FIDE World Senior Chess Championships 2026: Registration now open
All FIDE member federations are invited to participate in the World Senior Individual Chess Championships. The competitions will be held in Vrnjačka Banja, the largest spa resort in Serbia, from November 2 (arrival) to November 15 (departure), 2026. The Championships will feature four sections: 50+ and 65+, Open and Women. All players must have turned 50 or 65 by the year 2026. The top three players from each category of the previous FIDE World Senior Championships have a personal right to participate. Additionally, the top three players from each category of the previous year’s Continental Senior Individual Championships are directly qualified, and their spots are non-transferable. The Championships will be played as 11-round Swiss-system tournaments with classical time control (90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move). For the second year, FIDE has boosted the total prize fund to €50,000. The category winners will receive €5,000 (Open 50+), €2,500 (Women 50+), €4,000 (Open 65+), and €2,000 (Women 65+). Special prizes will also be awarded to players aged 75 and over. Invitation letter requests (for non-European citizens requiring a Serbian visa) must be submitted by September 1, 2026. The Serbian Chess Federation will not be able to provide visa assistance for requests submitted after this date. Registration for all participants and accompanying persons closes on Friday, September 25, 2026. A variety of side events, including FIDE-rated rapid and blitz tournaments, will be organized during the competition. Invitation, regulations and schedule (PDF) FIDE Senior Chess Championships official website (coming soon): https://wscc.beochess.rs/ Email: worldsenior@fide.com
FIDE Council approves qualification paths for 2028 Candidates Tournaments
The FIDE Council has approved qualification paths for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028 and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2028, following proposals developed by the Global Strategy Commission. The regulations introduce new qualification opportunities while maintaining a balanced pathway through FIDE’s premier competitions. The Candidates Tournaments determine the challengers for the FIDE World Championship and the FIDE Women’s World Championship, making the qualification system one of the most important elements of the World Championship cycle. The regulations aim to strengthen the connection between FIDE’s flagship events, reward consistent excellence across multiple competitions, and provide players with a broader range of opportunities to qualify. Main changes The approved regulations introduce four key changes to the qualification system. Total Chess World Championship Tour becomes a qualification pathway A new qualification route has been introduced through the Total Chess World Championship Tour 2026–2027. The top two players in the final standings of the Tour will qualify directly for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028. This addition further strengthens the World Championship cycle by rewarding consistent performances across the Tour and creating another pathway to the Candidates. World Cup qualification adjusted The number of qualification places awarded through the FIDE World Cup and the FIDE Women’s World Cup has been revised. Beginning with the 2027 editions, the two finalists of each World Cup will qualify for the respective Candidates Tournament, compared to three qualification places in the previous cycle. Replacement procedures have also been clarified to ensure that any vacated qualification place is reallocated through clearly defined sporting criteria. Rating qualification removed The rating qualification spot, which existed in previous Candidates cycles, has been removed. Instead of qualifying through rating alone, players will now compete for places through FIDE’s major competitions and season-long qualification events. This change places greater emphasis on sporting results achieved during the World Championship cycle and creates a qualification system based entirely on competitive performance across the Grand Swiss, World Cup, Total Chess World Championship Tour (Open), Women’s Grand Prix (Women), and the FIDE Circuit. Circuit qualification extended to two years The FIDE Circuit will continue to award two qualification places for both the Open and Women’s Candidates Tournaments. However, instead of allocating one place per year, the qualification will now be based on the combined results across the 2026–2027 FIDE Circuit. The two highest-ranked players over the full two-year cycle who have not otherwise qualified will earn places in the Candidates. This change places greater emphasis on sustained excellence over a longer period and encourages players to participate more actively in FIDE Circuit events. Qualification paths FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028 Eight players will qualify through the following pathways: FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament 2027 – 2 players Total Chess World Championship Tour 2026–2027 – 2 players FIDE World Cup 2027 – 2 players FIDE Circuit 2026-2027 – 2 players FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2028 Eight players will qualify through the following: FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2027 – 2 players FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series 2026–2027 – 2 players FIDE Women’s World