The FIDE World Cup Under 8–12 in Batumi has passed its midpoint. After six exciting rounds, sole leaders have emerged in all groups except for Open 10 Group B, Open 12 Group B, Girls 10 Group A, and Girls 12 Group A.
All games begin daily at 13:00 CET and are broadcast live. The tournament is conducted in full compliance with anti-cheating regulations, with all players thoroughly checked before entering the playing hall.
“The FIDE World Cup U8, U10, and U12 is being held in Batumi for the second time. This edition has brought together 300 participants from nearly 40 countries. As organizers, we are doing our best to ensure the tournament is conducted at the highest level, with attention to every detail,” said Akaki Iashvili, Tournament Director and FIDE Director for Special Tasks (pictured above, right).
“Right after the conclusion of this World Cup, Batumi will also host another major chess tournament — the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. So, we’re just at the beginning of a long and exciting chess marathon in Georgia,” he added.
On the rest day, June 30, two additional events are scheduled: the blitz tournament “Nesis Cup 2025” for official delegation coaches, and the Chess Solving World Cup for boys and girls under 8, 10, and 12.
Current leaders after Round 6:
Open 08 – Group A
Jevglevski, Lev (EST) – 5/6
Open 08 – Group B
Dede, Omer Taha (TUR) – 5/6
Girls 08 – Group A
Volkova, Varvara (FIDE) – 6/6
Girls 08 – Group B
Bissaliyeva, Alisha (KAZ) – 5.5/6
Open 10 – Group A
Mani, Sarbartho (IND) – 5.5/6
Open 10 – Group B
Aarit, Kapil (IND) – 5/6
Oishik, Mondal (IND) – 5/6
Girls 10 – Group A
Gao, Ruoya (CHN) – 5/6
Chen, Zhihan (CHN) – 5/6
Girls 10 – Group B
Divi, Bijesh (IND) – 6/6
Open 12 – Group A
Sameh Mohamed, Abdalrahman (EGY) – 5.5/6
Open 12 – Group B
Ling, Chenxuan (USA) – 5.5/6
Bulgak, Damir (FID) – 5.5/6
Girls 12 – Group A
Tselmuun, Ider (MGL) – 5/6
Aadya, Gowda (IND) – 5/6
Xue, Tianhao (CHN) 5/6
Girls 12 – Group B
Pratitee, Bordoloi (IND) – 5.5/6
Voices from the tournament
Cael Lelethu Stander from South Africa (pictured above), playing in the group B of the Open U10 category, shared his impressions on the event: “I have stated playing chess because my mom taught me how to play. I have found the game really fun. I have started watching videos about tactics and strategy. The most exciting this about this event is that here I have a chance to play against people from all around the world, which I haven’t been able to do yet.”
Marta Dograshvili from Georgia (group B, girls U12) also told her story: “I have learnt chess because my sister was playing it, but she is not playing anymore. In this tournament, I am playing with a lot of strong players, but this is not unique to Georgia. Still, this is my first time I am playing blitz and rapid. Chess is very good for my studies, as it helps me very much with math and English.”
Round 7 pairings: chess-results.com/tnr1205199.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=5&flag=30
Live broadcast: chess.com/events/2025-fide-youth-world-cup-g8a/games
Official website: https://wcc2025.fide.com/