African Chess Stars set for 2021 FIDE World Cup
African chess stars will take centre stage at the 9th edition of the World Cup in Sochi, Russia. The event which runs from 10th July to 8th August 2021 will include the inaugural Ladies World Cup as well.
The King of African Chess – GM Amin Bassem of Egypt, will lead the African challenge in this prestigious event. Other players from the African continent are listed below.
Egypt
GM Amin Bassem (2703)
GM Adly Ahmed (2625)
GM Fawzy Adham (2485)
GM Hesham Abdelrahman (2397)
GM Essam El Gindy (2420)
Uganda
IM Ssegwanyi Arthur (2409)
Zambia
IM Mwali Chitumbo (2281)
Algeria
GM Bilel Youcef Bellahcene (2499)
South Africa
FM Daniel Barrish (2313)
Tunisia
GM Amir Zaibi (2396)
Nigeria
Olanrewaju Ajibola (2302)
Angola
FM Sergio Miguel (2286)
Libya
FM Abobker Mohamed Rahoumah Elarabi (2307)
Morocco
IM Mohamed Tissir (2379)
Zimbabwe
IM Rodwell Makoto (2352)
Malawi
FM Joseph Mwale (2209)
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Egypt
WGM Shrook Wafa (2182)
WIM Ayah Moaataz (2015)
WGM Shahenda Wafa (2106)
Algeria
WIM Sabrina Latreche (2076)
WGM Amina Mezioud (2071)
South Africa
WIM Jesse February (1863)
Venue and playing site
Galaxy Entertainment And Leisure Complex is remarkable for its unparalleled scale and unrivalled scope of amenities. The complex occupies an area of about 50,000 sq m.
Krasnaya Polyana is a unique resort village with a history as old as the highlands around. Today, it is a magnet for thousands of visitors. Apart from its picture-postcard mountain landscapes and breathtaking views, the location is favored for snow-filled slopes perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
Interesting facts about Sochi
Sochi is one of the longest cities in the world. It is roughly 145 km long.
Dagomys Tea Plantation situated in Sochi is the only producer of tea in Russia and is the northern-most plantation in the world.
Joseph Stalin enjoyed spending his summers in Sochi. From 1936 until his death in 1953, Stalin spent about four months of every year basking in the warm weather in Sochi.
Sochi is often dubbed the ‘Russian Riviera’ has palm trees, humid summers and mild winter temperatures.
Open Section Format
The Open Section will be a Knock-out tournament with a total of eight (8) rounds.
All rounds will have two (2) games matches.
Round 1: 156 players
Round 2 (78 winners of Round 1 + 50 top seeds): 128 players
Round 3: 64 players.
Round 4: 32 players.
Round 5: 16 players.
Round 6: 8 players.
Round 7: 4 players.
Round 8: Final two players.
Match for 3rd place, two players.
The prize fund for this section is USD 1,892,500 with the winner going home with USD 110,000.
Ladies Section Format
The Ladies Section will be a Knock-out tournament with a total of seven (7) rounds.
All rounds will have two (2) games matches.
Round 1: 78 players,
Round 2 (39 winners of Round 1 + 25 top seeds): 64 players,
Round 3: 32 players,
Round 4: 16 players.
Round 5: 8 players.
Round 6: 4 players.
Round 7: Final two players.
Match for 3rd place, two players.
The prize fund for the Ladies section is USD 676,250 with the winner going home with USD 50,000.