Cup 2027 – 2 players FIDE Women’s Circuit 2026-2027 – 2 players A balanced route to the Candidates The revised qualification system maintains four equally weighted qualification pathways, ensuring that players can reach the Candidates through success in elite tournaments and long-term circuit performance. “The qualification system for the Candidates Tournaments is one of the cornerstones of the World Championship cycle, and it is essential that it continues to evolve alongside the game itself,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “These changes have been carefully developed to make the qualification process more balanced, transparent, and performance-based. By introducing the Total Chess World Championship Tour as a new pathway, refining the allocation of World Cup places, and placing greater emphasis on results achieved during the cycle, we are ensuring that every route to the Candidates rewards sustained excellence at the highest level of competition.” Related documents: FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028: Qualification paths (PDF) FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2028: Qualification paths (PDF)
In Memoriam: Oleg Skvortsov (1969–2026)
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Oleg Skvortsov, a passionate chess enthusiast, long-time philanthropist, and tournament organizer. He was 57. Born in Moscow in 1969, Skvortsov played chess during his school years, reaching the rank of Candidate Master. Upon graduating from Moscow State University with a degree in history and later earning a PhD in the same field, he entered the business world, becoming one of the founders and director of IGC International Gemological Laboratories. His most significant contribution to the chess world was the Zurich Chess Challenge, a series of elite tournaments he founded and financed from 2012 to 2017. The event began with a six-game match between Levon Aronian and Vladimir Kramnik in 2012, expanded to four players in 2013, and in 2014 became a six-player super-tournament with an average rating of 2801—at the time, the strongest in chess history. Beyond elite events, Skvortsov was deeply committed to developing young talent. He supported matches such as Shirov–Dubov and, from 2014 onward, the annual “Nutcracker” generation matches, in which top juniors faced legendary grandmasters. Skvortsov left a lasting mark on chess with his innovative time control: 45 minutes with a 10-second increment. This format, informally known as the “Skvortsov time control,” gained popularity among players for balancing rapid and classical chess. Throughout his life, Skvortsov was deeply involved in how modern chess is marketed and funded, always aiming to capture the chess world’s attention and attract new sponsors to ensure the game’s continued growth. He was known for his personal generosity, often establishing special surprise prizes for players and fostering a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere at his events. His legacy lives on in the tournaments he built, the players he brought together, and the time control that bears his name. FIDE, alongside the global chess community, extends its deepest condolences to Oleg Skvortsov’s family, friends, and loved ones. Photo: Vladimir Barsky
Serbia Open officially starts in Belgrade
The Serbia Open 2026 was officially declared open today at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, marking the beginning of one of Europe’s most established and internationally diverse summer chess festivals. Organized by the Chess Federation of Serbia under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Serbia, this year’s edition has brought together around 550 players representing 38 national federations, ranging from world-class grandmasters and experienced professionals to ambitious young talents taking their first steps on the international stage. Over the next ten days, Belgrade will once again become a meeting point for the global chess community, where players from every continent will compete, exchange ideas, and share a passion for the game that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. The official opening ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich; Minister of Sports of the Republic of Serbia Zoran Gajić; President of the Chess Federation of Serbia Andrija Jorgić; President of the Olympic Committee of Serbia Dejan Tomašević; Secretary General of the Olympic Committee of Serbia Dejan Bojović; Secretary General of the Sports Association of Serbia Goran Marinković; Provincial Secretary for Sports and Youth Dane Basta; Manager of the City of Belgrade Miroslav Čučković, as well as representatives of state institutions, sponsors, and partners. Welcoming the participants, the President of the Serbian Chess Federation, Andrija Jorgić reflected on the remarkable growth of Serbia Open since its establishment and thanked everyone whose commitment has helped shape the tournament into one of the leading international opens in the region. “This festival was created as a unique opportunity for talented young Serbian players to gain valuable experience by competing against strong international opponents. The fact that more than 20 medalists from the Serbian Chess Federation Youth Festival are participating in this tournament is clear evidence that we have achieved that objective. For us at the Serbian Chess Federation, the months ahead are of exceptional importance. Our performances in the upcoming official team competitions will show where we stand in comparison with the strongest teams in Europe and the world. In just a few weeks, our junior national teams will travel to the Czech Republic for the European Youth Team Championship, and in mid-September, our national teams will proudly represent Serbia at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan,” said Andrija Jorgić Speaking on behalf of the Olympic Committee of Serbia, Dejan Tomašević highlighted chess as a sport that embodies discipline, education, responsibility, and strategic thinking. He praised the organizers for building an event that strengthens Serbia’s reputation as a reliable host of major international competitions and wished all participants a successful tournament. In his address, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich congratulated the Chess Federation of Serbia for the continued development of the tournament, noting that Serbia Open has become a respected fixture on the international chess calendar. He welcomed the participants from around the world and expressed his confidence that the tournament would once again be well remembered. “FIDE has always regarded Serbia as a strong partner and a true supporter of chess. Not only has your country hosted many historic chess events, but in recent years you have also organised the inaugural Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the memorable match between two outstanding grandmasters, Hans Niemann and Ian Nepomniachtchi. On behalf of FIDE, I would like to thank Serbia for its continued support of chess and of our shared mission. Personally, I am deeply grateful for your friendship and cooperation, and I look forward to strengthening our partnership and bringing even more international chess events to Serbia in the years ahead,” said Arkady Dvorkovich. As part of the FIDE President’s visit to Belgrade, he held a meeting with the key officials of the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian Chess Federation. The parties discussed the various avenues of mutual cooperation and the possible inclusion of chess into the program of Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Concluding the ceremony, Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting chess and recognized the role that events such as the Serbia Open play in promoting Serbia internationally while creating opportunities for future generations of players. “I am especially pleased that this year’s edition is the most numerous in the history of the tournament and also the largest chess tournament in Europe this year. More than 550 chess players from 38 national federations have gathered in Belgrade to showcase their knowledge, skill, patience, and sportsmanship over the next ten days. This is the best confirmation that Serbia is recognized as a reliable host of major international sporting events. Chess is much more than a game. It is a school of thinking, discipline, responsibility, and respect for one’s opponent. It teaches us that every move carries weight, that success comes through patience, knowledge, and persistence. These are precisely the values we wish to cultivate in younger generations and which sport, in all its forms, conveys to society,” said Zoran Gajić With the official addresses concluded, Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić formally declared Serbia Open 2026 open. The ceremony was followed by the traditional ceremonial first moves on the top board of the Masters Tournament, officially launching nine days of world-class chess competition and welcoming the first games of this year’s festival. The Opening Ceremony drew broad media interest, with coverage provided by leading national and international television broadcastersand online media platforms. Their presence highlighted the increasing prominence of Serbia Open as an internationally recognized chess festival and an important fixture on the FIDE tournament calendar. Competition continues until July 22, with live broadcasts of the games, daily reports, and complete results available through the tournament’s official communication channels. Links: https://serbiachessopen.com/index.php/en/ https://lichess.org/broadcast/serbia-open-2026-masters/round-1/9hUY5sN7
FIDE Council approves new format for 2027 World Cup and Women’s World Cup
The FIDE Council has approved a series of significant changes to the format of the 2027 FIDE World Cup and the 2027 FIDE Women’s World Cup, following recommendations from the Global Strategy Commission. They aim to make the competitions more inclusive, improve the experience for players, reduce the overall duration of the events, and ensure the World Cups remain one of the flagship competitions in the World Championship cycle. Since adopting the knockout format in 2005, the FIDE World Cups have become one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar. Over the past two decades, the tournaments have expanded considerably, growing from 128 to 206 players in the Open and from 64 to 103 players in the Women’s event. At the same time, the expansion has presented new challenges. By 2025, the Open World Cup had reached 27 days in duration, making it increasingly difficult to fit into the international chess calendar. A new two-stage format Beginning in 2027, both World Cups will be played over 19 days and will consist of two distinct stages. Stage 1: Swiss qualification The opening stage will consist of Swiss-system tournaments played with a Fast Classical time control of 