Global Chess League Announces Women Superstars for Second Season in London
The Global Chess League, a collaboration between FIDE and Tech Mahindra, has announced the star-studded lineup of women Superstars set to compete in its second season. Scheduled to take place from October 3 to 12 at Friends House in London, the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and skill.
Leading the pack is reigning FIDE World Champion Ju Wenjun, who will be making her debut in the league. Joining her is World No. 1, Hou Yifan, who is returning to the prestigious event, as well as Indian chess sensations Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli. The roster also includes top players such as Kateryna Lagno, Valentina Gunina, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Tan Zhongyi, and Nurgyul Salimova.
A notable addition to the lineup is Vaishali Rambabu, the latest Indian woman to achieve Grandmaster rank, who will be competing alongside her brother Praggnanandhaa. This makes them the first brother-sister duo to participate in the league. The lineup also features Alina Kashlinskaya, the 2019 European Women’s Individual Chess Champion, and Bibisara Assaubayeva, former World Blitz Champion.
World Chess Champion Ju Wenjun expressed her excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “I followed the first season of the Global Chess League and it was very exciting to watch the unique format. The tremendous response from fans and the chess fraternity made it even more special. I am eagerly looking forward to the second season in London, where I can once again immerse myself in this wonderful experience.”
Grandmaster Vaishali Rambabu, making her debut in the league, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “The Global Chess League is bridging the gap between male and female players and bringing chess to television screens worldwide. I am delighted to be a part of the league this year and am looking forward to competing in front of fans in London.”
The unique joint team format of the Global Chess League will be broadcast on major OTT and broadcast platforms worldwide, adding to the excitement and anticipation among fans. With such a stellar lineup of women Superstars, the second season of the Global Chess League promises to be a must-watch event for chess enthusiasts everywhere.