On January 24, the TASS press centre held a press conference dedicated to the International RSSU Chess Cup Moscow Open 2017.The ceremony of drawing of lots for the main tournament of the chess festival was held during the press conference. It was made by Natalia Pochinok, tournament director Artem Akhmetov and the star of the show "Best of all", three years old Misha Osipov. Afterwards, the participants answered questions of reporters.
"I want to congratulate all on behalf of the FIDE Presidential Board. Moscow Open is one of the most important tournaments. It is expected that not only the professional players will take part in it – 2000 players have already made applications – but also veterans, children and the disabled. Tournament is getting bigger, it has become massive and is an example of an excellent organization," said the president of FIDE.
Recall that Moscow Open will be held at the Russian State Social University from January 26 to February 6, 2017. The honoured guests include Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin and the Blitz World Champion Sergey Karjakin.
