Dancing the Night Away

All is set for the finals of the 1st “机器人谷杯” (“Robot Valley Cup”) China City Chess League, which will take place in the tropical enchantment of 棋子湾 (Qízǐ Bay), 昌江黎族自治县 (Chāngjiāng Lí Autonomous County), 海南省 (Hǎinán Island), China from January 1–3, 2021. Eight cities, namely (in alphabetical order): 成都 (Chéngdū), 海口 (Hǎikǒu), 杭州 (Hángzhōu), 济南 (Jǐnán), 青岛 (Qīngdǎo), 上海 (Shànghǎi), 深圳 (Shēnzhèn), and 苏州 (Sūzhōu) will compete for victory and cash prizes. Among the participants — many, if not most, of the most prominent Chinese Grandmasters — the island is graced with the presence of four-time Women’s World Chess Champion and Rhodes Scholar 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) — pictured above with her 济南 (Jǐnán) teammates, from left to right: 卢尚磊 (Lú Shànglěi), 黄仁杰 (Huáng Rénjié), and 温阳 (Wēn Yáng). Time control is 30 minutes plus 15 seconds per move. Photo: Sina Sports.

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) is being interviewed backstage at the grand opening of the 1st “机器人谷杯” (“Robot Valley Cup”) China City Chess League at 开元度假村 (Kāiyuán Resort) in 棋子湾 (Qízǐ Bay) on Thursday evening, December 31, 2020. Screenshot and video courtesy of Hainan TV Channel.