"VAN" (Sports Desk - 28.12.2024) :: In a historic moment for chess and the U.S., the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships opened on Wall Street, featuring 300 strongest players from across the globe. The first day of the Rapid belongs to the youngest players, as prodigies lead in both the Open and the Women’s competition.
Drawing millions of online viewers every last week in December, the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz is one of the most exciting, dramatic and memorable annual chess tournaments. For the first time, FIDE has brought this event to the U.S., to one of the world's most iconic cities.
Thanks to the support of Freedom Holding Corp., a NASDAQ-traded financial services company, the 2024 edition is taking place on Wall Street, a stone's throw from the New York Stock Exchange.
Highlighting the synergy between chess and finance, FIDE Deputy President and former World Champion Vishy Anand noted:
“New York is the financial center of the world, and this week it will transform into the chess center of the world, hosting the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships”. He added that the event will include a chess and finance conference exploring their unique connections.
CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. Timur Turlov, whose company has been supporting chess events since 2022, noted the importance of the game as “a vital part of the culture and history of humanity”.
“New York embodies the spirit of tolerance, fair competition, and achievement. Regardless of gender, age, or nationality, everyone here can find success and realize their potential. Just like on the chessboard”, Turlov said.
The President of the U.S. Chess Federation, Kevin Pryor, reminded everyone about the Christmas spirit of the season by adding a chess link to it.
“As the song goes, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For the global chess community, we expand that meaning with the annual World Rapid and Blitz Championship”.
Pryor highlighted the rich chess history of New York and its vibrant chess community.
The 2024 WRB opened with the Rapid tournament that will last three days. The first day of the Rapid saw five rounds in the Open and four in the Women’s tournament.
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