A Bolt from the Blue

On May 29, 2017 in 潍坊 (Wéifāng), China, 山东景芝酒业股份有限公 (Shāndōng Jǐngzhī Liquor Co., Ltd.)’s Chairman 刘全平 (Liú Quánpíng) awarded four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) a crown with a single blue sapphire gem on the centre — worth ¥160,000 元 (yuán) — to reward her contribution to the development of chess in the 山東省 (Shāndōng province), with the wish she may be forever “out of the blue”. The award ceremony was held concurrently with the “景芝杯” (“Jǐngzhī Cup”) Team Rapid Chess Tournament, which was enriched by a number of side events in which 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) herself took part. Photo: 新浪微博 (Sina Wēibó).

Can’t Buy Me Love

Here are further details regarding the endorsement deal between the Chinese Chess Association — on behalf, too, of 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí) — and their new sponsor 山东景芝酒业股份有限公 (Shāndōng Jǐngzhī Liquor Co., Ltd.):

A ¥100,000 元 (yuán) bonus for 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

A blue sapphire necklace for 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

A limited edition commemorative wine bottle for 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

And another one for the coach of all coaches 余少腾 (Yú Shǎoténg). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

And, finally, the signing moment between Chinese Chess Association (CCA)’s Secretary-General 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān) and 山东景芝酒业股份有限公 (Shāndōng Jǐngzhī Liquor Co., Ltd.)’s Deputy Manager 曹天河 (Cáo Tiānhé), officialising an endorsement deal through which the wine company set up a fund worth ¥10,000,000 million 元 (yuán) for supporting the national chess development. Photo: cca.imsa.cn.