The first speech of the ceremony was delivered by President of the Turkish Chess Federation Ali Nihat Yaz?c? who was also recently elected as FIDE Vice President in 78th FIDE Congress stating such a big organization was merely a dream ten years ago but with the help of main sponsor Türkiye ?? Bankas? (the first national bank of Turkish Republic) Turkish Chess Federation is changing the fate of chess not only in Turkey but also around the world. He also added that Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministery and State Ministery (also responsible from sports) was really helpful before the organization. "TCF has been preparing for this event for two years with every detail considered and we have to be even better than we planned since we wish to see you again in 2009 World Youth Chess Championship."

Türkiye ?? Bankas? Deputy Chairman of Executive Board Prof.Dr.Baran Tuncer, main sponsor of TCF. Main sponsor of the Turkish Chess Federation, Türkiye ?? Bankas? was represented by the highest level, with Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of the bank Prof.Dr.Baran Tuncer stating that they are glad to cooperate with the Turkish Chess Federation since they see that it is the best sponsorship deal of the bank that has ever been signed. He also noticed that he sees that TCF is organizing the event with the best way possible.




















TCF President Ali Nihat Yaz?c? with Deputy Chairman of Executive Board of Türkiye ?? Bankas?, the main sponsor of Turkish chess federation, both are extremely happy about the sponsorship deal as you can see from their faces.

The third speech was of Deputy Governor Fazl? Akgün stating that hosting such a big organization is a very pleasant for Antalya Governorship and hope that there would be many other big chess tournaments in the future.



















Member of the Parliament from Antalya Prof.Dr.Yusuf Ziya ?rbeç , a member of EU Commission in the Parliament who got a message from Prime Minister of Turkish Republic Recep Tayyip Erdo?an Member of the Parliament from Antalya Prof.Dr.Yusuf Ziya ?rbeç stated in his speech that Turkey is multicultural country. Antalya is also one of these places and all the guests are welcome to Turkey. He also added that he has a message from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an stating that he sends his best wishes and love for all the young ones in Antalya, since they are the most important ones for all of us." He also thanked the contributors of the organization.























Honorary President of FIDE Florencio Campomanes

The last speech of the event was delivered by Honorary President of FIDE Florencio Campomanes stating that he is glad to be here in Turkey and asked from players that they should not find any excuses for their losses except the bad moves since the Turkish Chess Federation is providing every possible facility to the guests in the best way possible.






















Florencio Campomanes companied by Ali Nihat Yaz?c? from the stage to his seat

Left: GM Artur Yusupov has his kids playing here , a former elite grandmaster now slowly becoming a veteran, definitely a legendary name and one of the best trainers in the world working with Mark Dvoretsky another trademark name. Right: Hungarian girls seeming to enjoy the opening ceremony.