To the participants and guests of the chess match “Russia Vs. the World”.

I welcome the participants and guests of the chess match ?Russia VS. the World?. Our country is deservedly famous for its chess school and its long history of victories in the one of most ancient sport arts. Today Moscow is welcoming the most talented and renowned sportsmen to the competition that promises to be a very interesting and exciting event.

I am sure that the match will not only become a festival of Big Chess but will promote peace, friendship and mutual understanding between people.

I wish this match to become a major international event and I wish good health, success and good luck to the participants.

Vladimir Putin
The President of Russia.