2007-09-29

Statement on the proposed World Championship
(3 move restriction) Match 2007

28th September 2007

The process of establishing a match between defending World Champion (3 move restriction) Alex Moiseyev (USA) and challenger Ron “Suki” King (Barbados) began last year following the conclusion of the World Qualifying Tournament held in Scotland during July 2006. No bids were received at the closing date for bids (1st October 2006) to host this important match. The WCDF Executive Board agreed to extend the closing date for bids until 1st January 2007. Ron King announced his intention to submit a bid to host this proposed match in Barbados but no bid was made prior to this date. The Executive Board of the WCDF agreed to a further deadline to 1st July 2007 to allow for fresh bids to be submitted.

Two bids were received on this date, one from Barbados and the other from the USA. The two bids were similar in the conditions they offered. Following consultation the WCDF awarded the winning bid to Barbados. The bid proposed to host the match at the Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank, Bridgetown, Barbados, from Sunday 30th September – 10th October 2007. An integral part of that bid was that airline flights would be provided to both World Champion Alex Moiseyev (USA) and WCDF official referee Alan Millhone (USA) to bring them to Barbados for the match. Details of names, addresses, telephone numbers and proposed departure dates were provided by these individuals. Their departure from the USA was scheduled for today, but for some reason no airline tickers have arrived. There has been no correspondence received by myself, Alex Moiseyev, or Alan Millhone from Barbados prior to this morning concerning any problems or requesting any postponements.

In view of this situation, and that Alex Moiseyev and Alan Millhone had made considerable changes in their personal, family, and work commitments in anticipation of departing for Barbados today, the WCDF have ruled that the Barbados bidders have defaulted on their commitments. The WCDF have no option but to cancel the match and rule that Ron “Suki” King has lost his right to challenge for the World Championship (3 move restriction) title for this cycle. No further bid is being sought.

This occurrence is unprecedented in the history of World Championship Matches and we apologize to those concerned that have worked hard to bring this match about.

Yours Sincerely:
Hugh Devlin. WCDF President

2007-09-27