Tuesday, 12.10.2004, 17:00h MET: The news comes at a time when people
were just beginning to give up any hope of the Prague reunification process
coming to fruition. But now FIDE has announced a press conference for tomorrow,
October 13, at 12 noon, at the Interfax News Agency Headquarters in Moscow.
Although the FIDE web site only specifies that it is "regarding Kasparov-Kasimdzhanov
World Championship Match" our contacts in Dubai say that the deal has been
finalised. Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum is far too important a person for it
not to be serious.
Currently the FIDE president himself is on his way from Dubai to Moscow. We
will add details on the announcement as they become available.
Wednesday,
13.10.2004, 16:00h MET: FIDE has just announced the above in an official
press release:
$1.2 Million for Kasparov – Kasimdzhanov
match in Dubai.
The World Championship Match between World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov of
Uzbekistan and the world`s highest rated player, Garry Kasparov of Russia shall
be held 7th to 24th January 2005 in Dubai. This was announced by FIDE President
H.E. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov at a press conference on 13th October at the Interfax
News Agency in Moscow.
The match will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum with a prize fund of USD 1 200 000.
President Ilyumzhinov said that this is one of the steps of the Prague Agreement
signed two years ago in the Czech Republic.
The winner of the Kasparov – Kazimdzhanov match will play against the winner
of the Kramnik – Leko match.
The FIDE President assured the journalists that the match will take place
and said that players have agreed the schedule. Kasimdzhanov proposed and Kasparov
agreed to a rest day after three games. Players’ contracts with FIDE will be
sighed in a few days.
The two players are doing their utmost to comply with FIDE regulations, Kirsan
Ilyumdzhinov said. Players will be billeted at the plush 7-star Burj Al Arab
hotel. Playing venue shall be announced later. Total organizational budget
is $2.5 Million.
Source: FIDE web site
FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov at the press conference in Moscow (Photo:
www.fide.com)
The Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai
The Burj Al Arab is part of The Jumeirah Beach Resort, situated 17 km south
of the city of Dubai. Soaring 321 metres, Burj Al Arab towers above the renowned
Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Wild Wadi Water Park. This unique billowing sail-shaped
building stands proudly on a man-made island some 280 metres offshore, linked
to the mainland by a slender, gently curving causeway.
Burj Al Arab comprises 202 deluxe suites: a highly personalized service for
every traveler, enhanced by private reception desks on every floor, in-suite
check-in and a brigade of exclusive butlers. All the suites are equipped with
the latest technology, laptop computers and Internet access.
A Burg Al Arab suite – oooh, Garry and Rustam will like!
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