The Matrix Reloaded

The eighth round of the Candidates Tournament is to be held in Yekaterinburg within twenty days or so, after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Preparations are in full swing, the whole team is working on it. The venue has been confirmed — it will be the same as in March last year, the Hotel Hyatt Regency”, FIDE President Arkady Vladimirovich Dvorkovich told TASS correspondents. “All participants are preparing, and, as far as I know, they are actually getting visas to Russia. I expect that with our assistance the matter will be closed within the week”. In order to dispel some doubts, Dvorkovich also made clear that there is no obligation for anyone to be vaccinated. “It is each one’s choice”, he said.