears in my eyes. i really love you all and all i can do now is to support this letter that you have signed. hope it brings about the change you have desired.
    Ami, Chess fan from Capetown

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  18. ANY CHESS FANATIC LIKE ME WOULD SAY THAT WHATEVER YOU HAVE DONE IS PRAISE WORTHY. COOL THAT YOU ARE TAKING UP THESE MATTERS WITH FIDE AND WOULD SEE IT THROUGH.
    A FINN, SEATTLE

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  19. sad to hear they could not take proper care of such an august gathering. oliver

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  20. even chess fans would have paid the bills... what's up with them..
    monk

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  21. 1. A special women's group comprising players who have participated in top level tournaments must okay the venues before hand.
    2. In case they do not like the arrangements ot facilities, the city must be disqualified at the initial level itself.
    3. besides there should be checks and balances so that nothing goes wrong.
    4. there must be a proper feedback mechanism to disqualify a country for further tournaments.
    5.the participants should be asked to rate the arrangements etc after the tourney.
    walter gibbs

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  22. Good effort. It will do good to those who play in future tournaments.
    Srinivas, India

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  23. u ppl hav bn so graceful. starving at an int meet is unthinkable. bt u plyd wid humility and let chess win. amazing grace all.
    graham north

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  24. let there be similar set ups for the men too and we will know where the fault lies. women'e chess aint that easy baby
    sheela coxton
    neverland

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  25. It's not just a problem with chess, but all sporting events in the recent years. The prices for marathon and other races in my city are going up and up without providing any better accommodations. You are absolutely right in to put your foot down and say that you shouldn't be treated like cash cows.

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  26. How unfortunate that in 2011, women must still actively pursue the cause of "equal accomodations". The effects of this issue has surely degraded their level of play...and THAT is even MORE unfortunate!

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  27. I bet the organizers would never get away with such shabby treatment of men players. Would they do such a thing at the Candidates? Definitely not. Why did the FIDE not monitor all this? Very sad. It is for the bravery of all these girls that they did not disrupt the tournament itself. Good you took up this issue. Would surely help in future. I strongly recommend an appraisal committee that should evaluate after tournaments of this level are held and organizers should be disqualified for poor arrangements possibly evenly penalised.

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  28. Janet Llewyn, LondonJanuary 14, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Oh Chess Queen I am so proud of you. You did a brave thing by taking up this cause because you know how some stupid people would say that you are saying these things because you lost. But DON'T YOU WORRY. YOU are the truest champion and you keep to your values no matter who says anything. It is great that all these girls have spoken up. It would do much for improving chess for women. Sad it happened at this level.

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  29. 1. It is very strange that this level of tournament was organized and the FIDE did not evaluate everything before? 2.Did the organizers realize the scope of the event and what level of tournament they were holding? 3. The FIDE should appoint a separate panel of five volunteers from the 64 participants of forthcoming world championship to clear a venue and organizational details before allowing a tournament to begin.

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  30. Amrit Puri, Knights Chess Club, New DelhiJanuary 14, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I don't get it. This was the World Championship right? Not some tournament. The FIDE is duty-bound to ensure that it is held properly. Unlike any other tournament the players are not there to really pay an entry fee etc so that the organizers earn like in any other tournament but are guests of the World Chess Federation. Is this the world championship or any open tournament?

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  31. Siddhartha Mohapatra, KolkataJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Do you think the FIDE is going to react to this?

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  32. Bravo. At least some girls spoke up. Shows solidarity. Otherwise no one is usually bothered about speaking up in these times. Who would risk it?

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  33. Sorry Chess Queen you had such a bad time. I would have made you stay at my place if only I knew. I visited the venue twice but it was difficult to meet you. I found a lot of confusion and I had to go back to college. But please do come again. Don't forget our city. Sorry about the organizers.

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  34. Muy valiente hablar sobre la situación. :((((((((((((((((((((((((

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  35. The only important thing now is if and will FIDE do something and surely the organizers should officially apologize for all this. FIDE should technically levy a fine against the organizers and players should be paid some compensation for suffering all this. That would show some respect to chess. They wouldn't have dared do this to men grandmasters.

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  36. Why such shabby treatment? FIDE should institute and inquiry. Punitive measures should be taken. This was the World Championship after all not a roadside event.

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  37. Very much surprised also saddened to hear of such low standards for the Women’s World Chess Championship Event. I offer my thanks for ChessQueen® Alexandra Kosteniuk's twitter accounts for bring this to our attention, and have hopes this won't happen again. Take care all times ~ Hânh

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  38. Very Sad to Hear, Alexandra, I followed the event via your reports and had no idea the treatment there and organization was so shabby. Such an event should be truly stellar.

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  39. Stefanova will not sign complain? Of course, she have not Macros permision...

