Chess enters school curriculum in Kurdistan, Iraq
Chess has officially entered the school curriculum in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, marking an important milestone for chess education and bringing the game’s educational benefits to a new generation. The initiative was developed through the efforts of Khanzad Chess Club, in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Education and with the support of the Iraqi Chess Federation. By introducing chess into schools, the project aims to use the game not only as a sport but also as an educational tool that encourages critical thinking, concentration, creativity, discipline, patience, and problem-solving. The initiative is the result of cooperation among educational authorities, chess institutions, and chess professionals. Khanzad Chess Club played a pioneering role in developing the project and preparing the educational materials. Under the leadership of its President, Dr. Dlzar Hamasalih Qadir, the club prepared the specialized chess curriculum and educational content for the “Chess for Schools” project, helping transform the idea of introducing chess into schools into a structured educational program for students and teachers. Dr. Dlzar Hamasalih Qadir (Right), President of Khanzad Chess Club, introduces the Chess for Schools textbook to Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region. A major step came with the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Education’s decision to include chess in the educational program for students in Grades 7, 8, and 9. As part of the initiative, a dedicated 15-page section on chess was included in the official Physical Education Teacher’s Guide, providing teachers with material to support the program’s implementation. Dr. DlzarHamasalihQadir and FI KardoAko explain the project to Dr. Alan Hama Saeed, Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and Mr. Burhan Argoshi, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Education. Before the project began in schools, attention was given to preparing the teachers who would introduce chess to their students. A one-week training course was organized for 150 Physical Education teachers from Erbil. Hosted by Khanzad Chess Club, the course was conducted by the club’s international trainers in coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Education. The participating teachers received certificates upon completing the course. Mr. Dhafer Madhloom, President of Asian Zone 3.1 and the Iraqi Chess Federation (right), and Mr. Bijan Saeed, Director of School Activities in Erbil, present certificates to participating teachers following the successful completion of the training course. The Iraqi Chess Federation has also played an important supporting role in the initiative. Its continued encouragement and cooperation have contributed to the development and promotion of chess education and activities in Iraq, supporting the broader effort to make chess more accessible to young people. With the curriculum prepared, teachers trained, and institutional support in place, the “Chess for Schools” project is now being implemented in schools across the Kurdistan Region. Students are being introduced to chess as part of their educational experience, learning the principles of the game while developing intellectual and personal skills that can extend beyond the chessboard. Students participate in the “Chess for Schools” program in the Kurdistan Region. For the students taking part, the project offers more than an introduction to the rules of chess. The game encourages them to analyze situations, consider different possibilities, make thoughtful decisions, and learn the value of patience and responsibility – skills that can be useful both in the classroom and in everyday life. The cooperation among the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Education, Khanzad Chess Club, and the Iraqi Chess Federation provides an example of how chess organizations and educational authorities can work together to bring chess into the classroom. It also creates a foundation for the continued development of chess in schools throughout the Kurdistan Region. Young students take part in the “Chess for Schools” program, representing a new generation of learners and future chess players in the Kurdistan Region. The introduction of chess into the school curriculum is a significant achievement for the Kurdistan Region and an encouraging development for chess education in Iraq. It shows how a long-term educational vision, supported by cooperation between government authorities and chess organizations, can bring the benefits of chess to a wider generation of students. As chessboards find their place in classrooms, they can also open new paths in the minds of young learners. With every move, students learn to think ahead, consider their choices, learn from mistakes, and approach challenges with patience and confidence. In this way, chess can become more than a game taught at school – it can become a lasting source of knowledge, creativity, and inspiration for the next generation.
Winners crowned at European Union Youth Chess Championship 2026
The 24th European Union Youth Chess Championship for the U8, U10, U12, and U14 age categories concluded at the Hotel Energetic in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic. Organized under the patronage of the European Chess Union (ECU), the event was once again staged by Šachový klub Světlá nad Sázavou in cooperation with the Czech Chess Federation, continuing the success of previous years. The championship received support from the Zlín Region, the city of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, and the Hotel Energetic. Boys and girls competed in the same tournament sections, with separate rankings for each gender. The championship attracted 132 players from 19 federations, and all games were broadcast live online. The winners and top finishers in each category are as follows: Boys U81st place: Kalin Kotsev (BUL)2nd place: Majus Marcinkevičius (LTU)3rd place: Artur Zych (POL) Girls U81st place: Sophia Kaliskami (GRE)2nd place: Greta Flora Bánvölgyi (HUN)3rd place: Ioana Onica (ROU) Boys U101st place: Vakaris Drapaš (LTU)2nd place: Ștefan Grigorescu (ROU)3rd place: Aleksandr Undusk (EST) Girls U101st place: Monika Guziana (POL)2nd place: Maja Cholewa (POL)3rd place: Sabina-Teodora Duțcovici (ROU) Boys U121st place: Sergejs Filipovs (LAT)2nd place: Jindřich Trejbal (CZE)3rd place: Georgi Koev (BUL) Girls U121st place: Niya Malcheva (BUL)2nd place: Agnieszka Ślusarczyk (POL)3rd place: Helena Taradajko (POL) Boys U141st place: Boyd Leenen (NED)2nd place: Julius Mikolavičius (LTU)3rd place: Răzvan-George Pârvu (ROU) Girls U141st place: Aleksandra Pehlivanova (BUL)2nd place: Olga Dębowska (POL)3rd place: Amelia Janaszak (POL) The top three finishers in each category received a trophy and a diploma, while every participant was awarded a medal. All eight European champions also took home a laptop, and the next five players in each category received additional valuable prizes. Every player was given a T-shirt featuring the EUYCC logo. Prizes were presented by the tournament director, Mr. Zdeněk Fiala, and a representative of the Slovak Chess Federation, Mr. Karol Pekár. A special “Best Game of the Round” award was presented each day. The following players were recognized for their outstanding performance: Andrii Stakhurskyi (ESP), Daniel Sava (ROU), Helena Taradajko (POL), Boyd Leenen (NED), Yana Lozanova (BUL), Klaudia Čížková (CZE), Olaf Guździół (LUX), Anna Hrčková (CZE), Nikolai Bessonov (CZE), Artjoms Bakašs (LAT), Nikola Malchev (BUL), Amelia Janaszak (POL), Sophia Kaliskami (GRE), Aleksandr Undusk (EST), Michal Vaněk (CZE), and Aleksandra Pehlivanova (BUL). On Monday, August 24, an additional event featured a simultaneous exhibition by IM Petr Pisk. Ten participants – including parents – played with 35 minutes each on the clock against Pisk, who ultimately scored 8 wins and 2 draws. The two drawn games were secured by Pavel Lozanov (BUL) and Frederik Olejník (SVK). Throughout the event, organizers offered a variety of activities for participants and accompanying persons, including chess-related events (such as the simultaneous exhibition with IM Petr Pisk and a blitz tournament) and non-chess leisure options. Hotel amenities included a swimming pool, wellness facilities, a sauna, and a playground. A photo gallery from the tournament and other activities was made available on the official website. The organizers extend their gratitude to all players for their performance and fair play, to parents and coaches for their cooperation, to the arbiters for running the tournament smoothly, and to all collaborators for their contributions. Special thanks go to the Zlín Region and the city of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm for their financial support of the 2026 EU Youth Championship. By Zdeněk FialaTournament Director, Šachový klub Světlá nad Sázavou Official website:https://www.chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/ Complete results:https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1470758.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0 Photogallery:https://www.rajce.idnes.cz/sachysvetla/album/euycc-2026
Spanish Championship 2026: Alan Pichot and Marta García Martín claim titles
GM Alan Pichot and IM Marta García Martín emerged as the champions of the 2026 Spanish Absolute and Women’s Chess Championships. Argentine-born Pichot won his first Spanish crown, while García Martín successfully defended her title, claiming her third Women’s Championship overall. The Spanish Chess Championship 2026, a 9-round Swiss tournament, was held in Linares from August 17-25. While men and women competed in the same pool, final rankings were determined separately by gender. With many top seeds closely matched in rating, the event developed into a tightly contested race with no sole leader emerging until the very end. Going into the final round, fourth-seed Eduardo Iturrizaga Bonelli, fifth-seed Pichot and eleventh-seed Alex Villa Tornero shared the top spot with 6.5/8 each. They were closely followed by the last-year champion David Anton Guijarro, former runner-up Jaime Santos Latasa, Daniil Yuffa, and IMs Daniel Garcia Ramos and Juan Plazuelo Pascual – all tied on 6/8. Pichot pulled off a crucial victory in the clash with Villa Tornero and secured the title with an excellent score of 7.5/9. Yuffa and Iturrizaga Bonelli (who drew with IM Daniel Eduardo Pulvett Marin) tied for second place with Yuffa claiming silver thanks to a superior Buchholz tiebreak. In the women’s standings, Marta García Martín took clear first with 6/9. The 2024 champion, IM Sabrina Vega, finished a half-point behind the champion winning silver, while WFM Adhara Rodríguez Redondo completed the women’s podium. Final standings Photos: FEDA Facebook Official website: https://feda.org/feda2k16/
FIDE World Junior Championships U20 in Venezuela: Registration now open
FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of People’s Power for Sport, are pleased to invite all FIDE Member Federations to participate in the FIDE World Junior Chess Championships U20 2026 (Open and Girls). The Championships will be held at the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas, the official 5-star hotel and playing venue, located in the municipality of Baruta, Bolivarian State of Miranda, from November 17 (arrival) to November 28 (departure), 2026. Each National Federation may register up to two invited players – one for each category (Open and Girls). Additional players may be sent at the federation’s own expense. Players holding personal participation rights under the applicable FIDE Regulations, provided they meet the age requirements for their respective categories, are also eligible as invited players: The top three players from the previous edition of the World Junior Chess Championships (2025); The Continental Junior Champions of the year preceding this edition; The top six Junior U20 players in the Open category and the top four Junior U20 players in the Girls category from the FIDE Rating List as of 1 January 2026; The World Youth Under-18 and Under-16 Champions of the year preceding this edition. Registration deadline (including visa support requests): October 16, 2026. All registrations must be submitted through the respective National Federation using the official registration form. Invitation, regulations, schedule (PDF) For further information, please contact the organising committee at: worldjunior@fide.com The official website is coming up soon: worldjunior2026.fide.com
Chess Superstars Set for Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot in Budapest
Hungary, Budapest, August 25, 2026 – The world’s biggest names in chess, led by five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, will gather in Budapest from November 10 to 21 for the inaugural Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter in professional chess. Conceptualised by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE, the Total Chess World Championship Tour introduces a revolutionary global championship format that will culminate in crowning the FIDE World Combined Champion across Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz disciplines. The Budapest Pilot serves as the first showcase of the Tour’s vision, bringing together many of the world’s best players ahead of the official launch of the multi-city World Championship Tour in 2027. The elite field features reigning and former World Championship contenders, Olympiad heroes, elite grandmasters, and some of the brightest young talents in world chess, representing Europe, Asia, and North America. The confirmed lineup so far includes (ranked by their August 2026 FIDE standard rating): Magnus Carlsen (Norway) — World No. 1 Fabiano Caruana (United States) — World No. 2 Vincent Keymer (Germany) — World No. 5 Wesley So (United States) — World No. 6 Anish Giri (Netherlands) — World No. 7 Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) — World No. 8 Arjun Erigaisi (India) — World No. 9 Alireza Firouzja (France) — World No. 10 Praggnanandhaa R (India) — World No. 12 Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland) — World No. 13 Richard Rapport (Hungary) — World No. 18 Hans Moke Niemann (United States) — World No. 21 Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE) — World No. 24 Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) — World No. 28 Haik M. Martirosyan (Armenia) — World No. 54 Vladislav Artemiev (FIDE) — World No. 65 Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan) — Women’s