"I am especially pleased that my idea still caught on, because there was a lot of criticism when we held a World Cup based on this system in Groningen in 1997. The World Cup has not lost its relevance, and the strongest chess players still take part in it," Ilyumzhinov stressed.
"I was in Tbilisi just a month ago. I held meetings and consultations. Everything is quiet. You do not need a visa to go there. I am sure that all participants will come to Georgia with pleasure; their security is guaranteed," the FIDE head concluded.
The Chess World Cup will be opened in the capital of Georgia today. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov commented on the chances of the tournament participants.
"You cannot predict the winner since the tournament is very tough and many have the chances of winning, because the knockout system provides that the loser leaves. Moreover, many of those who come to Tbilisi have already been winning at prestigious competitions," FIDE President said.
