FIDE Candidates: Sindarov preserves lead as Vaishali takes command
Javokhir Sindarov continues to dominate the FIDE Candidates after Round 11, where all games ended in draws. With only three rounds remaining, he still holds a two-point lead. If Sindarov maintains stability, he’s in an excellent position to win the tournament and secure a shot at the world title. In the women’s section, Vaishali R scored a crucial win with the black pieces over Aleksandra Goryachkina, moving a full point ahead of the field and taking clear control heading into the final rounds. Let’s take a closer look at this afternoon’s eleventh round action in the playing venue at the Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort, here in Cyprus. Of course, the key game of the afternoon was the encounter between Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov. Caruana essayed a relatively new idea – 11.Be3 in the mainstream Catalan Opening – a move that has already been played a couple of times by Nihal Sarin. “I didn’t really prepare for the last two games; I just played something safe. But then I got a bit of pressure and some serious winning chances at one point,” Caruana explained after the game. The idea involves a pawn sacrifice in exchange for long-term compensation. “We know that Caruana’s preparation runs deep!” exclaimed commentator Jan Gustafsson during the live broadcast. Co-commentator Peter Svidler offered a different perspective: “It’s not played with the intention of proving an advantage, but rather to reach a strange new position that the opponent may not yet have seen.” Sindarov, however, defended excellently, returning the pawn at the precise moment and securing an important draw for his tournament chances. “I tried to make an impact in the tournament, but he defended very well,” Caruana concluded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH70eNvlvA0 The other three games also ended in draws, although there were missed opportunities along the way. The game between Hikaru Nakamura and Wei Yi was a solid encounter, with both players blitzing out the classical mainline of the Catalan Opening. Sensing that his opponent was deeply prepared, Nakamura opted to force a threefold repetition at an early stage, though not before spending nearly forty minutes weighing his options. In his post-game interview, Nakamura explained his decision-making process and also shared some thoughts on his upcoming clash with the tournament leader. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCAQSJb8MrI&t=19s In an attempt to catch the leader, Anish Giri tried to improve on a previous game by Andrey Esipenko earlier in the tournament, opting for 11.Qa4 instead of 11.Rc1. Esipenko had already equalized comfortably in that earlier encounter, and interestingly, the same move had also appeared in game fourteen of the Fischer–Spassky World Championship match. However, trying to outplay Esipenko in an isolated pawn–minor piece endgame is a notoriously difficult task. His defensive technique was once again impeccable, and Giri was unable to generate any real winning chances. A draw was agreed on move 43, a result that can be considered a model example of defensive play in this type of structure. The player who will likely regret the afternoon most is no doubt R Praggnanandhaa, who reached a winning position against Matthias Bluebaum but ultimately failed to convert. Praggnanandhaa had already missed a strong continuation a few moves earlier, but with only five minutes left for six moves, the critical moment arose. He played 34.Qf3, activating his queen with threats against f7. However, after 34…d4!, Black’s coordination suddenly held everything together; the queen on b3 defends f7, and the initiative faded, allowing the game to simplify into a draw. Instead, the decisive continuation was: 34.Rxf7! with strong attacking ideas, including the threat of 35.Qxg5 and mating patterns on g7. The key line continues: 34…Rxe5 35.Qa7!! Bd3 (covering h7) 36.Rxg7+ Kh8 37.Rc7 (or 37.Rf7) with decisive threats such as 38.Rc8 and 38.Qd4, leading to a winning attack. In the FIDE Women’s Candidates, Vaishali Rameshbabu took a major step toward winning the tournament by defeating Aleksandra Goryachkina with the Black pieces. In their game featuring a London System, Vaishali equalised comfortably, and the position was heading toward a draw when Goryachkina missed a crucial tactical resource spotted by her opponent. Most moves would have preserved equality (one of them is 30. a4), but 30.Be2–c4?? proved to be the decisive mistake. Under time pressure, Goryachkina failed to notice that her rook was becoming dangerously trapped. After 30…Bc6!, White had no way to prevent …Nd7, which would win the trapped rook. Goryachkina tried 31.Rxc5, but after 31…b6, she was forced to give up the exchange and resigned a few moves later. In her post-game press conference, Vaishali reflected on the game and her improved standing in the tournament. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyMWZwgDNp4 The other three games also ended in draws. Kateryna Lagno and Anna Muzychuk have played many games against each other, with Muzychuk holding a slight plus score in their head-to-head. This time, Anna switched from the Grünfeld Defence to a Queen’s Indian / Bogo-Indian hybrid. Although the position out of the opening was slightly more pleasant for White, Muzychuk held the balance comfortably, finishing with an impressive 98% accuracy. The game between Zhu Jiner and Divya Deshmukh was also very well played by both sides. Zhu Jiner spent a long time in the opening in a Maroczy Bind sideline against the Sicilian, but Divya had clearly done her preparation and played quickly, reaching a slightly inferior but fully defendable position. She even had a small chance to press in the endgame, but the game ultimately petered out into a draw. Finally, Tan Zhongyi came closest to scoring a full point against Bibisara Assaubayeva. As commentator Peter Svidler noted, Tan has been having a difficult tournament so far, with three losses and no wins. In this game, she arrived well-prepared, played confidently, and put her opponent under pressure. However, just when a draw in the rook endgame should have (and ultimately did) arise, Assaubayeva made a single inaccuracy that briefly allowed winning chances. Unfortunately for Tan, those chances were not converted, and the game still ended in a draw. Standings after Round 11 This afternoon’s fan-zone activities included