World No. 5 Vaishali Rameshbabu (India) — Women’s World No. 14 With this star-studded line-up of 18 players, the Budapest Pilot reflects the Tour’s commitment to creating one of the strongest recurring fields in world chess. The remaining six players will be announced in September. Players will compete across Blitz, Rapid, and Fast Classic formats, providing a unique competitive environment that rewards versatility across all three time controls. Results from the pilot will help shape the competitive framework of the Total Chess World Championship Tour, which will feature four premier tournaments in different global cities worldwide beginning in 2027. The Total Chess World Championship Tour has been created to redefine elite chess through a season-long narrative, bringing together the world’s leading players in a format designed for modern audiences while preserving the competitive integrity of classical chess. Speaking of his participation, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen said: “I look forward to playing the Total Chess World Championship in Budapest this year. It’s always interesting to try out new formats.” Confirming his participation, India’s Praggnanandhaa R, who is also the reigning Norway Chess champion, said: “It’s an exciting format that challenges players to show their best performance in all three Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats. Looking forward to being part of the first edition.” Kjell Madland, CEO of Total Chess said: “The Budapest Pilot represents far more than another elite tournament. It is the first step towards creating a truly global championship ecosystem that celebrates every format of the game while giving fans a season-long journey to follow. Bringing together this calibre of players for our inaugural event is a testament to the belief the world’s best have in the vision of Total Chess.” About the format The Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot introduces a groundbreaking competition format designed to identify the world’s most complete chess player by combining Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz into a single championship. The pilot event will bring together 24 elite players, who will begin the tournament in a group stage comprising four groups of six players each. Every group follows a double round-robin format over five days, with players contesting ten Fast Classical games (45 minutes plus a 30-second increment). Victories earn three points, while draws are worth one point. A nine-round Blitz Swiss tournament held before the competition determines tie-break rankings. Following the group stage, players progress into knockout brackets based on their finishing positions. Each knockout match is played over two days and tests competitors across all three disciplines – four Blitz games (3+2), two Rapid games (15+10) and one Fast Classical game (45+30) – with weighted scoring rewarding success in longer formats. The four highest-ranked players across the Tour qualify for the Grand Final, where semifinals and the championship match determine the inaugural FIDE World Combined Champion. Should a knockout match remain tied, an Armageddon game is used to decide the winner, ensuring every contest produces a definitive result. The format rewards consistency, versatility and excellence across every major discipline of elite chess. Further tournament details, format, schedule, prize fund, and broadcast information will be announced in the coming weeks. Three disciplines. One champion. One global tour. The journey begins in Budapest. For more information, visit: www.totalchess.com About Total Chess Total Chess is a global championship platform established to redefine elite competitive chess for the modern era. Developed by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE, the Total Chess World Championship Tour introduces a unified format that crowns the world’s ultimate champion by testing excellence across three disciplines: Fast Classical, Rapid, and Blitz. The Tour will bring together the world’s top 24 men and women players to compete across four premier international events hosted in leading global cities. Designed to elevate the sport’s commercial appeal and fan engagement, Total Chess combines world-class competition with innovation, technology, and immersive spectator experiences to create a new benchmark for professional chess. With a vision to make chess one of the world’s most engaging and commercially sustainable sports, Total Chess aims to expand the game’s global footprint, inspire the next generation of players, and connect millions of fans through a dynamic championship that celebrates intelligence, strategy, and sporting excellence. For more information or press inquiries, contact press@totalchess.com.
