Every player of the 2022 Women's Candidates Pool A has arrived to the magnificent five-star Hermitage hotel.
The hotel is part of the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) group, the main sponsor for the event, where the players will spend the next 15 days.
SBM is a company that owns and manages the Monte Carlo Casino, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and the Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo. Originally founded in 1863 by Charles III, Prince of Monaco, and previously owned by Aristotle Onassis, SBM is now a publicly traded company registered in the Principality of Monaco, with the Government of Monaco as the main shareholder.
The tournament takes place in the South of France, very close to Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur region, even though as we all know Monaco is a state by itself.
The playing hall is (almost) ready to welcome the four ladies in exceptional conditions.
Chess should of course be the only concern, especially when you're playing at such a high level and we will hopefully assist to some great quality games.
But for now, let's enjoy the opening ceremony starting with a media reception at 5PM CET.