World Chess Candidates tournament 2016 held in Moscow was won by Russia

On the 29 of March the closing ceremony of the 2016 Candidates Tournament was held at Moscow’s multifunctional space DI Telegraph. The competition was organized by Agon Limited as part of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) World Championship cycle. Tashir Group was the event’s General Partner. The Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin won the right to play against the current World Champion—the Norwegian Magnus Carlsen in New York City on November 10 to 30.

The closing ceremony was attended by the Aide to the Russian President Igor Levitin, the President of the Russian Olympic Committee and First Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov, FIDE’s President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, Deputy Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov and notable Russian businessmen, including representatives of Tashir. Mr. Ilyumzhinov awarded Sergey Karjakin the gold medal.

“I would like to thank these eight very strong players who gave us viewers the joy of watching them in action and congratulate Sergey Karjakin on winning,” said the head of FIDE. “From November 10 to November 30 in New York City there will be a battle of the century—two young players, peers born in 1990, will meet over the game board.”

“We have hoped to see a Russian player fight for the highest title for a long time, and it finally happened. I thank Sergey Karjakin for the bravery he displayed during the tournament, the Chess Federation, the Ministry of Sports and everyone who was involved in organizing the competition. In sports the best man wins, and I am glad this candidate will represent Russia. I wish him luck at the most important game of the century,” said Igor Levitin.

Alexander Zhukov said: “I want to express my gratitude to all the participants, they gave immense pleasure to the millions of the world’s chess lovers who followed the games. The last game, when the winner was determined, could hardly have been more exciting. I think all Russian chess lovers are happy that Sergey Karjakin was the winner and will be the challenger.”

In turn, Mr. Karjakin shared his feelings after the triumph: “Thanks everyone who supported me and everyone who helped to bring this competition about. The tournament was first-class! And I will be glad to represent Russia in New York City—as a Russian and a Crimean.”