Organizing Committee of 43rd World Chess Olympiad and Georgian Chess Federation dedicated another beautiful event to the upcoming Olympiad: On September 4, a showcase match was played between Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze, commemorating the latters’ 40th jubilee of World Championship on Ilia Lake!
The symbolic match, which was attended by heads of the organizing committee of the Olympics, high officials of Kakheti region, and chess fans. The match finished with a draw 1: 1,5. Maia Chiburdanidze won the first blitz, the second was tied, whereas Nona Gaprindashvili winning in the third and final round.
Maia Chiburdanadze, the five-time champion of the world, won the crown jewelry in 1978 by winning the match against Nona Gaprindashvili. Bichvinta hosted the championship match. In turn, Ms. Nona Gaprinashvili also appears the five-time world champion, and both of them are the ambassadors of the Chess Olympiad.
"I do not believe that it has been 40 years since ... I am happy that this event was so beautiful! 40 years ago I won the title of World Champion in Bichvinta, but now I played against Nona in Kakheti ... very nice and exciting day, thank you all, chess federation, organizing committee of organizational, fans ... all of us who are in this beautiful today. I would like to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the victory, as well" - said Maia Chiburdanidze.
"Thank you to our trully legendary, having agreed to participate in such a beautiful event. Ms. Nona and Mrs. Maia are the true jewels of the Georgian sports, and you have cemented your name not only in Georgian chess but in history of Georgia as well. “- stated Giorgi Giorgadze, one of the leaders of the 43rd World Chess Olympiad Organizing Committee, and the president of Georgian Chess Federation.
The representatives of Winery Khareba, who are the official sponsors of the Olympiad, also attended the event. Owing to the company’s decision, a special series of wine will be manufactured, dedicated to this event, specifically.
"I am delighted to be a part of such a beautiful day. It is a great honor to see such a strong support towards the Georgian chess and I am confident that we will make our modest contribution to his progress. As for today's jubilee, we decided to introduce a special wine series in honor of our wonderful world champions”. - said Giorgi Ezugbaia, General Director of Winery Khareba.
At the end of the day, Winery Khareba hosted all participants in Kvareli - wine tunnel, where sa symbolic agreement was signed with Maia Chiburdanidze and Nona Gaprindashvili.