And this is why you don't book your plane tickets until the last moment

World Memory Championship announcement from a peeved-sounding WMSC:

We have just been made aware by our sponsors in China that, without consultation with us, they have chosen to change the change the host city from Beijing to Guangzhou. We are also aware that they have changed other information on their Chinese language website regarding the arrangements of the competition and also the prize fund.

To make these changes nine weeks ahead of the event and without consultation, puts all of us in a very difficult position. We are acutely aware of the fact that they caused a similar upset last year when they unilaterally changed the dates of the event causing considerable inconvenience to all.

The hotel chosen by them now is HJ Grand Hotel in the Huadu District of Guangzhou which is five star. The website for the hotel is http://www.hjgrand.com/en/introduce.aspx
Mr Guo Chanwei has been appointed by New Mind as the contact point for all competitors to arrange for accommodation and all other questions! His email is gotop1 (at) 126.com

We are now seeking urgent clarification and assurances from New Mind that they are able to meet the obligations that they had previously agreed. We have many questions which require clarification, not least of which is the need for them to fund sufficient international arbiters and also that the prize fund recognises the significant achievements of our competitors.

We are currently exploring all options to ensure that this, the 20th World Memory Championships is held in a fitting way and that the interests of all competitors will be protected.
We will be making a further announcement as soon as we have more information.


Sounds like it might still end up held in London on a shoestring budget - which, actually, I'd be entirely in favour of. Although Guangzhou would be nicer than Beijing, with the lovely winter weather.