45 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. The Open World Cup will feature four Swiss pools, while the Women’s World Cup will be divided into two Swiss pools. Each Swiss tournament will be played over nine rounds across five days, with the pools balanced to ensure comparable playing strength. The leading players from each pool will advance to the knockout stage: Open World Cup: Top four players from each of the four pools (16 players total) Women’s World Cup: Top eight players from each of the two pools (16 players total) Stage 2: Knockout finals The second stage will retain the traditional knockout. The Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final will be played using the existing World Cup format and classical time controls. A rest day will separate the Swiss and knockout stages, with two additional rest days scheduled during the knockout phase. By combining a Swiss qualification stage with the traditional knockout finals, FIDE preserves the excitement and prestige of the World Cup while providing every participant with significantly more games and a better overall tournament experience. Expanded participation The approved format also increased the size of both competitions: Open World Cup: from 206 to 224 players Women’s World Cup: from 103 to 128 players The additional places will make the tournaments even more inclusive while creating greater opportunities for players from all regions of the world. Several new qualification pathways have also been introduced: The top four finishers in the most recent FIDE Grand Swiss and FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss will qualify directly for their respective World Cups. The winner of the 2026 Total Chess World Championship will qualify for the World Cup. Qualification through the FIDE Circuit has been introduced for both the Open and Women’s World Cups. The number of qualification places allocated to continents has been increased to seven spots per continent, strengthening continental representation. A new qualification place has been introduced for the highest-rated senior player. Enhanced value for participants The cumulative prize fund for the two events has been significantly increased, rising from USD 2.67 million in 2025 to USD 3.3 million in 2027. This substantial increase reflects FIDE’s commitment to further enhancing the value of the World Cups for players at every level of the competition. Prize money will continue to be awarded to every participant, with increased prizes for players finishing in the lower places compared to the 2025 editions. While the winner’s first prize remains unchanged, the new format allows players competing for the title to earn the same top prize over a significantly shorter event, improving the overall balance between tournament duration and financial rewards. Preserving tradition while preparing for the future “The new format has been designed to preserve the unique identity of the FIDE World Cup while adapting it to the evolving needs of modern chess. We believe that the combination of Swiss qualification and knockout finals will offer a more engaging experience for both players and fans,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “At the same time, we are making the FIDE World Cups more inclusive than ever before. The increased number of places, including additional qualification spots for Africa and the Americas, will provide more opportunities for talented players from every continent to compete on one of the biggest stages in world chess. With these changes, the FIDE World Cup and FIDE Women’s World Cup will remain among the most watched competitions in international chess while continuing to serve as key gateways to the World Championship cycle for players from every corner of the world,” he added.
Daniel Dardha and Hanne Goossens crowned Belgian chess champions
GM Daniel Dardha and WIM Hanne Goossens are newly crowned Belgian Chess Champions, claiming their fourth and fifth national titles, respectively. The 2026 edition of the Belgian Chess Championships was held from July 4-12 at the Xaverius College in Borgerhout, Antwerp, the Xaverius College in Borgerhout, Antwerp, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the local Borgerhoutse Chess Club. The event featured 10-player round-robin invitational sections for Experts and Ladies, alongside a large Open tournament for players of all levels. Somewhat unexpectedly, the open event developed into a close race between the top-seeded Dardha and IM Elias Ruzhansky, rated 164 points lower. Ruzhansky defeated Dardha in Round 3 and took the lead but then slowed down making several draws and allowing his main rival to catch up. It all came down to the ninth and final round, which Ruzhansky and Dardha entered as joint leaders on 5.5/8. Ruzhansky managed only a draw against FM Amir Zouaghi, while Dardha scored a crucial victory over FM Maxime Hauchamps to clinch the title. Mher Hovhannisyan completed the podium after edging out GM Alexandre Dgebuadze thanks to a superior Buchholz tiebreak. Final standings – Experts Hanne Goossens, representing Borgerhout district of Antwerp, dominated the women’s tournament, securing the title with a perfect score of 9/9. Diana Musabayeva enjoyed a strong run but lost to the eventual champion in the penultimate round and had to settle for silver with 7.5/9, while Radoslawa Lascar finished third with 7/9. Final standings – Ladies Arne Nemegeer triumphed in the Open event, edging out Olivier Verheyen on the Bucholz tiebreak. Final standings – Open Photos: Official website Official website: https://bk.schaakliga-antwerpen.be/en/main-event/