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  40. had we, chess fans ,known that you all were being given such treatment, we would have launched a campaign then and there. better late than never.
    tamara,minsk

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  41. an open letter is the best way to say what you want in a fair way. so cool for supporting this cause.
    Gray

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  42. Why cant these things be done in their natural way. I mean the people who are supposed to look after certain arrangements must ensure everything is in place, especially weeks ahead of an int event. hope they learn their lesson well.

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  43. The chess fraternity (men and women) must unite for this cause, as it concerns everyone.
    ENQ

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  44. hi this is richard,
    why have such tournaments and committees if they cant manage them. else we would have just played in the open grasslands somewhere, somehow. chess will still live on. the idea is to uphold the standards expected at that level.things up this will better the int chess scene especially for women.

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  45. whhhhhat? thats soooo unbelievable. amie

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  46. Alexandra, You must invite suggestions from all chess players and fans to handle such situations so that this is not repeated.
    Warren Nathalu

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  47. i wonder what fide plans to do about this now? They must choose good cities to host tournaments.

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  48. How much did first round losers "earn" in prize money?

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  49. Justin Maslow, New YorkJanuary 15, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    Hello Alexandra, First I must congratulate you in taking up the issue and all the girls who signed this petition. I hope the FIDE would respond to this and more players - both men and women chess players - come forward to speak about the issue. Somebody has to speak up. Not as criticism but as evaluation so that things can improve. I hope the FIDE understands this and looks at the letter from that light. Very good that you people spoke up though I hoped that more girls would have been brave enough to sigh it. When one is alone then one can speak up for oneself easily but when you have no personal interest and you want things to improve then it take courage to speak. All the best.

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  50. Katie Chelmsford, LondonJanuary 15, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    http://news.am/eng/news/44637.html Just read about your letter at this link. Sad. So, now what? Will someone speak up? What the organizers have to say? Pathetic. I think it was all very sweet of you people not to disrupt the entire event otherwise it would have all been sabotaged then and there and been in international media. Pathetic.

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  51. What a shame. Goodness gracious. The World Championship. Why is the FIDE not saying anything why is everyone quiet from the organizers? We could do a better job with an international open tournament.

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  52. I think the organizers and FIDE owes not an apology but compensation to the players.

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  53. The prize money for 1st round loser was $3,750 but participants must pay for everything, airplane tickets for self and possibly accompanying persons, hotel, airfare(s), food. It's not a reason that they get a prize for the organizers to overcharge them. For many what's left over is the only money they have to pay for chess training all year long. For first round losers it's almost nothing.

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  54. This is disgusting. Yet another failure from the corrupt FIDE. In US tournaments, the hotel prices are often below market prices because the organizers got a volume based deal from the hotel- the idea that the organizers are profiting from the players, and for a world championship, is utterly unacceptable! I was surprised at the measured tone of the letter- it should have been angry and defiant- not meekishly asking that conditions be better next time. I agree with the above poster that FIDE should apologize and compensate the players. You people are the best in the world and deserve far better!

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  55. Saira Fernando, MadridJanuary 15, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Goodness gracious. I am unable to believe that this is the status of the Women's World Chess Championship. Kudos Chess Queen. You have really the guts to speak up even for first round losers. No one else do that. You're a real Queen. Hope something comes of this. At least fans are aware now. If I had the power, I would make FIDE give an answer and at least apologize to the girls. The organizers should speak up. But why would they? What do they have to say in defense. Hope you get more support Chess Queen and all the brave girls who signed this petition knowing full well that they would get criticized because they lost.

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  56. Very few people have the courage to speak up. Congratulations Chess Queen. Very sad to know all this. My sympathies for all the girls. What guts. What a sham this championship has been. Sorry but not everyone can do well in shabby conditions. They hold the championship to nurture chess or to fleece chess players of the stature of Chiburdanidze and others. Shocking.

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  57. Tracy Cadigan, ManchesterJanuary 15, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    The World Woman Chess Championship is going to be held in Antakya between 02-25 December 2010 with the sponsorship of the Municipality of Antakya.



    In the past two years The Municipality of Antakya has hosted the events below:
    The official website of the tournament states that the Antakya Municipality was the official sponsor of the event and lists the following two events it had held in the past -
    2009 Antakya Municipality Chess Tournament, 17-22 July 2009
    2010 Antakya Municipality Chess Tournament, 15-20 July 2010

    You mean such a high-profile event was entrusted to organizers who had held just two local tournaments? Is there no screening to choose right organizers for at least the world championship? They should have held it in Nalchik itself. But all said and done, the point is now what? Will someone apologize, will someone evaluate the whole thing or will this just go down in 'history' as another blogpost? Speak up Fide and organizers!

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  58. Such things need to change. Nice to hear that you are doing much about it. Hope the men too chip in and support the cause.
    Elizabeth

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  59. The hotel has no reviews on tripadvisor. Wow. It was the venue of the Women's World Chess Championship. Would Anand or any of the men's candidates players play there? What a mockery of women's chess. Great.

