Winners crowned at FIDE World Cup Under 8–12
The curtain fell on the FIDE World Cup Under 8–12 in Batumi, bringing an end to a thrilling competition. Over the past eleven days, players from across the globe demonstrated outstanding skills and determination, with each round bringing new challenges, unforgettable memories, and a wealth of emotions. China emerged as the dominant force in the medal standings, finishing with the biggest haul of the tournament. The Chinese contingent claimed three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. Kazakhstan also enjoyed a strong campaign, securing one gold and two bronze medals, while France and India rounded out the gold medal winners, with each nation taking home one gold. India further bolstered their tally with two silver medals and one bronze. Congratulations to all 18 medalists and every participant for their remarkable achievements and the fighting spirit they brought to the board. Open U08 🥇 Jin Yuxin (CHN) – 9½🥈 Sergeev Vladimir Nik (FID) – 9🥉 Zhang Ruike (CHN) – 8½ Complete final standings Girls U08 🥇 Sun Yunjin (CHN) – 9½🥈 Ye Xinhe (CHN) – 8½🥉 Saiaastha Singh (IND) – 8½ Complete final standings Open U10 🥇 Ulan Rizat (KAZ) – 9🥈 Mani Sarbartho (IND) – 8½🥉 Sattwik Swain (IND) – 8½ Complete final standings Girls U10 🥇 Chen Zhihan (CHN) – 9🥈 Bissaliyeva Alisha (KAZ) – 9🥉 Asadova Madinabonu (UZB) – 8½ Complete final standings Open U12 🥇 Llari Marc (FRA) – 9🥈 Uzdemir Ali Poyraz (TUR) – 8½🥉 Tulegen Ramazan (KAZ) – 8½ Complete final standings Girls U12 🥇 Divi Bijesh (IND) – 9🥈 Yunker Alisa Genrietta (FID) – 8½🥉 Filippova Milana (KAZ) – 8½ Complete final standings The closing ceremony was held in a warm and festive atmosphere, bringing together participants, coaches, parents, and guests to celebrate the successful conclusion of the tournament. One of the highlights of the day was a captivating performance by Andria Putkaradze, the Junior Eurovision 2024 winner, whose music added an extra layer of celebration to the proceedings. Photos: Mindia Malakhmadze Official website: https://wcc2026.fide.com/
Georgia honours Nona Gaprindashvili with highest national sports award
In a ceremony attended by the Georgian Prime Minister, Minister of Sport and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Georgia paid tribute to one of the greatest women chess players of all time, Nona Gaprindashvili. The celebration – held at the Rustaveli National Theatre in Tbilisi, one of the most prominent cultural venues in Georgia – was organised in honour of Gaprindashvili’s 85th birthday (on May 3 this year). The audience included Georgia’s most senior state leadership, government ministers, members of parliament, Tbilisi city officials, business leaders and representatives of the chess community. The 90-minute-long celebration combined Nona’s chess career with Georgian cultural heritage in a unique artistic interpretation of her legacy. At the highlight of the ceremony, Gaprindashvili herself appeared on stage, greeted with ovations. She was presented with the Highest Award of Georgia for Sports Achievement in recognition of her outstanding contribution to chess, sport and the nation of Georgia. Akaki Iashvili, president of the Georgian Chess Federation, said: “Nona Gaprindashvili is part of Georgia’s history. She opened doors for generations of women in chess, and she showed that talent, courage and character can change the game forever. Thanks to her, chess is popular and recognised in the country.” As an example of the high esteem chess enjoys in Georgia, Iashvili noted that the renewed Chess Palace in the center of Tbilisi will open soon, offering space to players and young children from all over the country, including the newest educational materials. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich was also among the guests at the celebration. “Nona Gaprindashvili is a living chess legend, but she is also a national cultural icon, a symbol of Georgian heritage. She is an inspiration for her nation and for the entire chess world, a figure whose legacy promotes the best in chess. It was an honour to be here and celebrate with her and many true chess fans from Georgia and the world,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. Gaprindashvili won the Women’s World Championship title in 1962 and later became the first woman to receive the grandmaster title. A five-time Women’s World Champion, an eleven-time Chess Olympiad winner and the first female winner of the Chess Oscar, she is considered a role model for several generations of Georgian players, with a legacy linked to the rise of Maia Chiburdanidze, Nana Alexandria, Nino Gurieli and other great players. Photos: https://gov.ge/