The 43rd Chess Olympiad go off to a great start with a grand and beautiful opening ceremony.
The event took place at the Black Sea Arena in Shekhvetili which is located approximately 45 km from Batumi.
The State Symphony Orchestra and Georgian National Ballet delighted the crowd with their spectacular performance.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili of Georgia was the chief guest amongst thousands of chess players from 189 countries.
Other dignitaries included Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Mikheil Batiashvili , Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara Tornike Rizhvadze.
FIDE Deputy President Mr Georgios Makropoulos and CEO Geoffrey Borg were also present.
Former World Champion GM Vishy Anand & Nana Dzabnidze of George were the players selected to carry out the draw for the top board.
GM Anand chose the White colour for USA as top seed in the Open section in round one. Nana Dzabnidze chose the Black colour for Russia in the Ladies section.
To see more great photo please check out – 2018 Batumi Olympiad Opening Ceremony.
You can also watch the full video – 2018 Batumi Olympiad Opening Ceremony Video.
