2009 World Cup begins today!
The World Cup will kick off today with the Opening Ceremonies. A total of 128 players from more than 40 countries are vying for spots in the next World Championship cycle. The players were qualified by:
World Champion and 4 semi-finalists of World Cup 2007, World Champion from Women’s Championship, World Junior Champion, 20 rating players, 90 players from Continental Championships (46 – Europe, 19 – North and South America, 19 – Asia, 6 – Africa), 6 nominees from FIDE President and 4 nominees from the Organizing Committee.
Viswanathan Anand and Gata Kamsky will most likely not participate because they have already qualified. (Update: Kamsky is playing!) The tournament will be in the knock-out format for the stakes of US$1.6million. The closing ceremonies will take place on December 15th.
Main Site: https://ugra-chess.ru/eng/main_e.htm