Founded in Geneva in 2008 by the Timtchenko Family, Fondation Neva aims at reinforcing ties between Russia and Switzerland. The foundation supports projects promoting excellence in the fields of science & culture, sport & education, and social issues. Stemming from Elena and Gennady Timtchenko’s wish to engage in philanthropic activities, three professional structures were established since 2007, all active in the forementioned fields: the Klyuch Foundation in Saint Petersburg, the Fondation Neva in Geneva, and the Ladoga Foundation in Moscow.
Geneva, this multi-faceted city of humane dimensions, has all a metropolis can offer. Geneva Tourism & Conventions will guide you through the city and its region through a unique, creative and ongoing concept.
So once again FIDE is pleased to announce the launch of the new series for the world's leading women players. This new series sees 18 players combatting it out over two years to produce a challenger for the World Championship.
The lineup is very impressive and includes current Women World Champion Anna Ushenina from Ukraine and former World Champions Hou Yifan (China), Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) and Alexandra Kosteniuk (Russia). Not to mention of course other top players such as Humpy Koneru (India), Anna Muzychuk (Solvenia), Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia) and Kateryna Lagno (Ukraine).
Name
Title
Country
Rating
Hou, Yifan
g
CHN
2617
Koneru, Humpy
g
IND
2597
Muzychuk, Anna
g
SLO
2585
Zhao, Xue
g
CHN
2565
Dzagnidze, Nana
g
GEO
2554
Lagno, Kateryna
g
UKR
2547
Kosintseva, Nadezhda
g
RUS
2531
Stefanova, Antoaneta
g
BUL
2530
Cmilyte, Viktorija
g
LTU
2514
Harika, Dronavalli
g
IND
2510
Ju, Wenjun
wg
CHN
2505
Khotenashvili, Bela
m
GEO
2499
Kosteniuk, Alexandra
g
RUS
2495
Ushenina, Anna
g
UKR
2477
Danielian, Elina
g
ARM
2466
Girya, Olga
wg
RUS
2440
Muminova, Nafisa
wg
UZB
2312
Batchimeg Tuvshintugs
wg
MGL
2295
The full list is very impressive and it is anyone's guess, as we have seen in past Grand Prix events what can happen. Thirteen players out of the eighteen hold the highest title in the chess world. The other gfive will be chasing this title as well as the overall title.
Thanks to Fondation Neva, the sponsors of the first leg, the series will kick off in the beautiful city of Geneva, Switzerland. No expense has been spared to ensure that we will have a quality event and the staring list is equally impressive. GM Tatiana Kosintseva replacing her sister solely for this leg.
GM Ushenina will be in Geneva and she has been showing some great form of late including her last appearance in the Women World Team Championship. Similarly GM Hou Yifan will want to repeat her performance in the previous to series and at the same time keeping in mind her match against GM Ushenina later on this year. They will both be challenged by an exceptionally strong field and we will witness many a great game.
Imagine a place that brings the world together...
