Photos: 2009 King's Cup: Before the Tournament

Adrian Tamas (ROM), ?, ? and Nigel Richards (NZL) at registration.

The playing area, before players sit down.

The playing area, seen from the atrium above.

The playing area from above.

Extra timers..

Opening ceremony emcees.

Opening ceremony dancers

Opening ceremony dancers

Opening ceremony dancers

Opening ceremony audience

Speech by representative fo Brand's.

Speech by representative of Ministry of Education

Opening Ceremony Committee

Counting down to launch the tournament: 5...

Counting down to launch the tournament: 4...

Counting down to launch the tournament: 2... (not sure what happened to my photo of 3)

Counting down to launch the tournament: 1

Counting down to launch the tournament: blasting off with crossword grid

Counting down to launch the tournament: blasting off with crossword grid

Counting down to launch the tournament: blasting off with crossword grid

Counting down to launch the tournament: confetti gun fires

Counting down to launch the tournament: confetti gun and lights

Counting down to launch the tournament: confetti everywhere

Counting down to launch the tournament: confetti everywhere

Counting down to launch the tournament: confetti everywhere

Exchanging gifts at the opening ceremony

Exchanging gifts at the opening ceremony

Exchanging gifts at the opening ceremony

Exchanging gifts at the opening ceremony

Exchanging gifts at the opening ceremony

Opening ceremony committee with representatives from each country

Opening ceremony committee with representatives from each country