Press release
Topalov-Radjabov game for the world title agreed
The prize fund is $1.5 million.
Sofia, May 15, 2006 – The manager of the Chess World Champion Veselin
Topalov, Silvio Danailov, and the Minister of Sport of Azerbaijan Azad Rahimov,
agreed yesterday on a game for the world title to be held between Topalov and
the Azerbaijanian Teimour Radjabov (Elo 2720). All conditions of the World Champion
have been accepted and the two sides have signed a memorandum.

The Minister of Sport of Azerbaijan, Azad Rahimov, with Topalov's manager
Silvio Danailov
The match will probably take place in April 2007 in Baku. The award fund will
be $1.5 million, of which $1 million will be for Topalov. According to the rules
of FIDE every chess player with an Elo rating over 2700 can challenge the World
Champion in a game for the title. Radjabov, currently number 13 in the FIDE
ranking, will be the next challenger if Topalov defends his title in the game
against Kramnik in September this year in the capital of Kalmykia, Elista.

FIDE world champion Veselin Topalov

The challenger: GM Teimour Radjabov, Azerbaijan

The minister executes the first move in Bacrot's game against Topalov

Discussions with FIDE officer GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili

...and an interview with Bulgarian TV
Photos by Dagobert Kohlmeyer