Dominik Horvath and Olga Badelka crowned Austrian champions
The 2026 Austrian National Championships concluded with GM Dominik Horvath successfully defending his title. In a thrilling battle for the national crown, the Burgenland native edged out Laurenz Borrmann on tiebreaks. Olga Badelka won the women’s title convincingly, ahead of Veronika Exler and Upper Austria’s rising star, Alina Donets. The lowest-rated participant, Borrmann, caused a real stir in the event by seizing the lead early on and maintaining his top position throughout. In Round 8, however, Horvath (pictured below) caught up to Borrmann by defeating Lukas Dotzer, as the leader failed to convert a winning position against Kindermann and had to settle for a draw. Tension culminated in the final round. In the battle for the title, Borrmann reached a slightly superior position against Dotzer and chose a forced sequence that led to a repetition of moves, securing a GM norm. Horvath fought hard for a win against Schwabeneder but had to settle for a draw. His superior tiebreak score, however, allowed him to retain his title. Borrmann was delighted with the silver medal, and IM Valentin Baidetskyi took bronze. Following them in the standings were Blohberger (5 points) and Dotzer (4.5), ahead of Ernst (4), Kindermann and Balint (3.5 each), Leisch (3), and Schwabeneder (2.5). Final standings Olga Badelka finished sixth overall in the Oberbank Open, claiming the Women’s National Championship title. Veronika Exler took the silver medal with six points, while bronze went to local favorite Alina Donets (5 points). Donets surpassed the 2100 Elo rating mark during the championship and, at 12 years old, became Austria’s youngest Woman FIDE Master (WFM). Emilia Deak-Sala and Chiara Polterauer (5 points each) followed, along with Réka Horvath (4.5 points), and Nino Urbanec, Katharina Pötscher, Lea Stadlinger, and Parinitha Hemanth Gowda (all 4 points). The event was excellently organized with the support of the Austrian Chess Federation (ÖSB), under President Michael Stöttinger, and the Upper Austrian Chess Federation, led by President Günter Mitterhuemer. The awards ceremony was conducted by Dominik Mayr (Freedom24) and President Stöttinger. Many thanks go to the sponsors, especially Oberbank, Freedom24, the Austrian Chess Promotion Association, and the Brucknerhaus Linz, without whose support an event of this kind would not be possible. Oberbank Open final standings Photos: Johanna Seiser and Chris Holzinger Official website: https://www.chess.at/
FIDE World Amateur Championships 2026 in Malaysia: Registration now open
All FIDE Member Federations and eligible players are invited to participate in the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships, open to male and female players with a FIDE rating under 2300. The event will take place in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia, from November 4 (arrival) to November 13 (departure), 2026. The Championships are open to players registered by their national federations. FIDE Member Federations may send an unlimited number of players. There will be separate Open and Women’s Championships across three FIDE rating categories: Under-2300, Under-2000, and Under-1700. Separate Women’s Championships will be held in a given category if there are at least ten players from at least two different continents. The Championships will be played using the Swiss System over 9 rounds. The time control is 90 minutes for the entire game, plus a 30-second increment per move, starting from move one. All players, accompanying persons, and delegation members must register by the deadline of October 9, 2026. Participants who need to apply for a Malaysian visa must request an invitation letter by October 5, 2026. Invitation, schedule, regulations, travel information (PDF) Official email: worldamateur@fide.com FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships 2026 official website will be launched soon at: https://wacc2026.chesstournament.org/ https://youtu.be/K4TfwJR5mUw?si=TfM27PJk61wTp8dm
Rapid champions crowned at Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 2026
