FIDE Council approves targeted amendment to Rating Regulation
The FIDE Council has approved the amendments to the Rating Regulations, effective as of 1st of October, following the proposal from the Qualification Commission. The amendment is designed to ensure the fairness and integrity of the FIDE rating system and provide a level-playing field for all top-rated players. The change will apply to players rated 2650 and above and will affect approximately 70 top-rated Grandmasters. The amendment addresses the application of the 400-point rule. The rule stated that a difference in rating of more than 400 points shall be counted for rating purposes as it were a difference of 400 points. There are no restrictions of how many times it can be applied during a single tournament. The current wording in FIDE Rating Regulations will change to include the following, given here in bold: “8.3.1 For each game played against a rated player, determine the difference in rating between the player and their opponent, D. A difference in rating of more than 400 points shall be counted for rating purposes as though it were a difference of 400 points, for players rated below 2650. For players rated 2650 and above, the difference between ratings shall be used in all cases.” The accuracy of ratings and competitive fairness are paramount for chess. This amendment ensures that rating adjustments at the highest level accurately reflect a player’s performance against a pool of statistically equal opponents, safeguarding professional standards set by FIDE.
Winners crowned at FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championship 2025
For five days, Lima became the world’s chess capital. The Peruvian capital hosted the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, bringing together brightest young chess talents. In an atmosphere of intensity and high expectations, the clock ticked as fast as the plays unfolded, demanding not only creativity from the players but also absolute composure under pressure. Many games were decided in mere minutes, offering spectators a mix of spectacle, drama, and brilliance. The Peruvian audience responded with passion, filling the playing halls and proving that chess, in its most accelerated form, can be lived and celebrated with the energy of a true sporting event. Between draws, crushing victories, and heartbreaking defeats, Lima pulsed with the excitement of a discipline that allows no respite. By the end of five intense days, it was clear that this World Championship not only crowned new champions but also established Peru as a prominent stage on the international chess calendar. Below is the list of winners: Girls – Rapid WGM Xeniya Balabayeva (KAZ) – 7 WIM Afruza Khamdamova (UZB) – 6.5 WFM Varvara Poliakova (FIDE) – 6.5 Final standings Girls – Rapid Open – Rapid IM Mukhammadzokhid (UZB) – 7.5 GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 7 GM Denis Lazavik (FIDE) – 7 Final standings Open – Rapid Girls – Blitz IM Eline Roebers (NED) – 12/13 WIM Umida Omonova (UZB) – 9.5 WFM Aliaksandra Tarasenka (FIDE) – 9 Eline Roebers delivered a commanding performance, clinching the title with a round to spare. The IM from the Netherlands scored an impressive 12/13, conceding just two draws. Final standings Girls – Blitz Open – Blitz GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 12/13 GM Denis Lazavik (FIDE) – 11.5 IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (UZB) –10 The competition turned in an exciting race of GMs Mukhiddin Madaminov and Denis Lazavik. The runner-up of the Open – Rapid, Mamadinov seized the lead in Round 9 and preserved it to the end, finishing a half-point ahead of Lazavik. Final standings Open – Blitz Text and photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar Official website: fidewj2025.com/