The technical meeting was held online on the 25th of December at 9 pm CET. Chief Arbiter Marika Japaridze explained some details of the regulations for the players, including anti-cheating measures, safety rules, dress code etc. In the drawing of lots ceremony which was also concluded online, the World Champion and the number one in the rating list Magnus Carlsen picked a white pawn, thus giving White to all odd-numbered players in the Open Section in the first round. Current World women’s blitz champion Kateryna Lagno, in turn, picked a Black pawn, therefore all odd-numbered players in the Women’s Section will start the championship with Black.
The pairings of the first round of the World Rapid Championship will be published on the 26th of December.
Photos: fide.com