2026 Dutch Championships: Sergey Tiviakov and Machteld van Foreest claim titles
Machteld van Foreest and Sergey Tiviakov, both residents of Groningen, emerged as the new Dutch champions. Van Foreest successfully defended her title and won her third overall, while for Tiviakov, it was his fourth national crown. The 2026 Dutch Chess Championships were held from July 4 to July 11 at the Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel and featured a spectacular knockout format, with 16-player and 12-player brackets in the Open and Women sections, respectively. The Open section brought together all top Dutch players except Anish Giri and the defending champion Jorden van Foreest, who opted not to play. After convincingly winning his first match against Eelke de Boer, Tiviakov faced a tough test in the quarterfinal against second seed Erwin L’Ami. Tiviakov lost the first game but bounced back in the second, forcing a tiebreaker in which he prevailed by 1.5–0.5. His semifinal duel with GM Erik van den Doel was less challenging, as Tiviakov drew the first game and won the second to advance to the final. Meanwhile, eleventh seed Liam Vrolijk surprised many by battling past Casper Schoppen, Sipke Ernst, and Max Warmerdam to punch his ticket to the final. The first game of the final ended in a quiet draw, but in the second, Tiviakov was under considerable pressure. However, Vrolijk did not manage to find the best continuation at the critical moment, and the opponents eventually split a point. Tiviakov dominated the subsequent blitz tiebreaker, winning both games and securing the title. The Women’s event followed a more predictable script, as the top four seeds advanced to the semifinals. There, FM Anna-Maja Kazarian defeated the rating favourite, Eline Roebers, by 1.5–0.5, while the defending champion, van Foreest, edged past Peng Zhaoqin in an exciting tiebreaker. The final was all about van Foreest, who won both games in emphatic fashion to claim her third national title. Complete results Open and Women The closing ceremony for the Dutch National Chess Championship was held almost immediately after the tiebreaker between Tiviakov and Vrolijk. KNSB Youth Chess Board Member Peter Scheeren thanked the organisers for a “fantastic National Championship” and the federation office for the wonderful theme day held today, parallel to the final round of the championship. Remco van der Jagt, General Manager within the IHCP Group – of which our host, Hotel Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, is a part – presented flowers and trophies to the Women’s champion, Machteld van Foreest, and runner-up, Anna-Maja Kazarian, and to the Open section finalists, Sergey Tiviakov and Liam Vrolijk. Official website: https://nk.schaken.nl/nk-nieuws/ Photos: KNSB
“Chess as Social Value” – Online panel discussion by the FIDE Social Commission
The FIDE Social Commission celebrates International Chess Day with an interactive discussion to showcase chess as a tool for rehabilitation, protection, and development. In celebration of the International Chess Day on July 20, the FIDE Social Commission will host an interactive online panel discussion titled “Chess as Social Value”. The event will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners to demonstrate how chess transcends the game to create tangible social change across the globe. The panel features a distinguished lineup of speakers from diverse backgrounds, including former government ministers, programme builders, prison chess educators, and researchers. The panel includes: Dana Reizniece (Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, Former Minister of Finance and Economy, Latvia) to discuss chess as a policy instrument; Mikhail Korenman (Leader of Chess for Freedom project, USA) to share the approach to leading a project from zero to structure; Lasma Kokorevica (Prison administration, Latvia) to highlight the power of chess for rehabilitation and dignity in detention; Anastasia Sorokina (Leader of FIDE Chess for Protection project, Australia) to speak of chess as a tool for nclusion and protection for refugees; Susan Namangale (Global Director of Gift of Chess, Malawi) on how to reach communities and improve access in various regions; Russell Makofsky (Founder of Gift of Chess) to share personal experience of impact and sustainability; Antonio Porter (Director of Programs, Cook County Department of Corrections) to discuss the system from within when administration meets culture; Prabitha Urwyler (Board member for Social Chess at Swiss Chess) to speak of chess impact measurement and innovation; Hans Alther (former politician) to share hands-on practice as personal commitment while teaching chess in prison. The panel is deliberately designed to focus not on abstract theories but on real-world impact. This panel does not talk about chess; it talks about what chess makes possible – in prisons, schools, communities, ministries, and research labs. The discussion will be structured around guiding questions, each designed to elicit concrete examples from the panelists’ direct experience. The panel builds on FIDE’s commitment, declared in 2025 as the “Year of Social Chess,” to harness chess for social good. Recent initiatives showcased at the #SocialChess conference in Budapest highlight the game’s transformative power