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Record-breaking Dresden Olympiad 2008

Dresden, 07/10/2008

152 federations in the Chess Olympiad 2008
Historical mark of number of participants in Chess Olympiad
 



Dresden is moving towards the largest Chess Olympiad of all times. After the final closing of the registration on 19 September 2008 more than 2000 active participants – players, captains, arbiters, delegates, officials and “others” – have announced their attendance in the tournament from 12 to 25 November 2008. So far, estimates of the number had settled at around 1500, which have now been superseded by as much as one quarter.

With the 152 registered federations Dresden outbids the last Olympiad of Torino with seven additional nations. Participating federations apportion to 275 teams of which 156 in the open and 119 in the women’s section, including the second German team and IPCA, IBCA and ICSC equips.

The Chess Olympiad, after the Olympic summer games, is the largest sporting event regarding numbers of participating federations worldwide. With record-breaking figures the expectations also grow: in addition to the players the International Congress Center must host arbiters, organizers, officials and volunteers plus hundreds of visitors each day. Among all federations, Russia remains favorite when it comes to title aspirants even though nearly all stars of the chess world will be present.

Dresden also makes history in respect of playing regulations. Thus, the autumn tournament has received the nickname “Reform Olympiad” thanks to numerous rules changes. Among others for instance that players will immediately lose their match if not present on the board at the time of the beginning of the match. Also, draw agreements are not allowed before the 30th move.