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  60. Chess Queen when you speak we like to hear. It is a shame that more players have not bothered to speak up too. You are brave. You risk so much by speaking. I salute you. As the Japanese would say - A Samurai. A true Samurai.

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  61. Bravo. It takes guts to speak up. Women of Substance - Go on. Everyone supports you. What a shame on Fide and the organizers. They should apologize - at least.

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  62. Очень грустно.

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  63. Were not these women some of the best women chess players of the world? Can the FIDE not afford to even pay them a proper prize money for the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP? Seems more like a local open tournament. I am amazed that the women even agreed to play. There should be an investigative panel set up by FIDE to look into the organization and submit a report on compensation to the players.

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  64. Ethan Richards, Sheffield, UKJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Not the right way to treat the Queen. Not the right way to treat any of the talented ladies at the championship. An inquiry panel should be set up. The organizers should be penalized and for all future tournaments of this level a guidelines should be issued - that is if Fide believes in improving things. Otherwise they can just sit which I believe they would do.

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  65. Nabin Pokharel, Kathmandu, NepalJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Why don't they draw up the contracts professionally and in consultation with at least the top 10 of the 64 participants and the defending champion plus any previous world champions?

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  66. Martha Bradbury, LondonJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    I think the problem of the whole thing was 1) Fide was not serious about the championship 2) Turkey is not a really great chess-loving/chess-understanding nation so they could not understand the import/level/importance/significance of the tournament. Now someone should have translated it all to the organizers and they could have done a better job I suppose. Come on FIDE WAKE UP.

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  67. I am amused that some important names are missing from this list. Maybe they don't have the courage to join the group or are too caught up in their own individual career plans. But everyone should speak up - or take a stand - either side. Ah well... you cannot find a Carlsen everywhere.

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  68. Why is Nadezhda on the list. Maybe sisters don;t agree. Just kidding. i know she didnt play. Otherwise we would have one more brave signatory to this letter.

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  69. R.J, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaJanuary 15, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Very silly state of affairs. There should be a women's committee in the Fide to take care of all this. Only if the committee clears then the championship should be held. Forget Antakya Chess Queen come and play in Malaysia.

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  70. Is there a way we could tell Fide to read this? I bet they are still sleeping. Why don't they conduct a survey and ask every single player and official involved in the championship to give their verdict. But maybe not the Chinese (wink)

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  71. Doesn't anyone have photos?

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  72. First round playing hall was terrible ! FIDE should take WWC much more serious than this...shame!

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  73. It is the foremost duty of the organizers - particularly at the World Championship - to ensure proper playing conditions. But then this was the Women's Championship. Where is Fischer? If we had a woman 'Fischer' she would teach the whole lot a lesson not being kind enough to sign open letters. What mockery of the whole event.

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  74. Very sad state of affairs for Women's chess. I also know that here in Canada our female national team had to pay most of their own expenses to play in the Olympiad in Khanty-Mansisyk. Things should be better than this. Cheers to Alexandra and the rest of the players who had the courage to bring this up! Doug Sly (Nelson, Canada)

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  75. I did not know it was so bad, as I followed the Chmapionship.
    I am really surprised to say the least
    Very brave thing to bring this up, it is so much easier to keep silent.
    I hope is leads to a good & fair treatment next time !

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  76. This is a terrible state of affairs that, unfortunately, has been repeated over and over and over again as part of the FIDE modus operandi when it comes to letting out tournaments. Through websites such as yours chess fans can at least now hear about these abuses and what our professional chessplayers (regardless of Federation) are subject to! I wonder how much the organizers got in kick-backs for this set-up and what the cut was for the Turkish Chess Federation? This is disgusting.

