Norway makes its international chess move

A 19-year-old chess Grandmaster from Norway competes against the whole world, and the northern city of Tromsø makes a bid to host the World Chess Olympiad in 2014. Can Norway become a key player in international chess?

Chess is growing in popularity in Norway, and several talented young Norwegian players have excelled in international tournaments. According to criteria set by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), Norway has a total of 10 Grandmasters.

Young Grandmaster versus the world

Best-known among these is Magnus Carlsen, who became the world’s youngest Grandmaster aged 13. Now 19, Carlsen is currently ranked as the world’s number one chess player by the FIDE and can be seen on posters across the UK as the new face of fashion brand G-Star. In September he will play in the RAW Chess Challenge against an online team of players from around the world. Three renowned Grandmasters will suggest moves to the players, who will vote on which moves to play against Carlsen.

Tromsø bids for the World Chess Olympiad in 2014

This year Norway has hosted several international tournaments, including Arctic Securities Chess Stars and the Arctic Chess Challenge. The city of Tromsø, which hosted the Arctic Chess Challenge, has even higher ambitions, having submitted a bid in May to host the 41st World Chess Olympiad in 2014.

“Being chosen as the host city for the World Chess Olympiad in 2014 is a high priority for Tromsø, and we can promise the chess world a unique experience – a well-planned and well-implemented event with outstanding hospitality in the stunning natural surroundings of the Arctic summer,” says Mayor of Tromsø Arild Hausberg.

With a population of 70 000, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway. The city is eager to host the tournament and is hoping for a large-scale celebration: “If we win the bid, both the participants and the city’s residents can look forward to an event involving the entire city. We will integrate an extensive cultural programme into the activities relating to the World Chess Olympiad in Tromsø in 2014,” says the mayor.

norway.org.uk

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