Parachess in Hungary – a truly unique competition
Jointly organized by the Hungarian Chess Federation, FODISZ (the organization for sports of persons with disabilities), and the Hungarian Paralympic Committee, the fifth edition of the Hungarian Parachess Championship took place from May 22–25. This is a unique national individual championship, bringing together players who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, and organ transplant recipients. The visually impaired mostly play two-board chess — a special format also used internationally — where each player moves both sides on their own board, announcing moves aloud so both competitors can comfortably think about their next steps without disturbing each other. This setup requires extra attention, as communication between hearing- and visually-impaired players can sometimes be challenging. Fortunately, the dedicated arbiters are always on hand to assist, and the exceptional sportsmanship shown by participants ensures the smooth running of the tournament. It is truly commendable that these three organizations continue to join forces year after year to champion the cause of parachess. Beyond highlighting how universal, inclusive, and open chess is, this event also fosters a sense of community in what is traditionally an individual sport. It provides opportunities for players whose ability to compete among able-bodied participants is sometimes limited by technical barriers, and helps them prepare for international tournaments. This year’s championship not only drew a record number of participants — 24 players may not seem like many, but in a small country, especially within the disabled community, it is significant — it also delivered plenty of excitement. Going into the final rounds, four players had a chance at the overall gold medal, which was ultimately claimed by the rating favorite, FM Zoltán Zambó. In the visually impaired category, Zoltán Zambó took first place, ahead of Szilveszter Csuri, who had an excellent debut, and István Voján, a longtime team member returning to form. Among the hearing impaired, Balázs Máté (pictured above, right) claimed victory, followed by Tibor Hallossy and Virág Farkas on the podium. In the physically disabled category, László Lengyel, who played on board one in the final round, emerged victorious, with Péter Turoczi finishing second. Notably, Virág Farkas was recognized as both the best young player and the top female competitor, delivering a consistent performance and finishing an excellent 8th overall. The youngest participant, 14-year-old visually impaired talent Roni Dominik Filep (pictured below, right), took second place in the youth category, showing impressive combinational skills in the final round by defeating Hanna Vilics (pictured below, right), the only youth member of Hungary’s national visually impaired team. Hungarian Parachess Championship – final standings We would be delighted if other countries joined this initiative so that chess players with various disabilities can participate together in the Hungarian championship, which is planned to be an open tournament. Federations interested in sending players are encouraged to contact us at chess@chess.hu, so we can gauge international interest and explore expanding the competition to a broader level. We firmly believe that chess for people with disabilities deserves great attention and support. Written by IA Robert Kapas
Rising stars shaking up the WRB Team Championships in London
From 10 to 16 June, London will host the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships. In its third year, the event has grown in scale, adding a Blitz tournament, an increased prize fund and a greater number of teams. One standout feature of this edition is the number of young talents signed up to compete. The tournament is open to teams comprising players of all levels, fighting in both Rapid and Blitz events. With 55 teams taking part and with many having top-world GMs in their squad, this will be one of the largest and strongest chess gatherings ever held in the British capital. There are no specific requirements to include young players, but many teams have done so regardless. Among them, 9-year-old Sarbartho Mani, who is playing for one of the favourites, Freedom, and the 10-year-old Roman Shogdzhiev on the team of Rookies (who are also formidable fighters, having a good run in the previous edition). These players aren’t just filling boards. They’re shaping results. Their presence signals a broader generational shift in elite chess. Here are some of the young talents poised to make their mark at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Teams in London: Shreyas Royal (16) Photo: English Chess Federation Representing the “Rookies” team, this English Grandmaster, born on January 9, 2009, became the youngest British player to achieve the GM title at 15 years and 7 months on August 20, 2024. His notable appearances include the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss tournament, where he finished on 4,5/11 and took sixth place at the British Chess Championship in 2024. Deborah Quickpen (13) Photo: islandkey.com From Nigeria, playing for “Mother Continent,” Quickpen began her chess journey at age three and by 11 became the youngest ever Nigeria Chess Champion in 2023. She is the youngest person ever to have won the national title. Bodhana Sivanandan (10) Photo: Michal Walusza This English Woman FIDE Master, on the “e-therapeutics” team, started playing during the 2020 lockdown and by March 2022, had won silver medals in European Under-8 rapid and blitz championships. In July 2024, Bodhana became the youngest person ever selected for an English national team in any sport, representing England at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Roman Shogdzhiev (10) Photo: Lennart Ootes Another “Rookies” team member, born February 4, 2015. Just ahead of the event, on 25th May, he made history by becoming the youngest ever International Master – at the age of 10 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Roman made headlines in December 2023 by defeating five Grandmasters at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, at just eight years old. Faustino Oro (11) Photo: Maria Emelianova Playing for “Turkish Airlines Sports Club,” this Argentine International Master, born October 14, 2013, became the youngest player to achieve a classical rating of 2300, in 2023. In March 2024, he famously defeated Magnus Carlsen in a Bullet Brawl tournament. He held the record for the youngest International Master until May 2025. Sofia Blokhin (19) Photo: Eesti Maleliit An Estonian Woman FIDE Master from the “Olala Stars,” born March 27, 2006, Blokhin is the reigning World Rapid Champion in the Girls Under-18 category (2024) and a multiple European champion. She also represented her country in two chess Olympiads and was a reserve player at the 2023 European Team Championship. Zsóka Gaál (18) Photo: Michal Walusza A Hungarian Woman Grandmaster from “Team Hungary.” Born May 2, 2007, Gaál earned her WGM title in November 2024. She was the 2016 European Youth Champion (U10 girls) and the 2021 online World Youth Champion (U14 girls). Marc’Andria Maurizzi (18) Photo: Biel International Chess Festival This French Grandmaster, born May 16, 2007, for “Knight Dance,” became the youngest French GM at 14 years and 5 days in May 2021. In 2023, he shared first place in the World Junior Chess Championship. At the 2024 Tata Steel Challengers, he tied for second with Daniel Dardha, and in February 2025, he won the strong Djerba Masters with a round to spare and a tournament performance rating of 2898. Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (13) Photo: Mikael Svensson A Turkish Grandmaster, born June 3, 2011, playing for “Generation XYZA,” Erdoğmuş achieved his GM title in April 2024 at 12 years and 10 months. In September 2024, he became the youngest player to cross the 2600 Elo mark. He has had notable successes at several strong tournaments, including the Sunway Sitges tournament in 2023 where he was 9th, and the 2024 Grenke Open. Pranav Venkatesh (18) Photo: Mitar Djukanovic Representing “Team MGD1” and India, born October 13, 2006, Venkatesh became India’s 75th GM in 2022. Most recently, in March 2025, he clinched the World Junior Chess Championship title. He also has two gold medals in the U-18 section of the FIDE World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championship. Sarbartho Mani (9) Photo: Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha An Indian Arena FIDE Master, born in 2016, Mani is listed as a player for the “Freedom” team alongside Viswanathan Anand. At seven years old, he won the 36th National Under-7 Open Championship in 2023 with a perfect score of 9/9. Noam Sason (11) Photo: Ynetnews Representing OlalaStars, 11-year-old Israeli player Noam Sason is an accomplished young talent. He is the current U12 vice-champion in both Rapid and Blitz, having earned two silver medals at the World Youth Chess Championship in Rhodes. The reigning Israeli cadet champion, he recently won the Italy Open U20, demonstrating his ability to compete with and succeed against older, more experienced opponents. The tickets for the event are available here: tickets.fide.com Follow the action with live commentaries by England’s Daniel King and Jovanka Houska on FIDE YouTube channel. Official website: worldrapidblitzteams2025.fide.com