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  77. ME PARECEN EXCELENTES SUS EXIGENCIAS ALEXANDRA, ADEMAS PIENSO EN LO PERSONAL QUE SE QUEDAN AÚN MUY CORTAS; YO PIENSO QUE SE DEBE VALORAR LA MERITOCRACIA, LA DISTINCIÓN DE TENER UN ELO EXCELENTE, EL SOLO HECHO DE PODER PARTICIPAR EN UN EVENTO A NIVEL MUNDIAL DEBERIA SER RECOMPENSADO O PREMIADO CON LA EXONERACIÓN DE LOS GASTOS QUE GENERA DICHA PARTICIPACIÓN EN SU HONOR Y QUE USTEDES NO DEBERIAN GASTAR NADA DE SUS RECURSOS PROPIOS:
    1) QUE EL PAÍS ORGANIZADOR DEL CAMPEONATO DEBERIA CORRER CON TODOS LOS GASTOS DE LA DELEGACIÓN DE CADA PAIS, ALOJAMIENTO, ALIMENTACIÓN Y TRANSPORTE
    2) QUE LA FIDE HAGA UN SORTEO DE LOS PAISES QUE ASPIRAN Y CUMPLAN CON TODOS LOS ITEMS DEL PROTOCOLO Y QUE TIENEN LA CAPACIDAD DE REALIZAR EL EVENTO BRINDANDO LAS COMODIDADES INDISPENSABLES PARA CADA DELEGACIÓN EN LO REFERENTE AL ITEM ANTERIOR
    3) AL IGUAL QUE EN EL FOOTBALL, CADA FEDERACIÓN DE AJEDREZ DE CADA PAÍS DEBE BRINDAR O CORRER CON LOS GASTOS PARA CADA DELEGACIÓN, DE VIAJES, ALOJAMIENTO Y ALIMENTACIÓN Y ACABAR CON LA IDEA DE DEPORTE INDIVIDUAL Y DARLE EL VALOR MERITOCRATICO QUE REPRESENTA LA PARTICIPACIÓN DE LA MUJER AJEDRECISTA EN UN EVENTO A NIVEL MUNDIAL, QUE SE VALORE LA REPRESENTACIÓN COMPETITIVA DE CADA PARTICIPANTE Y QUE ESTO SEA SUFICIENTE PARA QUE CADA FEDERACIÓN DE AJEDREZ APORTE LOS GASTOS A CADA UNA DE USTEDES SIN RECURRIR A RECURSOS PROPIOS
    4) CON RESPECTO AL ALOJAMIENTO, RECORDEMOS UN POCO DE HISTORIA, EN EL CAMPEONATO MUNDIAL DEL AÑO DE 1972 BORIS SPASSKY VS ROBERT FISHER EN ISLANDIA LO IMPORTANTE QUE FUE Y REPRESENTO LAS CONSTANTES QUEJAS Y RECLAMOS DE LOS ASPIRANTES CON RESPECTO A TODOS LOS FACTORES QUE LE IMPEDIAN TENER SU MAXIMA CONCENTRACIÓN, RUIDOS, PÚBLICO, CAMARAS ETC
    Y MÁS AÚN EN EL SITIO DE CONCENTRACIÓN QUE DEBERIA ESTAR LIBRE DE TODA CONTAMINACIÓN VISUAL, AUDITIVA, BRINDANDO UN AMBIENTE ACOGEDOR, SILENCIOSO PARECIDO AL DE LAS BIBLIOTECAS
    5) CON RESPECTO A LA CALIDAD Y CANTIDAD DE LOS ALIMENTOS : ESTA DEBE ESTAR ASESORADA POR PERSONAL ESPECIALIZADO EN LA MATERIA COMO UN NUTRICIONISTA O DIETISTA, LO CUÁL DEBEN APORTAR LAS RECETAS QUE CUMPLAN CON EL CONTENIDO DE LAS CALORIAS QUE SE CONSUMEN EN UN DEPORTE DE ALTA CONCENTRACIÓN A NIVEL COMPETITIVO COMO LO ES EL AJEDREZ
    ATTE
    TU AMIGO PARA SIEMPRE
    DE COLOMBIA
    BORIS ALEXIS ARIZA OSORIO
    Aleselandhotmail.com, boris alexisariza Osorio faccebook

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  78. Proved excellent ALEXANDRA YOUR REQUIREMENTS, PLUS I THINK THE PERSONNEL ARE STILL VERY SMALL, I THINK YOU SHOULD EVALUATE meritocracy, ELO DISTINCTION OF HAVING AN EXCELLENT, THE ONLY MADE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EVENT SHOULD BE GLOBAL REWARD OR AWARDED TO THE WAIVER OF FEES TO GENERATE SUCH PARTICIPATION IN HONOUR AND YOU SHOULD NOT spend any of their own resources:
    1) THE COUNTRY SHOULD BE RUN CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANIZING ALL EXPENSES OF THE DELEGATION FROM EACH COUNTRY LODGING, FOOD AND TRANSPORT
    2) THAT MAKE A DRAWING FIDE Countries that aspire AND MEET ALL OF THE PROTOCOL AND ITEMS THAT HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE THE EVENT GIVING THE ESSENTIAL FACILITIES FOR EACH DELEGATION IN RELATION TO THE ABOVE ITEM
    3) AS WELL AS IN THE FOOTBALL EVERY CHESS FEDERATION OF EACH COUNTRY MUST PROVIDE OR RUN WITH THE EXPENSES FOR EACH OFFICE, TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD AND END WITH THE IDEA OF INDIVIDUAL SPORT AND GIVE THE VALUE of the participation meritocratic chess players WOMEN'S EVENT AT WORLD REPRESENTATION THAT COMPETITIVE RATE OF EACH PARTICIPANT AND THAT THIS IS ENOUGH FOR EVERY CHESS FEDERATION OF INPUT COSTS FOR EACH ONE OF YOU GO WITHOUT A CAPITAL
    4) WITH RESPECT TO HOUSING, REMEMBER A BIT OF HISTORY IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE YEAR OF 1972 VS Boris Spassky ROBERT FISHER IN ICELAND HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS AND IS THE CONSTANT COMPLAINTS AND CLAIMS OF CANDIDATES IN RESPECT OF ALL FACTORS THAT WILL prevented having its peak, NOISE, PUBLIC, ETC CAMERAS
    AND EVEN MORE CONCENTRATION ON THE SITE THAT SHOULD BE FREE FROM ALL VISUAL POLLUTION, HEARING, provides an atmosphere, SILENT LIKE THE LIBRARY
    5) WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF FOOD: THIS MUST BE ADVISED BY PERSONNEL IN THE FIELD AS A nutritionist or dietician, WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING THE RECIPE TO COMPLY WITH THE CONTENTS OF THE calories consumed in a sport HIGH CONCENTRATION AT COMPETITIVE AS THE CHESS
    ATTE
    YOUR FRIEND FOREVER
    DE COLOMBIA
    ALEXIS BORIS ARIZA OSORIO
    Aleselandhotmail.com, boris alexisariza faccebook Osorio