School chess unites continents: Winners crowned at Asian Continental Stage of World Schools Team Championship 2026
The Asian Continental Stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Wisdom School (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) claiming victory and securing a berth in the Grand Final scheduled for December 2026. The top Kazakh team, SEED Uniker School (Astana), finished fourth. Organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Akimat of Almaty – with Freedom Holding Corp as General Partner – the tournament took place from April 7-10, 2026 at the Kazakhstan Hotel. It brought together 114 young players aged 8 to 14 from 19 countries, competing in an 8-round Swiss system with a time control of 45 minutes plus a 10-second increment. The entire event embraced a space theme in honour of Cosmonautics Day on 12 April. On the final day, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Kazakh cosmonaut and National Hero of Kazakhstan Aydyn Aimbetov made the ceremonial first move – a symbolic gesture highlighting the shared values of chess and space exploration: strategic thinking, teamwork, and the pursuit of new horizons. “This tournament has become a true example of the promising future of chess on our continent and the potential of educational systems. We all understand and value the importance of education, especially at the school level. In FIDE, 2026 has been declared the Year of Chess in Education, and school team championships hold a special place among the key events of this initiative. This year, numerous conferences, seminars, and tournaments are taking place, all dedicated to promoting the positive role of chess in early development,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Final standings (average rating in parentheses): Wisdom School (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) (2024) – 16 match points Kurchatov School (Moscow, Russia) (2275) – 14 Velammal MHS School (Chennai, India) (1908) – 12 SEED Uniker School (Astana) (2023) – 10 (EMGSB – 141) Bashu Secondary School (Chongqing, China) (1722) – 10 (132) RFMSH (Almaty) (1676) – 10 (116) Maliyadeva College (Kurunegala, Sri Lanka) (1602) – 10 (95) Bolovsrol Secondary School (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) (1616) – 9 ACG Sunderland (Auckland, New Zealand) (1834) – 8 (157) Lyceum School No. 173 (Almaty) (1818) – 8 (143) In case of a tie, Extended Direct Encounter (EDE) was applied first, followed by EMGSB (Extended Sonneborn-Berger). In addition to team awards, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the best players on each board (based on performance percentage). Among them were two Kazakhstani juniors. The closing ceremony on 10 April at the Kazakhstan Hotel featured distinguished guests including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Deputy Akim of Almaty Nurlan Abdrakhim, and President of the International School Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation Timur Turlov. “The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has identified the formation of an intellectual nation as one of the country’s key strategic priorities. Today’s tournament clearly demonstrates the consistent implementation of this policy. Chess has firmly entered both the academic curriculum and extracurricular activities, becoming an important part of the modern school environment. It develops strategic and logical thinking and strengthens discipline among young people,” said Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova. She also noted the successful implementation of the “Chess in Education” program in partnership with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. The ceremony included a performance by Junior Eurovision participant Karakat Bashanova. During her song, the lights were turned off, and the audience raised LED bracelets, creating a sky of hundreds of glowing “stars.” Organizers emphasized: “If stars are lit, it means someone needs them,” symbolizing that every child present is a future star. The event culminated in a symbolic handover to Africa – the next continental stage – marked by a countdown and hundreds of paper airplanes launched by the audience. “Kazakhstan is building open and friendly connections with the world,” said Timur Turlov. “I hope our tournament has contributed to this process. We are very glad that our international guests experienced genuine Kazakh hospitality and discovered Almaty. I believe the connections formed here will stay with these young players for years to come.” Two memorandums were also signed during the event. The first established cooperation between FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp., providing additional support for national federations and chess initiatives worldwide. The second memorandum was signed between the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and the Kyrgyz Chess Union. The Akimat of Almaty provided significant support in hosting the tournament, ensuring comfortable conditions for young players from 19 countries. Full results: https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1387968.aspx Photos: World Schools Team Championship Official website: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/
