The message reads, in part:
“These prestigious international competitions have brought together renowned players, winners of national championships and other prestigious competitions in St Petersburg to show their skills in an honest and beautiful fight for the honorary title of a champion.
I am confident that chess fans are waiting for dynamic and exciting games, for bright joyful moments and triumph. And of course, it is important that such high-level tournaments contribute to the popularisation of chess and provide young novice players with an excellent opportunity to gain experience from renowned masters.”