The rapid competition of the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 2026 brought exciting battles among the region’s young chess talents, with champions and leading finishers emerging across six age categories. Players competed in Boys and Girls sections from Under-8 through Under-18, representing federations from across Eastern Asia. Following the conclusion of the rapid competition, the top performers were honoured for their achievements. Below are the champions and podium-finishers in each category. Boys U08 (pictured above) 🥇 Koraviyotin Archawin – Thailand🥈 Mohd Nur Al Sufi Muhd Ayub – Malaysia🥉 Meng Xiangyi – Hong Kong, China Team Medalists Gold – ChinaZhong Junrui • Wang Shenglin • Yu Xiaotong Silver – Hong Kong, ChinaMeng Xiangyi • Tse Hin Yi • Fok Chi San Anderson Bronze – MongoliaBilguunbayar Nyamsuren • Tushig Uuganbayar • Uilstuvshin Batbold Girls U08 🥇 Zhou Yixin – China🥈 Tang Yintong – China🥉 Nomuundari Delgerdalai – Mongolia Team Medalists Gold – ChinaZhou Yixin • Tang Yintong • Guo Hezi Silver – SingaporeTay Sin En Synie • Ng Yan Ning • Lee Xin En Zoe Boys U10 🥇 Enkhmandal Bayaraa – Mongolia🥈 Meiyazhagan Kaviinayan – Korea🥉 Tsengel Ganbat – Mongolia Team Medalists Gold – MongoliaEnkhmandal Bayaraa • Tsengel Ganbat • Tergel Batbaatar Silver – SingaporeNg Yuval • Ong Qi Yi • Wee Yu Heng Lucas John Bronze – ChinaChen Tianwen • Wang Shunkai • Zhang Yangming Girls U10 🥇 Peng Lixiao Sonia – Hong Kong, China🥈 Namuun Bayarkhuu – Mongolia🥉 Ninjbilig Nyamsukh – Mongolia Team Medalists Gold – MongoliaNamuun Bayarkhuu • Ninjbilig Nyamsukh • Gerelt-Oyu Tsogtgerel Silver – ChinaXu Yutong • Fu Yinuo • Wang Shiya Boys U12 🥇 Zhang Hongya – China🥈 CM Anand Tsogtbileg – Mongolia🥉 Wang Xuanhe – China Team Medalists Gold – ChinaZhang Hongya • Wang Xuanhe • Jiang Yichen(Zj) Silver – MongoliaAnand Tsogtbileg • Azbilig Gansukh • Enkhtulga Erdenebat Bronze – Chinese TaipeiHung I-Hsuan • Wu Po-Hua • Su Yi-Ruei Girls U12 🥇 Makalew Veronica Jefany Sheryl Kichi – Indonesia🥈 WCM Tselmuun Ider – Mongolia🥉 Ujin Bumshur – Mongolia Team Medalists Gold – MongoliaTselmuun Ider • Ujin Bumshur • Mandukhai Munkhbat Silver – ChinaHuang Zixin • Jiang Luning • Luo Zhenzhen Boys U14 🥇 Feng Yusheng – China🥈 Lin Jhen-Jie – Chinese Taipei🥉 Zuo Junyu – China Team Medalists Gold – ChinaFeng Yusheng • Zuo Junyu • Lv Ruiqi Silver – Chinese TaipeiLin Jhen-Jie • Wang Yu-Chi Xavier • Lam Ethan Bronze – MongoliaGun-Erdem Damba • Erdenebaatar Galbaatar • Altansoyombo Davaadorj Girls U14 🥇 Li Peishan – China🥈 Tong Yiyi – China🥉 WCM Nicolas Nika Juris – Philippines Team Medalists Gold – ChinaLi Peishan • Tong Yiyi • Wang Leyi Silver – MongoliaEgshiglen Bayasgalan • Bujinlkham Battur • Khulan Bayarsaikhan Boys U16 🥇 Shen Fuyan – China🥈 FM Duurenkhishig Bat-Erdene – Mongolia🥉 Miao Zixin – China Team Medalists Gold – ChinaShen Fuyan • Miao Zixin • Wei Yuren Silver – MongoliaDuurenkhishig Bat-Erdene • Tenguundalai Ganbat • Baasangombo Bayartogtokh Bronze – Hong Kong, ChinaLi Yucheng Robinson • Zhou Tony • Shah Krishiv Girls U16 🥇 Liu Jingyu – China🥈 Wijaya Cherisha Divina – Indonesia🥉 WCM Tselmuun Dorjsuren – Mongolia Team Medalists Gold – ChinaLiu Jingyu • Ding Tianyi • Zhou Chengcheng(Js) Silver – Chinese TaipeiWang Han-Yan • Lien Pei Jung • Hsieh Chi-Ying Boys U18 🥇 FM Tran Ngoc Minh Duy – Vietnam🥈 Hong Mingren – China🥉 FM Cu Ivan Travis – Philippines Team Medalists Gold – ChinaHong Mingren • Zhang Haoxuan(Zj) • Yu Zechen Silver – MalaysiaGenkeswaran Genivan • Shiva Shanmugam Tharvin • Rajendran Kartikeyan Bronze – MongoliaSodbilegt Naranbold • Munkhzul Munkhmanlai • Khangai Bayarjargal Girls U18 🥇 WCM Naransolongo Zorigoo – Mongolia🥈 WCM Adeline Clementia – Indonesia🥉 WCM Maral Altankhuyag – Mongolia Team Medalists Gold – MongoliaNaransolongo Zorigoo • Maral Altankhuyag • Mongoljin Davaadorj Silver – ChinaZhou Yafei • Chen Zhihan • Zhang Jiemin Bronze – MalaysiaMohd Azamanizam Azraa Adeline Azman • Rosnizam Izz Zara Aisyah • Zaidani Zinneerah Annour Celebrating eastern Asia’s young champions The rapid competition showcased the remarkable strength and diversity of youth chess across the region. From the youngest Under-8 competitors to the experienced Under-18 players, the championship produced exciting performances and memorable achievements. The Asian Chess Federation congratulates all champions, medalists and Top 10 finishers, as well as the coaches, parents, and federations whose support continues to nurture the next generation of Asian chess talent. For other info and media, please check the official website: eaycc2026.chesstournament.org
