"Two years ago, we held the World Chess Rapid and Blitz Championship in Berlin. People stood in lines for hours. I am sure that Candidates Tournament will cause no less excitement. The Germans have also expressed a desire to host the next round of Grand Prix series. I will visit them to discuss this issue in the near future," FIDE President summarized.
Candidates Tournament, which will determine the rival of the Norwegian Magnus Carlsen in a match for the world chess crown, will take place in Berlin on March 10- 28, 2018. Berlin will host this competition for the first time.
"Germany has traditionally been a chess country. The Second World Champion, Emanuel Lasker, was born there. More than 20 percent of Germans play chess. This sport is very popular there," Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said.