    Escuchar
    Leer fonéticamenteDiccionario - Ver diccionario detallado

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  79. we need to set high standards in women's chess, be it the game itself or anything related to it. keep up the good work.
    alan gomes

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  80. shameful and they still havent said a word - apologise fide

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  81. Dear Alexandra!
    It was obvious even from the photos I saw published during WWCC. Very poor conditions. You've being freezing out there. In Turkey in low-season they could find much better place.
    So, FIDE (Ilumzhinov) could have done much much better. Don't forget that most fabulous hotel in Turkey belongs to his friend from former Cherkizovsky Moscow market.
    FIDE and Mr.Ilumzhinov in particular didn't oversee the preparation and the venue for WWCC in a proper way. He is not the president of Kalmykia any more and has no excuses for slipping the things between his fingers.
    His re-election in Khanty-Mansyisk was clearly a mistake.
    SergeiTheBig (Twitter)

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  82. is it the same with the men's world championship or the men's candidates? I would suggest that this letter be filed as a formal complaint. Is it not too meek a letter for such a big issue?

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  83. What a disgrace how could all this happen with the world championship? Very taken aback to read this. If this is what is happening at that level then why do we need any association at all. Private sponsors can continue to hold top events and everyone can play. what a disgrace.

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  84. At least Round 1 participants should be compensated. - katie

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  85. Fide debe responder a esta carta

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  86. Most open chess tournaments are held much better than this.

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  87. Herbert Clayton, Jr. NevadaJanuary 16, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Dear Ms. Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk, all the signatories of this petition, readers and participants of this discussion. I join the forum late so most of my thoughts have already been commented. However, I would like to add a few things: 1) It is now the time to do something for the future than regret for what has happened 2) This debate should be taken to FIDE with an official letter by all the participants of the Women's World Chess Championship and any other retired women players who want to see change in the system. This is the time for solidarity and all players should come forward. Is it not possible that some grandmasters from the men's section also come forward? 3) Whether Fide decides punitive action or not, the approach should be to compensate players of the first round at the very least 4) Immediately a panel is set up to ensure the best possible organisation of all future events. 5) The Fide should look out for better sponsors and organizers who understand the essence, the passion and the value of chess as a sport and such events as a whole. Thank you. All the best all of you. Best wishes in the glory of chess, Herbert Clayton, Jr. Nevada

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  88. Has an investigation been started by FIDE or even the Turkish Chess Federation? Unless you girls take it up officially these people will just sit quietly. Where are all the other participants? Why don't they sign too? Now, all 64 participants should come forward.

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  89. Mr Kirsan should set up a separate women's fide section. Hand over all organization of women's events to this section. They hardly have that many major women's events.

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  90. Simeonis, ThessalonikiJanuary 16, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Oh god Alexandra - You really have guts to speak up. All the people who are jealous of you and hate you would say you're taking up this cause because you lost. BUT DON"T YOU WORRY. This is very good of you to speak up. At least the petition would be heard and taken notice of. It is nice that so many other strong players including one of my favourites Tatiana has signed this. Speaks volumes about you girls being brave. Everyone who has not signed this petition is possibly too scared about losing their prize money or scared of FIDE. AT LEAST things should improve now and FIDE would wake up.

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  91. Don't you know, they're talking bout a revolution, it sounds like a whisper, don't you know, they're talking bout a revolution...

