Battle for the final Candidates spot: Women’s Events 2024-2025 race heats up
The Women’s Events 2024-2025 has entered its decisive phase. Following the triumphs of Vaishali R and Kateryna Lagno in the Women’s Grand Swiss, all seven leading players in the Women’s Events race secured qualification for the Women’s Candidates 2026 through various pathways. The eighth and final spot in the competition – which will determine the challenger for the women’s world title – remains open. Currently leading the race for that last berth is Bibisara Assaubayeva (99.4 points), who sits eighth, just behind the already-qualified players. Given her impressive resume in fast time controls, the two-time World Women’s Blitz Champion appears to have the strongest claim on paper heading to the Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025. Chasing her are Song Yuxin, Anna Muzychuk (both on 80 points), the winner of the 2022–23 Women’s Candidates Lei Tingjie (62 points), and the experienced Harika Dronavalli (58.5). All four remain strong candidates for the final slot, provided they deliver strong results at the upcoming events in Qatar. Further down the standings, young Afruza Khamdamova, former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk (both on 38.5), Mariya Muzychuk (26.40), Nana Dzagnidze (25), Ulviyya Fataliyeva (20), and Irina Krush (20) still have mathematical chances. With significant number of points available at the upcoming Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championships, none of them can yet be ruled out. Each of these contenders faces the formidable challenge of outperforming the competition in the season’s final events to claim the last coveted place in the Women’s Candidates 2026. We maintain a dedicated page on our website for the FIDE Women’s Events 2024–2025, featuring the latest information on eligible tournaments, current standings, and regulations. Visit: FIDE Women’s Events 2024-2025
FIDE U9–U17 Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship kicks off in Antalya, Türkiye
The FIDE U9–U17 Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship, organized by FIDE and the Turkish Chess Federation, officially commenced on December 16 at the Aska Lara Hotel in Antalya. A total of 314 participants from 33 countries, including 97 titled players, are competing in the event. Both the rapid and blitz events are 9-round Swiss tournaments, held across five age groups (U9, U11, U13, U15, U17) and separate Open and Girls sections. The rapid segment will be played over three days, followed by the two-day blitz tournaments. The top seeds in the open categories (from U17 to U9, respectively) are: IM Arda Çamlar (TUR), GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (TUR; pictured above), Andrey Kryakvin (FIDE), FM Marc Llari (FRA) and Marc Barcelo Melnyk (ESP). WFM Alexia-Andreea Iordache (ROU), WFM Rosha Akbari (IRI), WCM Kristina Zavivaeva (FIDE; pictured below), WFM Alisa Genrietta Yunker (FIDE), WCM Eliza-Ioana Badescu (ROU) headline the girls categories. The opening ceremony was attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, along with the President of the hosting Turkish Chess Federation Fethi Apaydin; TCF Deputy President Bulent Mert Dikec; FIDE Events Commission Honorary Chair ABD Chief Events Inspector Ozgur Solakoglu; TCF Board Member and FIDE Events Commission Member Alper Efe Ataman; Kemal Can Comez, Betul Buyukasik, and other sports sport and federation officials. Arkady Dvorkovich and Fethi Apaydin made the first ceremonial moves, officially launching the competition. Pairing and results: [HERE] Official website: youthrapidblitz2025.tsf.org.tr/ Photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8haNV29TMiGgSNvm8 Written by Kübra Ceylan Photos: Ozan Koşar
Cape Verde Championship 2025: Mariano Ortega retains title
International Master Mariano Ortega has reaffirmed his dominance in Cape Verdean chess by successfully defending his title as Absolute National Champion. The championship was held from December 7–14 at the Hotel Oásis Atlântico Porto Grande in the city of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente. The 9-round Swiss event brought together 26 players from across the country and the diaspora. Featuring a strong field and a highly competitive atmosphere, the event proved both challenging and exciting. Mariano Ortega dominated the competition, winning all nine games to claim his fifth national title. This achievement cements his status as the leading figure in Cape Verdean chess and serves as an inspiration for a new generation of players. His success celebrates his personal milestone and underscores the growth and rising competitiveness of chess in Cape Verde, as demonstrated by the high-quality games and genuine sportsmanship on display throughout the event. FM Diogo Alho (pictured above, right), who fell to Ortega in Round 4, won all his other games to secure the silver medal. CM José Carlos Vaz completed the podium with a score of 7/9. Final standings (chess-results) The closing ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Sport of Cape Verde, Dr. Carlos Monteiro, who highlighted the progress of chess in the nation and commended the efforts of the national federation. Photos: Federação Cabo-verdiana de Xadrez