Freedom Holding Corp becomes FIDE Partner for 2026 chess programmes
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the investment company Freedom Holding Corp have signed a Memorandum on cooperation focused on global promotion, development, and accessibility of chess. Freedom Holding Corp will serve as an official Partner of FIDE in chess development programmes in 2026. The cooperation covers four areas and includes: a) Organisation and sponsorship of international, continental, and regional chess tournaments b) Provision of financial and material support to players, coaches, and training centres across all continents c) Implementation of chess educational programmes with financial support d) Talent scouting programmes and initiatives through financial support The agreement covers the period from April 6 to December 31, 2026, with both parties viewing it as the first step in a broader long term cooperation.. Both FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp have committed to working in good faith for the benefit of chess development worldwide. Freedom Holding Corp has already contributed significant financial support for elite and school chess in recent years, recognising the importance of chess in education, cognitive development, and cultural exchange. As the official Partner, Freedom Holding will support FIDE’s ongoing initiatives and strategic goals to broaden the reach of chess, building a greater, stronger, and more inclusive chess community. “Freedom Holding Corp and its CEO, Mr. Timur Turlov, have been strong supporters of chess in recent years, recognising the value and high potential of the sport. In a year when FIDE is staging many of our most important events, we are strengthening our existing bond and laying a foundation for a better and more prosperous global chess community,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. More details on the projects and the funding will be released in due course.
Coventry City vs Derby County football fans recreate rivalry on the chessboard
Coventry’s CBS Arena witnessed a landmark moment over Easter as chess made its debut in the Coventry City Fan Zone. Fans of Coventry City FC faced Derby County fans in a West vs East Midlands clash that extended beyond the pitch. Representatives from the English Chess Federation, including National Master Paul Lam and Andy Ward of the Coventry Chess Academy, engaged fans ahead of kickoff, introducing the game to supporters of all ages. The initiative also spotlighted the upcoming British Chess Championships, set to take place at the University of Warwick from August 1 to 9 this summer. Joining the event were rising stars from the academy: 15-year-old Woman FIDE Master Elis Dicen, 14-year-old Candidate Master Billy Fellowes, and five-year-old prodigy Riyaan Garnsworthy, already ranked among England’s top under-7 players. “It was a fantastic experience at the Fan Zone,” said Paul Lam. “We were blown away by the level of interest and enthusiasm from the public, particularly among young people. It was incredibly encouraging to see so many eager to learn and play.” The day ended on a high note for Coventry as the Sky Blue Army secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Derby County FC, capping off a memorable fusion of sport and strategy. Alex Holowczak, the ECF Director of Events, said: “We are grateful to Coventry City Council, and Coventry City Football Club, for allowing us the opportunity to showcase chess at the Fan Zone. We are committed to creating a legacy of chess in Coventry that extends beyond this year’s British Championships, and the Fan Zone helped us bring chess to a wider audience.” Lam added: “We’d like to thank everyone who came to meet us and play. And a special thanks to Coventry City Council and Coventry City FC for making this opportunity possible. Play up, Sky Blues!” More than 1,000 chess players from across the UK, including the nation’s leading grandmasters and emerging young talents, are expected to take part in a series of tournaments and wider chess activities when Coventry hosts the nine-day British Chess Championships. Players will compete for a total prize fund of £34,000 at the city’s University of Warwick, the largest prize pot in the Championship’s history, while the Women’s Championship prize fund has more than doubled. The event in Coventry will be the 112th British Chess Championship, continuing a tradition that has run almost uninterrupted since 1904. Coventry last hosted the Championships in 2015, when Grandmaster Jonathan Hawkins won his first British title and Akshaya Kalaiyalahan claimed the women’s championship. The city previously staged the event in 1970. More details about the Championships can be found [HERE]. Photos: Dennis Dicen / English Chess Federation The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing chess organisation in England and is affiliated to FIDE (the Fédération Internationale des Échecs). Its mission is to promote the game of chess, in all its forms, as an attractive means of cultural and personal advancement to the widest possible public. In addition, the ECF exists to develop chess by creating the means to enable the highest forms of chess excellence to be achieved, and to expand the game as a social and sporting activity.