The Arctic Cup 2005
Report by Eldar Mukhametov
Salekhard (also spelled Salegard) is an administrative center of Yamalia.
It is the only city in the world that is located right on the Polar circle.
Yamalia or Yamalo-Nenets (red in the above map) is an autonomous district in
the Russian Federation. It is three quarters of a million square kilometers
in size, but very sparsely populated, with only around 550,000 inhabitants.
The population of Salekhard is 35,000.
The correct attire in Salekhard
The International Youth Chess Tournament “The Arctic Cup” is being
held for the second time in Salekhard, Russia, at the initiative of Yury Neelov,
who is the Governor of the Yamal-Nenets and also the President of the Yamal-Nenets
Chess Federation.
Watch it folks, there's something creeping up behind you! Salekhard in
heavy snow
The first tournament took place in Salekhard in November 2003 with the blessing
of Anatoly Karpov, the 12th World Champion, Boris Spassky, the 10th Word Champion
and Alexander Roshal, the Editor in Chief of the magazine “64 Chess Review”.
Preparing the train museum for the onslaught of visitors
The second “Arctic Cup” started in 2005, October 20. All the foreign
participants were really happy to see a lot of snow which fell out just a few
days earlier.
Ice sculptured in the park
The tournament became really remarkable and significant due to Geurt Gijssen
being the Chief Arbiter. He became a symbol of this year’s Arctic Cup.
In his first visit he made a promise to deliver his speech in the opening ceremony
of the next tournament in Russian. And he fulfilled his promise. He made his
address to the participants, wished them luck, referred to the organizers with
the words of honor in Russian. His speech was a real success.
The Greek Greek in front of the "Town of Wood"...
...and with the "living chess" players at the opening ceremony
Living chess pieces in Salekhard
Watching the youngest games in progress
This year ten teams are struggling for the first prize – the Arctic
Cup. According to the regulations of this tournament the participants of the
tournament should be under 17 and one of members of the team should be under
ten years.
The chess tournament under way
A view from the upper deck
This year the following teams are participating in the tournament:
- Arkhangelsk region
- Vologda region
- Samara region
- Tyumen region
- Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District
- Greece
- The Netherlands
To the great regret of the organizers of the tournament the team of India,
the winner of the world championship 2005, did not arrive in Salekhard.
Volunteers and chessplayers at the tournament
The tournament supports different activities. The first excursion took place
on the third day of the tournament. Salekhard is the only city situated on
the Arctic circle. There is a special Stella symbol of the Polar line. People
say if you make a wish and go around the Stella your wish comes true.
Gijssen and the Organising commetee behind Stella monument which marks
the exact location of the Arctic Circle
Night in the city of Salekhard (all photos by Andrey Tkachiev)
Standings after 5th round:
1. Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district – 21 (10 team points)
2.Netherlands – 17,5 (8)
3. Arkhangelsk region 15,5 (7)
4.Tyumen region – 15 (7),
5.Khanty-Mansiysky autonomous district – 14,5 (8)
6.Vologda region – 11,5 (6)
7.Samara region – 9,5 (3)
8. Greece – 8 (2)
9.Salekhard 1 – 7,5 (2)
10.Salekhard 2 – 4 (0)
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