In the first autumn days the Chess Academy welcomes its guests: the number of the participants is decreasing and the number of spectators on the contrary is increasing.

Among spectators one could notice the former FIDE Vice President Morten Sand who made the presentation of Norwegian Tromso that was bidding for the Tournament of the Nations of 2014 at the Olympiad last year. The destiny of this Olympiad was decided namely in Khanty-Mansiysk and this time Morten came to the capital of Ugra to adopt the organization experience to hold the World Olympiad 2014.

The school children of the nearby town taking advantage of the first rest day of their academic year came to visit Khanty-Mansiysk. Seated in the first row among the spectators they were watching the games with great interest. They turned out not to be very patient — later I saw them examining autographs on the huge chess board in the hall.

Judit Polgar in tense anticipation of her opponent

Cunning look of Peter Svidler

One of the youngest grandmasters of the tournament — Ukrainian Yaroslav Zherebukh

Baadur Jobava before the game

Nikita Vitiugov in recollections: how to overcome Vladimir Potkin?

As for Vladimir, he is watching other matches holding his famous thermos

Young amateurs of the ancient game are examining grandmasters’ autographs on the chess board

Morten Sand impressed by the organization of international competitions in Khanty-Mansiysk. He hopes that the Olympiad 2014 in Tromso will be held on the same high level

The chess player from Cameroon Bendjamin Banlock is following the World Cup with obvious interest. His dream is to play in a prestigious tournament one day and so far he is happy with his achievements in the Governor’s Cup. Bendjamin moved to Surgut in order to play chess and to make his dream come true that is to become a famous Grandmaster. He is not afraid of the climate and the sportsman is ready to accept the severe winter for the sake of his goal.

Bendjamin outlines the Ukrainian Grandmaster Vasily Ivanchuk among the participants of this World Cup. «He is a very strong chess player and his style differs from others. He is playing romantic chess and I try to take him as an example».

The idol of Cameroon chess player is thinking over his next «romantic» move

The battle at the chess board N1 drew everyone’s attention. Ian Nepomniachtchi was not an exception.

At the press conference smiling Judit Polgar recalls on the way she managed to defeat the rating-favorite.

Yaroslav Zherebukh drew the game playing White against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov …

…and told the journalists about his chess career.

Khanty-Mansiysk is adopting French aristocratic traditions: it is no coincidence that the theme of the World Cup opening ceremony was «Café de la Regence». Local people also participate in chess battles in their free time.

Valentina Volokitina