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  92. "There were also not enough qualified arbiters for the first rounds, especially for the tie-breaks. From the coverage of the championship, you could learn that coaches and other players who didn’t play helped the organizers to monitor the rapid games during the tie-breaks.This should be absolutely avoided." - So Koneru's father and Hou Yifan's four coaches, Tatiana's sister and everyone else's friends and accompanying people helped the Turkish Chess Federation begin the world championship. This is laughable.

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  93. Forcing players to pay looks like the organizers wanted to get all the money they could. But how could such a gaffe take place? Very strange. it just means that didn't care about the championship. It was just to be held so it was held. No one was really bothered. But what now?

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  94. Did the organizers pay the non-players for helping with arbiter duties?

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  95. Silence of the Lambs.

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  96. It is very obvious that you girls did not disrupt the tournament. But did you people try talking to the organizers during it? A suggestion (not sure if someone has already suggested it.) Can an observer be appointed during such high profile tournaments - just two actually - the men and women's world championship. This observer would be like an observer at an election to monitor things and take up complaints etc. I wonder if any of the girls would be compensated or you would get any replies too. Good you spoke up though.

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  97. I just hope a witch hunt doesn't start from among the girls who have been brave to sign the letter. Kudos. Hope things improve. So much for being a chess fan. Feel let down.

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  98. Anyone speak to him or does he have something to say?

    The Director of Tournament: Mr. Melih SAGIT
    Phone : (+90) 309 75 94 / 119 Fax : (+90) 312 310 96 20
    Mobile phone : (+90) 530 640 05 50
    E-mail: melihsgt@tsf.org.tr; melihsgt@gmail.com

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  99. 3. 3. 7. For security and administrative reasons, all participants are expected to stay in the officially designated hotel(s).
    (So why were those accompanying the players forced to stay there too?)

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  100. Phone doesn't connect. is he on skype?
    Paula Edwards

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  101. 3. 10. Playing Conditions.
    3. 10. 1. Only the players, principals and steward (-es)s shall be allowed in the actual playing area except with the permission
    of the Chief Arbiter.

    So how come people accompanying players helped with arbiter duties?

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  102. I am surprised to read all this as a fan. What was the Appeals Committee doing? I never heard of tournaments being held like this. Thought it happened at only Open tournaments held by local organizers. Too bad.

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  103. Whoa. It's the women's tournament not the men's. So guess Fide won't bother to respond.

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  104. Most probably the Chinese didn't sign cause everything is official and government stuff in their case. Koneru, I think is too shy, or unavailable. Unfortunately, her national federation doesn't support her. Poor kid. She couldn't even represent her country in the Asian Games because her Fed not supporting her. Women chess players have a raw deal most of the time. I think this is also a feminist issue than for chess players. I do hope something comes of this. But what a shame in history. Doesn't feel good at all that the federation of my favorite sport would do this.

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  105. I had no idea this had been going on. I followed the tournament very closely, and I am surprised to say the least. Surprised, and extremely disappointed. One question for all of you in Internet land, what were the "politically interfering circumstances...in Nalchik"?

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  106. Alexandra, are you not worried your detractors will say you are doing this because you lost. Listen, you better be careful.

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  107. Patricia Greyhorn, AthensJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    Saw your tweet on the mail you got from the New York Times about the regarding the Open Letter to FIDE. I am sure this would build a momentum towards ensuring that something concrete is done so that such incidents are not repeated at the next world championship.

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  108. We all know that so many chess players faced problems at the tournament. so it makes no sense to say who signed the open letter and who did not. Those who did thought about the future of chess and those who didn't were perhaps too dumb or they muffled their inner voice under duress. Forget the history, talk about now-- the core issue is alive and kicking and someone has to take decisions.Viktor Adrian (LA)

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  109. Hi, This is Albert from Hong Kong.
    Hey, someone said why Hou did not sign. Well I am sure you know that she comes from China. Need we say more.

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  110. Dont criticise those who have signed the letter. remember how finicky most of our chess greats have been. thankgod this is a genuine issue and do something to fix it.
    Glen Mc'Clain, Worcestershire

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  111. Let's not get into meaningless discussions and come to the point. Fide needs to do somthing and they better for the sake of chess.

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  112. A classic case of inviting someone for dinner at home and then asking your guest to pay for the food and hospitality. great guts

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  113. Many changes are needed in women's chess. Think they should follow
    the World Men's Chess Championship pattern. Remember, the knockouts were dumped for men some years ago. I feel this system is better.

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  114. Lawrence Mathias, YorkshireJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    I thought FIDE had a propah foolproof system to hold such big events. If they cant even take care of food, cleanliness and accommodation wonder what kind of chess they are promoting.

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  115. Maybe this is the last such "open letter" the world of chess sees. maybe they reciprocate with appropriate action and plug all loopholes. maybe we see a better tournament the next time. maybe chess survives. maybe...

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  116. Good Morning Fide we are in 21st century.

