Kazakh capital hosts World Rapid&Blitz

Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, has been announced by FIDE as venue of the World Rapid Championship and World Blitz Championship with a combined $1 million in prizes, after there was no 2020 edition due to the pandemic. During the event on 25–29 December the temperatures in the Kazakh capital are expected to hover between -10 and -25 degrees Celsius. Players above 2550, respectively 2250 for women, and reigning national champions are eligible to take part.