On 20 July, the International Chess Day, the Central Chess Club M. Botvinnik hosted a solemn ceremony of the “CFR Golden Badge” winners awarding. CFR President Andrey Filatov and CFR Executive Director Mark Gluhovsky welcomed the guests and awarded the Golden badge to Alexander Bakh, Galina Dvorkovich, Igor Zaitsev, Alexander Kostiev, Evgeni Vasiukov (posthumously), and Evgeny Sveshnikov (posthumously).
One of the highlights of the ceremony in the Central Chess Club was the introductory address by CFR President Andrey Filatov where he expressed the desire to host the FIDE World Chess Championship in Russia and noted the importance of the FIDE Elections in Chennai.
“We have some new unexpected news, that is being discussed today by the whole chess world – Magnus Carlsen declined to participate in the [World Championship] match. Therefore our chess player Ian Nepomniachtchi will play for the crown with Chinese player Ding Liren. So, the is hope and chance that at least half of the match will be organized here in Russia,” said Filatov and added, “Of course, it’s a pity that a great champion like Magnus Carlsen will not play. But I think with Magnus Carlsen playing we would not have hope to see the match in Moscow.”
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In the speech during the ceremony, Filatov also expressed support for Arkady Dvorkovich and his ticket at the upcoming elections in Chennai. “I would like to ask you, the winner of Golden badge, knowing your international contacts, links, and opportunities, to provide your influence in this voting process as we all await positive news on August 7.” Here is the full video of Filatov’s speech.