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  117. I think its all very useless. Things could improve if the entire thing was managed professionally. But then that would require commitment and love for chess. So, where would you find that among organizers who are like that. It is only players who would have that love. So, for such events and for most top-level tournaments we just need more players for advice, evaluation, suggestions etc. We need a players' body, not an organizers' body.

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  118. Unless more players join in - both men and women chess players - there is little progress possible on this situation

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  119. if they (fide guys) don't react even after this letter chess had it ya. and
    men someday you will land in the same soup you refuse to recognise today, then no woman will come to your rescue.

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  120. sad to hear nothing from the men as yet,had bobby fischer been alive he would have supported the women on this.

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  121. poor level of organisation of the women's chess championships hurts. hope
    others will learn a lesson and bring fame to their countries. not shame like in this case. i still can't believe it happened here.

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  122. Larry Solomon, ColomboJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    why not have everything videographed or broadcast live on tv worldwide. all chess fans will surely watch and any issues or irregularities whatsoever will surface before everyone (even fide bosses). Look what happened in India before commonwealth games. the BBC showed images of poor arrangements before the games and thankfully everything little thing was sorted out by indian officials. The games were a success. let's follow the example.

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  123. Why not let women manage the World Women's Championship from next time. I
    am sure they are better managers than men. P. Allirajan, Warangal, India

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  124. Cheryl Palmer, DublinJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Oh thankyou my Chess Queen for signing the petition. You have lived up to you name. I know your efforts will see the light of day. I mean the queen is supposed to look after her subjects, right. LOL.

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  125. I support your letter with my hart.
    Charbis Olonga

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  126. ALEC. C. JONES STUTTGARTJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    IF FIDE SORTS OUT THIS ISSUE WELL AND GOOD. BUT IF THINGS REMAIN THE SAME, I WOULD ASK ALL THE CHESS PLAYERS TO BOYCOTT THE NEXT WOMEN'S WORLD
    CHAMPIONSHIPS. DON'T PLAY UNLESS THEY LOOK INTO UR GRIEVANCES. SOMETIMES U GOT TO TAKE A HARD LINE AS WELL.

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  127. I agree with @Larry - C.P.


    At January 17, 2011 6:27 AM , Larry Solomon, Colombo said...

    why not have everything videographed or broadcast live on tv worldwide. all chess fans will surely watch and any issues or irregularities whatsoever will surface before everyone (even fide bosses). Look what happened in India before commonwealth games. the BBC showed images of poor arrangements before the games and thankfully everything little thing was sorted out by indian officials. The games were a success. let's follow the example.

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  128. Chess like love demands respect and so do chess players like lovers. treat your love with disrespect and you lose it forever, the same is true with the game. so when someone brings your love (chess) into bad light, it becomes the duty of the lover (chess player or fan) to highlight the problem and sort it out. and you have done just that. great indeed.

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  129. I think Chinese, Indian or European, it's time that now every single participant at the championship is asked to send an opinion of the event organization to the fide. It should be made public and mandatory. Every participant must be asked to comment. A deadline can be set for replies. All said and done we Chinese are not that meek.

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  130. I don't know what more to suggest but I would still like to comment. Alexandra Kosteniuk and each of the girls who have signed this letter have spoken for Chess. That is not just commendable but something to be admired. I do hope things improve. I do hope more players join in and make suggestions. All the best. Edward, London

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  131. It's no use. Nothing would change. What could Carlsen's refusal to play in Candidates change? No one will even give a second thought to the whole thing. But I do have a point. Why were none of the organizers of any of the Grand Prix events asked to take charge of the World Championship? After an excellent show in Nalchik in 2008 why did they just treated this event so badly?

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  132. Tina David, New DelhiJanuary 17, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    I have read the letter and the various comments. Took me some time. I am not surprised really. What happened in Turkey shows that players' interests are not foremost as they should be. Now, I am also wondering about why some of the senior players like Maia, Stefanova, Chen got knocked out earlier. For them it would have been much more discomforting than for the lot of young players.

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  133. I think it's the wrong time to bring up this letter. Everyone is too busy in the Wijk aan Zee festival. :( But very sad that all this should have happened at the Women's World Chess Championship. At least for the two World Championships we should have organizers who have proven their mettle by holding some events before. I don't blame the organizers. I think it was all very new for them and just didn't know how to hold it. First time you see. Fide should have picked organizers more carefully. There should be some guidelines for choosing organizers.

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  134. Whoever heard of organizers trying to earn money from players of the World Chess Championship. Unbelievable. Dare they try earn from someone like Anand. Why should the women's event be treated differently? Speak up FIDE.

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  135. Class? Does anyone understand the class of chess and world champions? I feel this incident has marred the history of chess.

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  136. it's unfortunate that some players did not choose to speak up. they have actually marred the history of chess by silently witnessing the dirty spectacle and accepting all this nonsense.
    rini rafferty, london

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  137. all of you should have refused to play.

