The World Youth Chess Championship began in 1987, organized yearly. In the past 5 years, the prize was developed sharply. In 2007, we set the record for chess against 1,400 competitors.
Until 09 August, through website of the organization board, we received registrations from 27 countries with about 250 competitors. I also hope that this year, the 21st World Youth Chess Championship held in Ba Ria – Vung Tau will set a new record for number of competitors.
Since Vung Tau is a clean, beautiful tourism city, hotels’ prices and standard living are reasonable. Moreover, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province has much experience in successfully organizing many domestic and international chess events like Pacific – Asia Chess Championship (2000), Southeast Asia Youth Chess Championship (2004), Asia Chess Team Championship (2006)...and recently the 2008 national Youth Chess Championship, it will attract more competitors to join the prize this year.
If it is organized well, Ba Ria – Vung Tau will bequeath good marks in hearts of foreign guests, and also give chances to spread a charming, friendly image of beach city, a part of commodious Vietnam. This is also a premise for Vung Tau to be selected by FIDE to organize other world chess championships.
Until this time, preparation of Vietnam in general, of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province in particular is quite good. We have discussed this prize with the local leaders all the year long, and Vung Tau is a locality which has much experience, so we think that we will have no big problems.
Professionally, some countries have young and strong competitors like Russia, China, India, and Poland...but youth championships are often unpredictable. I do not give any prediction, as in fact it is hard to forecast, young competitors always have surprised strides.
Particularly, to Vietnam, I highly appreciate Le Quang Liem and Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son. The two competitors are playing very well. However, they must be careful with other competitors if they want to achieve the champion on the host ground.