On May 8 in the Central House of Writers in Moscow a ceremonial reception was held. FIDE President, leaderships of Moscow Chess Federation and Moscow Sports Committee welcomed the chess players who had distinguished themselves in the Women's World Rapid and Blitz Championships held in Batumi (Georgia) on June 1-5. Valentina Gunina became a World Blitz Champion among women and Alexandra Kosteniuk won a silver medal in the Rapid section. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, Vladimir Palikhata, President of Moscow CF, and Nikolay Gulyaev, the first Deputy Chairman of Moscow Sports Committee, congratulated the chess players.





Alexandra Kosteniuk, Vladimir Palikhata and Valentina Gunina