Tan Zhongyi wins Cairns Cup 2026
GM Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious in the 2026 Cairns Cup, claiming her second title in this competition following her 2024 triumph. The runner-up, 16-year-old Alice Lee, finished a half-point behind the champion and earned her first GM norm. One of the strongest women’s super-tournaments in the world, the Cairns Cup returned in 2026 for its sixth edition. This elite tournament featured ten of the best female chess players from around the world competing for a $250,000 prize fund, the largest in the event’s history. The Cairns Cup shares its format with other prestigious events like the illustrious Sinquefield Cup: a ten-player, nine-round, round-robin format of classical chess. It also shares the venue, taking place at the renovated Saint Louis Chess Club located in the historic Central West End neighborhood. The event turned into an exciting race between Tan Zhongyi and Lee, who both started exceptionally strongly, scoring two consecutive victories each. Round 4 separated the leaders as Tan beat Vaishali Rameshbabu, while Lee lost to Stavroula Tsolakidou. Tan consolidated her lead in Rounds 7 and 8, defeating Bibisara Assaubayeva and Divya Deshmukh. Despite Lee’s best effort – she responded with two victories and one draw in Rounds 6-8 – the Chinese GM headed into the final round on 6.5/8, a full point ahead of her main rival. Tan also suffered a defeat at the hands of Tsolakidou (who defeated both the champion and the runner-up), but this loss came only after Lee and Carissa Yip split the point in their game. With these results, Tan deservedly claimed the 2026 Cairns Cup crown. Both Tan Zhongyi and Alice Lee substantially increased their ratings and earned valuable Women’s Circuit 2026–2027 points. Carissa Yip and Bibisara Assaubayeva shared third place, scoring 5/9 each. Cairns Cup 2026 Final Standings Photos: Saint Louis Chess Club Official website: https://saintlouischessclub.org/event/2026-cairns-cup/
Wesley So claims his third Sinquefield Cup title
Wesley So captured his third Sinquefield Cup title (and second in a row) after edging Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu in a thrilling tiebreaker. The final regular-season stop and signature classical event of the Grand Chess Tour, the 2026 Sinquefield Cup, took place at the Saint Louis Chess Club from August 10–19. The 10-player lineup featured eight full-tour competitors: Fabiano Caruana, Javokhir Sindarov, Vincent Keymer, Wesley So, Anish Giri, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Jorden van Foreest, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. They were joined by wildcards Levon Aronian and Samuel Sevian. The total prize fund amounted to $475,000: a $350,000 base prize fund plus a $125,000 Decisive Games Bonus pool. The base first-place prize was $100,000, while the bonus pool was divided into equal shares based on the total number of decisive games, with one share awarded for each win. Sinquefield Cup 2026 Final Stanings Wesley So surged ahead after scoring two consecutive victories over Jorden Van Foreest and Fabiano Caruana and, despite making several draws in a row, preserved his sole lead until Round 8. After a good start, Praggnanandhaa suffered a defeat at the hands of Vincent Keymer in Round 3, but he did not lose his nerve and caught up with So by scoring crucial victories over Van Foreest and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Heading into the final round, both shared the lead on 5/8. The leaders drew their game, sending the battle for the title into a tiebreak. The duel culminated in a decisive Armageddon game after the opponents drew both rapid games. Playing with the white pieces, Praggnanandhaa achieved a winning position but missed his chances, allowing So to escape with a draw and secure the title. Keymer and Sindarov finished a half-point behind the leaders on 5/9, tying for third place. With this result, Keymer qualified for the Grand Chess Tour Finals, preserving his half-point edge over Sindarov. Photos: Grand Chess Tour / Lennart Ootes and Crystal Fuller Official website: https://grandchesstour.org/