Topalov - Anand WCC 2010

contract signed in Sofia

As FIDE.com informs, with the presence of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Mr Boiko Borisov, the final agreement between FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and the President of the Bulgarian Chess Federation Stefan Sergiev was signed today in Sofia at 13:00 local time. The prize fund for the WCC match between World Champion Vishy Anand and Challenger Veselin Topalov is 2 million euros and the dates are 23 April (1st round) to 12 May 2010 (possible tiebreaks).

At the event were also present the FIDE Deputy President Georgios Makropoulos, Berik Balgabaev, and Topalov's manager Silvio Danailov. A press conference is held at this time in Sofia with the participation of all major national media.

Boiko Borisov on the Topalov - Anand match

A few minutes after the signing of the contract for the Topalov - Anand match, the Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said, "For the last 140 years there have been 19 such matches and all of them are of great importance in history. For us it is very important that Sofia was chosen for this event. If we compare the 8 million population of Bulgaria with the 1 billion population of India, it is an honor to be the center of the world's attention in April."

Kirsan Ilymzhinov on WCC 2010 in Sofia

The FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said that Sofia is a good choice for WCC 2010, as Bulgaria has great traditions in chess and has produced champions as Topalov and Stefanova. Mr. Ilyumzhinov was also happy that the Topalov - Anand match and chess in Bulgaria receive strong governmental and social support.

Topalov - Anand schedule

Silvio Danailov and Aruna Anand have agreed on starting the match after April 20th a few weeks ago in Athens. Full information about the proposed schedule here.

All the events preceding the contract are at the Topalov - Anand timeline.