across diverse settings: In Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, the Chess for Protection initiative has reached over 2,500 people in partnership with UNHCR, providing educational and social tools in challenging conditions. The Chess for Freedom project, active at Cook County Jail and 60 other countries, has demonstrated significant behavioral improvements among inmates participating in chess coaching. Chess for Elderly and recovery initiatives are exploring the therapeutic potential of the game for cognitive health, addiction recovery, and support for cancer patients. As FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized, “Chess is more than a sport – it is a powerful social and educational tool. That is why FIDE takes it as its responsibility not only to promote chess competitions but to also make the game more available and accessible to everyone, everywhere.” Event details Event: Panel Discussion: “Chess as Social Value”Date and time: International Chess Day, July 20, at 12:00 CESTDuration: 60 Minutes (interactive, with audience questions)Moderated under the auspices of the FIDE Social CommissionZoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81383426889?pwd=u8DeBeUwSpQypbAap3aClZ0i4o1lxf.1
Evgeny Romanov wins Montenegro Open – Mediterranean Championship
GM Evgeny Romanov (MKD) emerged victorious at the Montenegro Open – Mediterranean Championship, edging out GMs Nikita Petrov (MNE), Lorenzo Lodici (ITA), and the top-ranked female player, IM Olga Badelka (AUT), on tiebreaks. The Montenegro Open – Mediterranean Championship, comprising Open A (main event) and Open B, took place in Budva, Montenegro, from July 4–11, 2026, and brought together over 250 players from around the world. Both competitions were 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control. The event’s programme also included the Mediterranean Rapid U20, Mediterranean Rapid U14, and Open Blitz tournaments. The Montenegro Open – Mediterranean Championship 2026 is supported by the FIDE Open Aid Project, which provides financial assistance to open events. When FIDE launched the Open Aid Programme in 2021, the world was facing one of the most difficult periods in modern history. Many open tournaments were at risk of disappearing, and with them, valuable opportunities for professional and aspiring players alike. What began as an emergency response has become a long-term commitment. Since then, the programme has supported 107 tournaments in 73 countries, distributing more than €640,000 to organisers around the world. During the first six months of 2026, FIDE has already supported 28 events. The Open A tournament was extremely tightly contested, with no sole leader emerging at any point in the race. Going into ninth and final round, top seed Lodici, Romanov, and Petrov were sharing the top position with 6.5/8 each. The leaders drew their games, allowing IM Olga Badelka, who defeated FM Kerem Ertan (TUR), to catch up, resulting in a four-way tie for first place. Only one Buchholz point separated the champion, Romanov (pictured above), from runner-up Petrov, who in turn had just a half-point advantage over third-place finisher Lodici. To the delight of local fans, third seed Milojko Kandić dominated Open B, scoring an impressive 8/9. Remarkably, he recorded eight wins and just a single loss (with no draws) to finish half a point ahead of Alexander Borsch and Elvis Kola. Final standings – Open A Final standings – Open B The final round and the closing ceremony were attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who delivered a short speech and presented awards to the top finishers. “First of all, my appreciation on behalf of FIDE to the Chess Federation of Montenegro – Jovan, great job, thanks a lot for that – and to Erald Dervishi, President of the Mediterranean Chess Association, for moving this organization forward. We have, I think, a really good goal: to include chess in the multi-sport Mediterranean Games, to be visible to the Olympic movement, to Olympic committees, and to be aligned with all our friends in the Olympic family. So I hope with this event we are closer to this goal, and we will continue pursuing it… And of course, it is my pleasure and honour – not really pleasure, it’s a sad moment, but anyway – it is an honour to declare the Montenegro Open and the Mediterranean Open and Women Championships officially closed.” Photos: Šahovski savez Crne Gore Facebook
Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School (Uganda) takes gold at African Continental Stage of World Schools Team Championship 2026
There was a different feeling inside the Coetzenburg Center on Friday morning. The music still played as the players filed in, and the smiles were still everywhere, but beneath it was the awareness that they were doing this for the final time. The final two rounds remained in Stellenbosch, with the African continental title and three places at the Grand Final in December still to be decided. The day would bring to a close a week that had offered far more than tournament results: new friendships between players from across the continent, evenings filled with masterclasses and workshops, and, for many, a first opportunity to represent their school internationally. By the end of the day, the top seeds had delivered. Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School of Uganda were crowned African continental champions after completing the tournament without losing a match. Kenya’s Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School took silver, while the host nation also had reason to celebrate as Welgemoed Primary School secured bronze. All three teams qualified for the Grand Final in December. Rounds 7 and 8 Uganda’s Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School and Kenya’s Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School began the final day level on 10 match points, with five teams two points behind. Round 7 kept the two leaders together. Uganda defeated Madagascar’s Lycée Privé Hibiscus 4-0, recording their second clean sweep of the event, while Kenya beat Namibia’s Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool 3-1. Both teams moved to 12 match points with one round remaining. Having already faced each other earlier in the tournament, they could not be paired again under the Swiss system. The title would therefore be decided in separate matches and, should both teams achieve the same result, on tiebreaks. Behind them, the contest for the third and final Grand Final place narrowed down to two South African schools. Welgemoed Primary School defeated Angola’s Instituto Industrial 3½-½, while Holy Cross Primary won its all-South African match against Virginia Preparatory School 3-1. With these results both teams notched up 10 match points, two points ahead of a six-team group on eight. Shortly before the final round, the Kenyan players gathered around their boards for a last talk from their coach. With arms around one another’s shoulders, they listened closely before heading into Round 8 with renewed energy. Uganda left no room for doubt. Paired against Holy Cross Primary, the top seeds won 3½-½ to finish on 14 match points from a possible 16. Their final record stood at six match wins, two draws and a tournament-best 24½ game points. “I’m so humbled for this fantastic performance. I believe in my boys because we are the top seed, the best in the country, the best in the region. These are kids from an academy in the ghetto, disadvantaged kids, vulnerable to all the problems that come with that. I trained them so that they can get the opportunities that come with chess. Chess is improving them, they are moving around the world, and I’m so proud that wonderful brains from such areas can serve our country and the entire world,” said Patrick Mukasa, coach of Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School and founder of the Kamwokya Teens Chess Club and Academy, where the players train. For Kenya, the final round brought considerably more tension. They appeared to have control of their match against Zimbabwe’s Budiriro 4 Primary School, but the momentum shifted and the encounter ended 2-2. The dropped match point proved to be the difference between gold and silver. There was little disappointment visible afterwards, however. The Kenyan players left the stage smiling, their mood as light as it had been during the morning huddle. For three members of the team, the connection extends beyond the chessboard. Davidson, Trevor, and Patricia Waweru are siblings, and after the match they spoke about learning the game together, improving alongside one another, and enjoying the chance to compete as a family. That shared experience had taken them all the way to Stellenbosch and a silver medal. The contest for the third Grand Final place produced another close finish. Welgemoed led Namibia 2-1 with one game still in progress. The final board featured a complicated position, with all three outcomes possible. Welgemoed eventually lost the game, leaving the match tied 2-2 and prompting anxious calculations at the team’s table. Welgemoed finished on 11 match points, one ahead of Holy Cross, to claim bronze and become South Africa’s representative at the Grand Final. Before the closing ceremony, the final afternoon still belonged to the players, starting with a chess quiz in the Lectorium at 16:00. The activity rooms hosted a drumming masterclass, national and group games, and one final session in the entertainment zone. Some players will return home with medals and qualification places. All of them leave Stellenbosch having represented their schools on an international stage and shared the week with young players from across Africa. A farewell to Stellenbosch The championship ended as it had begun: with players, coaches, parents, and officials gathered together. At 20:30, they returned to the venue for the official closing ceremony, which opened with gratitude to those who made the week possible. Chief among them was the Freedom Group of companies, the main sponsor of the African Continental Stage and General Partner of the International School Chess Federation, whose backing, alongside that of ISCF President and Freedom Holding Corp CEO Timur Turlov, has carried the championship from an idea to four continental stages reaching young players around the world. Thanks also went to the African Chess Confederation, Chess South Africa, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the Western Cape Government, Stellenbosch University, and ChessBase, a valued partner who prepared special gifts for every participant. A highlights video looked back on the four days in Stellenbosch before the national anthem of South Africa, performed by Onele Mngameli, and the FIDE anthem. Representatives of the participating federations then presented the individual board awards: FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich then delivered a video message declaring the African