The 9^th edition of Norway Chess is finally about to start, first round will take place tomorrow, September 7^th, with one of the games postponed to the free day on September 11th.  

The players are:

GM Magnus Carlsen (Norway)

GM Ian Neponmiachtchi (Russia)

GM Richard Rapport (Hungary)

GM Alireza Firouzja (France)

GM Sergey Karjakin (Russia)

GM Aryan Tari (Norway)

Due to visa issues, GM Ian Nepomniachtchi was prevented from boarding his flight and had to have a new visa issued to come to Norway. The Norwegian Embassy in Moscow and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration were very helpful to get this issue solved and Nepomniachtchi will arrive Stavanger on September 7^th. However, he will arrive too late to start the round at 5 PM and will therefore play round 1 on the free day, Saturday September 11, where he will face his opponent GM Sergey Karjakin.

We want to especially thank the embassy and everyone who assisted in this matter.  

The drawing of lots of the Norway Chess took place on 6^th of September at the Clarion Hotel Stavanger below are the pairings.