New International Women's Chess Tournament

Chessbase has announced a brand new tournament: İş Bankası - Atatürk International Women Masters Chess Tournament to be held in March, 2008. Sponsored by the Turkish bank İş Bankası for the next 10 years, the goal is to establish a women's tournament of the caliber of Corus and Linares, in addition to promoting women's chess in Turkey with a goal of winning an Olympiad. In addition to a $16,000 prize fund, there will be some appearance fees paid and other prizes (based on ELO and starting rank), in addition to a travel stipend of either $300 or $800, with free accomodations and transportation to and from the playing venue, and $50 pocket money. Play is limited to 10 players, two of whom will be Turkish players. The "invitation" list for the 8 non-Turkish players is the top 24 rated women in the world plus GM Peng Zhaoqin (#41 on the FIDE ratings list). An exciting new event. I look forward to reading who the players are who will accept the invitations.