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These photos were taken on May 21, 2004, in Elista (Kalmykia, Russia), the day of the opening of the 2004 Women World Chess Championships, where Alexandra Kosteniuk is taking part. Recall that during last WCC in Moscow, 2001, Alexandra went all the way to the finals and became Vice-Champion of the World
| On the right you see the famous "City-Chess" built and conceived by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov | This is a small scale version of "City-Chess" | Alexandra in front of City-Chess Hall, where the World Championship is held |
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| Large chess sets are at the entrance of City-Chess Hall | Alexandra likes to pose in front of chess sets | |
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| Two children asked to be taken photos of with their hero Alexandra Kosteniuk | Alexandra and her good friend Sergei Badminov | Alexandra and the Iranian player Paridar and her supervisor |
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| The Opening Ceremony was far away from town, in the Kalmyk Steppes, at a place where a famous lonely tree was planted 150 years ago | It is a tradition to come and pay respect to the tree and tie a ribbon, while making a wish at the same time | A beautiful chess show was held for the guests |
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| Among the guests were the FIDE President (also President of Kalmykia) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Governor Vladimir Iakovlev | Alexandra is enjoying the show | Beautiful Kalmyk costumes were displayed |
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| Flags for each country taking part in the World Championship were brought up by children | Each high official made a speech for the audience | Governor Yakovlev read a letter from V. Putin, Russian President, welcoming participants |
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| The chief arbiter Giessen, with the help of the top rated player of the tournament Humpy Koneru, determines the colors of the first round | A Chess fashion show was most appreciated by the guests | |
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| Alexandra and her friend Sergei Badminov | ||
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You can purchase any autographed photo ($6 photo 10x15 cm, $36 photo 20x30 cm) from this or practically any album, by visiting our shop!. You can mention what you'd like Alexandra to sign on the photo (reasonable requests please) by sending an email (delete "nojunk") to to us . Please allow time for individual printing/signing/shipping. You can also buy a high-resolution (more than 1 MB) picture by email for $9. Please don't forget to mention exact Album name and Photo Name. Note: 50% of all profits of autographed photos go to Alexandra's Chess Fund, in which she helps to promote chess in the world, principally to children. Thanks for your support!