Levon Aronian agrees to participate in Azeri-hosted World Chess CupOctober 21, 2014 - 18:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Grandmaster Levon Aronian agreed to participate in Azeri-hosted World Cup in 2015. The news was reported after FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov’s visit to Yerevan. The grandmaster announced his desicion during an official dinner hosted by Armenian leader, chess federation president Serzh Sargsyan, Ilyumzhinov’s assistant Berik Balgabayev said in his Twitter post. Earlier, Ilyumzhinov announced plans to discuss the matter with Sargsyan. Armenian sportsmen’s participation at Baku-hosted tournaments has always abounded in unpleasant incidents and concerns over the delegation’s safety. In 2012, Aronian addressed a letter to Ilyumzhinov explaining his refusal to participate in Baku-hosted Candidates Tournament. “General atmosphere in Azerbaijan and continuous tensions between our countries make my participation in such high ranked tournament in Azerbaijan impossible. A responsible and important event, such as the Candidates Tournament, requires peace of mind and special concentration. No circumstances, if they are not chess-related, should prevent the grandmaster from demonstrating all of his skills. Unfortunately, at this moment no Armenian can find favorable or adequate psychological atmosphere in Azerbaijan, whereas that is something absolutely necessary,” the Armenian grandmaster’s letter said at the time. Related links: Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |