The message reads, in part:
“We are proud of the history and the wonderful traditions of the Russian chess school as well as our outstanding winners and champions. Therefore, we are sincerely glad that an event of such a scale is again being held in Russia, the city of Khanty-Mansiysk, which is truly famous for its rich experience in organising similar impressive sports events.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the world's strongest female chess players will challenge each other at this tournament. During the preliminary rounds, they already demonstrated their extraordinary abilities and played beautiful and thrilling games. And, of course, the format of the tournament itself requires the competitors to be exceptionally self-composed, concentrated and result-oriented.
I am convinced that the championship will be a wonderful, memorable event and a real pleasure for all connoisseurs of this special, intellectual sport.”