A star rising in the east

"It is always nice to visit ChessBase site," wrote a well-known grandmaster, who insists on remaining anonymous. "I like your reports with lot of photographs, and especially those about chess beauties like Kosteniuk, Paehtz and others. Actually Kosteniuk is not the only pretty girl in Russia with a personal web site. Personally I like Ksenia Rybenko even more. I hope the ChessBase site will write an article about her. But please don't mention that it was me who asked you to do so."

Your word is our command, grandmaster! We surfed the Ksenia Rybenko site and extracted some vital information about this budding young chess player. And enjoyed the pictures, of which be bring you a small extract.

Ksenya Rybenko

Born on July 22, 1984. Lives in Novokuznetsk (Kemerovo region), Russia. Studying and playing chess. No brothers and sisters, just a very beautiful white cat. Parents metallurgists. Natural ashy blond hair, green eyes. Height 1.58 m (5' 2"), weight: 44 kg (97 pounds). Vital statistics: 84-60-88 (33-24-35).

Began her chess career when she was five. Took part in regional championship, became five-time champion of Siberia. Took part in the Europe Youth Chess Championship in Slovakia, came 3rd among 46 players from 38 countries. Took part in the World University Chess Championship anc came sixth. Gained the title of Woman International Master. Today Ksenya is one of 30 the best women players in Russia.

At the Women International championship in Novokuznetsk, 2001

In her hometown, on a trip in Thailand

In the Novosibirsk Zoo with her favourite felines

A somewhat risky embrace

In Thailand, goofing around with an elephant; in a dangerous mood

On a sandy beach in Thailand

Excursion during the World University Championship in Mongolia

Mongolian archery team, Russian chess team

Learning to handle a bow and arrow, to wear the national costume

Glamour shoot

Ksenya Rybenko's personal web site (Russian and English)