The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships kicked off today in Almaty, Kazakhstan with the World Open and Women’s Rapid Championships. The event was officially opened yesterday in a 90-minute long ceremony, and the first day of the event started with the Opening press conference.
The first round of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2022 commenced with ceremonial first moves made by Minister of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan Dauren Abayev, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Erbolat Dosaev, and Chairman of the Management Board of Freedom Finance Sergey Lukyanov.
