Nodirbek Abdusattorov triumphs in Prague
The 2026 edition of the Prague International Chess Festival 2026, featuring the Masters, Challengers and Futures tournaments, is now in the books. The prestigious Masters tournament, a 10-player round-robin with classical time control, featured a formidable lineup and was fiercely contested event from start to finish. GM Jorden Van Foreest led most of the way scoring three straight victories in Rounds 3-5 (including a win over the World Champion Gukesh D), but never felt safe as his competitors stayed hard on his heels. The race culminated in the penultimate eighth round: the Dutchman slipped in an equal endgame and lost to the last year’s winner Aravindh Chithambaram, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeated David Navara and surged ahead. Going into the final round a half-point ahead of Van Foreest, Abdusattorov drew with Hans Niemann and secured the title with 6/9, as his main rival suffered second consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Parham Maghsoodloo. As a result, Maghsoodloo, Aravindh and Van Foreest tied for second place on 5/9, with the first two joining Abdusattrov on the podium due to superior tiebreaks. Abdusattorov, the event’s only unbeaten player, claimed his second major title of 2026, gained 9 rating points and consolidated his leading position in the FIDE Circuit 2026 – 2027. Final standings – Masters To the delight of the home crowd IM Vaclav Finek (CZE) won the Challengers event. WCM Kaja Rzadkowska from Poland emerged victorious in the Futures tournament. Final standings – Challengers and Futures Photos: Prague International Chess Festival Official website: https://praguechessfestival.com/en/2026