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  138. calling all chess players. ladies and gentlemen, please say no when basic conditions for playing at a world championship are missing. the chess world needs anther bobby fischer.
    nikita, oslo

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  139. And SHAME on the men for no supporting.
    Kavita Kalsi,Yercaud

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  140. kula hammonds, nigeriaJanuary 17, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    besides winning and losing, chess is also about creatively unleashing the powers of your mind across the 64 squares. so how do you play when you haven't have enough food, haven't slept well and are thinking about bills and trivial things-- at that too at the biggest event. true chess lovers don you thinking hats and come up with solutions.

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  141. Move the championship venue to the same as men's event. Why cannot be both the events held parallel plus same format!

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  142. "Attention please...at the next women's championship please bring your own food and tent, or caravan if you prefer at your own expense!" you never know what's in store.

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  143. No response from Fide because they don't want to do anything about it. I do hope you get supporting letters from other chess players at least - men and women. Too bad.

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  144. Good performances from participants reult in a great tournament. Such performances can be only be generated when players are mostly at ease and well rested. Chess is increasingly a closely followed sport all over the world now. Organisation must reflect this growing prominence of the sport. Let's hope these grievances are accomodated and addressed with utter seriousness.

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  145. Sylvie Fernando, ArgentinaJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I doubt if the Fide would reply. Point is why would they? It's all over now and done with. They have to focus on the men's championship coming up. Keeping quiet is one of waiting for things to die down since denial won't work here as the truth is out. But the point is this is constructive criticism in a very nice language. Congratulations girls. So, in the love of chess, let's hope someone in the officialdom wakes up to say okay sorry girls this won't happen again and Fide is rich enough to offer compensation to the first round losers at least. That would really mean they care for the players.

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  146. Check also comments at http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/womens-world-championship-participants-disappointed-about-organization-open-letter/ and at www.chess-news.ru. Why is Fide not responding?

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  147. Take a break everyone watch this Frank Sinatra video. Poor chess fans, that's all I can say - and poor chess players. What a hotel and what a price to pay. Were there rats? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_itgJa3tZ0&feature=related

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  148. Don't you think you girls should write an official letter? I feel more players should come forward and give their opinion.

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  149. I think the Fide should invite suggestions from all players and not just the 64 participants and also ask some of the best organizers what plan or strategy for holding world championship events could be prepared. Then a guidelines could be prepared for all future world championships. We could have similar 'basic' guidelines for events at all levels. I have played some events in Asia (I won't name country) where four players were stuffed into rooms six feet by six feet. No food, water or electricity.

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  150. Fide should put up a notice on its website asking all players in the top-100 of women's and men's sections to send in their views on how world championships should be held. Anyone else volunteering to give suggestions should be welcome too. Also ask some of the best organizers to give their views. There is no dearth of great organizers in the chess world.

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  151. Tina David, New DelhiJanuary 17, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Not sounding cheeky but what was the level of organization at the just-concluded Iranian National Women's Championship?

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  152. Congratulations to all you girls who spoke up. As a professional in the hospitality management industry (with chess as my second love), I would like to point out something. Whenever some organization wishes to hold an event with us we make a presentation followed by a review trip of the hotel. So, in this case, I think the blame goes not to the hotel or to Fide but to the Turkish organizing team. Because they would have evaluated the conditions and then given the go ahead for the particular hotel. I would like to very much see an apology from the Turkish organizers to all the women players who have signed this document. Fide, on its part, should ensure that future mishaps don't occur. On my part I would like to welcome you once again to Istanbul.

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  153. I hope you get a reply from at least Fide soon. Poor you gals. Just read your letter also on www.chessvibes.com.

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  154. I seem to bump into your letter no matter which chess news website I go to. Funny nowhere a response from Fide or Turkish Chess Federation. Maybe they don't read the Internet. :)

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  155. I hope that FIDE will reply to this and will pay your expenses.Even it is late and it is palid compensation, they should do it as soon as possible.

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  156. The ruling council of FIDE should hang their heads in shame! They have not only failed the very best of women's chess in the world, they have failed the expectations of everyone who love the game of chess!

    FIDE can redeem themselves only by taking very seriously the comments and concrete/sensible suggestions above.

    That these participants, who have proved they chessic credentials many times, should feel the need to write such a letter is a condemnation of all the organisers involved. It beggars belief that these outstanding players should be treated in such a cavalier and off hand manner. It's a mark of their love for the game that they have not abandoned FIDE completely, just as Bobby Fischer once threatened.

    Peter Cooper UK. [GT & SNC Blockhead]

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  157. FIDE is a tragedy! So don't think FIDE events are comedies!
    And dont forget: Money rules the world!

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  158. How dare the tail think it can wag the dog? Don't you know who is in charge! If you are not happy with how FIDE is doing things, find yourself another federation!

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