WTRBCC 2026: Dragon Chilling take control in Hong Kong
China’s Dragon Chilling delivered a stellar performance on the second day of the FIDE World Team Rapid Championship, taking sole lead after round five. After eight rounds, they are on 14 match points and remain the only undefeated team in the tournament. Defending champions Team MGD1 are in second place with 13 match points, having won three matches and drawn one on day two. Their result has been greatly boosted by their board six player, Abhijeet Shah Aryan (pictured below), who scored 7.5/8. The Kazakh team Barys, led by seasoned players Dmitry Andreikin and Peter Svidler, are third with 12 match points. Dragon Chilling made a strong start in round five with a 3.5:2.5 victory over day-one co-leaders KazChess. The team swung the match thanks to GM Yu Yangyi and their steady board six player, Wang Zihao. With three games ending in draws, Dragon Chilling had already secured the match, but board one was still playing. Ding Liren was fighting a lost queen endgame against Richard Rapport, his second during the 2023 World Championship match. In what turned out to be the longest game of the round, Ding ultimately had to resign. After defeating KazChess, Dragon Chilling drew with Endgame.ai, led by Hans Niemann, and title defenders Team MGD1. They finished the day with a commanding 4:2 victory over the Indian squad Chessgurukul, headed by Praggnanandhaa R. Despite his team’s lead, Ding Liren’s individual performance has been uneven. The former world champion has five draws, two defeats and just one victory. The key drivers of Dragon Chilling’s success have been Yu Yangyi – who started with 5/5, then lost two games and drew in round eight – and board six Wang Zihao, who scored six wins and drew one game in the seven rounds he has played. Rating favorites and previous rapid winners, WR Chess had a mixed day. They started with a 4:2 victory over Mr Birdie and Friends (named in homage to a player’s recently deceased pet) but then lost to Team MGD1, 3.5:2.5. In round seven, they defeated Sky Chess, but then suffered a bitter 4:2 defeat in the eighth round at the hands of Barys. They are now in 11th place, with 10 match points. WR’s star player, world number one Magnus Carlsen, scored just half a point from the three games on day two. He started with a draw against Vladislav Artemiev. Despite arriving five minutes late to the game, Artemiev used his well-known blitz skills to hold Carlsen to a draw. The former World Champion then stumbled in round six, losing to MGD1’s Arjun Erigaisi, and was stunned in round seven by Shant Sargsyan, who is rated around 200 points lower. WR rested Carlsen in the final round, but it did not change their fortunes, as they suffered a surprising 4:2 defeat to Barys, who leapt to third place. With four rounds left, everything will be decided on the third and final day of the FIDE World Team Rapid Championship. Amateurs fighting for the world crown The inaugural FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup kicked off in Hong Kong today, running alongside the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships. With an average rating of 1618, the competition gives non-professional players a rare chance to experience a world championship atmosphere – playing in the same venue, on the same boards and clocks, as some of the best players in the world. The event consists of a nine-round Swiss tournament divided into two pools, followed by the finals. After three rounds on the first day, Le Petit Prince and South Luzon Amateurs PH lead Pool A, both having won all three matches. In Pool B, first place is shared by Trophy Hunters and Hong Kong Young Dragons, who also finished the day with a perfect score. Written by Milan Dinic Photos: Michal Walusza About the WTRBСС and the FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships were launched in 2023. It is a global team competition where teams are made up of elite grandmasters, prodigies and recreational players. It consists of two tournaments – rapid and blitz. This is the first time the event is being held in Hong Kong and East Asia. The Hong Kong event also features the FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup, where teams are strictly made up of amateur chess players. The WTRBCC take place from 17-21 June, with three days for the rapid and two days for the blitz. The prize fund for the WTRBСС is €500,000, and €25,000 for the Amateur cup. Official websites:WTRBCC: http://worldrapidblitzteams2026.fide.comAmateur Cup: http://worldteamamateurrapid2026.hkchessevent.com
Darmen Sadvakasov and Viсtor Bologan conduct simultaneous exhibitions in Japan
On June 13–14, 2026, Japan hosted chess events featuring Grandmasters Darmen Sadvakasov – First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) – and Viсtor Bologan, FIDE Executive Director. The visit took place under the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) program, which aims to develop chess cooperation across Asian countries, popularize the game, and foster the exchange of expertise between leading chess players and national federations. The main events were held in Tokyo and Kyoto. On June 13, Tokyo hosted The Joys of Chess with Grandmaster Legends festival, followed by the KYOCHESS Spotlight event in Kyoto on June 14. Participants had the opportunity to play against the renowned grandmasters in simultaneous exhibitions (simuls), as well as attend masterclasses and educational lectures focusing on chess training and contemporary trends in the development of the game. The simuls in Kyoto drew 19 players, including both beginners and experienced players from Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and other regions of Japan. Victor Bologan’s session concluded relatively quickly, with the grandmaster securing eight wins and one draw. Darmen Sadvakasov’s simul lasted over two hours, resulting in 10 victories. For many participants, this was their first opportunity to play against a grandmaster. During the masterclasses, Viсtor Bologan analyzed his game against Chinese Grandmaster Ye Jiangchuan from the 2000 Tan Chin Nam Cup, while Darmen Sadvakasov reviewed a game from his 2004 match against Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov in Astana. Following the lectures, participants asked the grandmasters questions about the future of chess, the impact of artificial intelligence on the game, and modern approaches to preparation. “Under the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives program, we conducted a simultaneous exhibition and masterclasses alongside Grandmaster and FIDE Executive Director Viсtor Bologan in Tokyo and Kyoto. A large number of chess enthusiasts attended each event. Since there are no grandmasters in Japan, this was a major milestone for them. We received a wealth of positive feedback and gratitude. Talented youth are emerging in Japan, and I am confident that the country will continue to achieve great success in chess. We, as the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and the Asian Chess Federation, will assist in developing chess in this country,” said Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Darmen Sadvakasov and Victor Bologan also met with representatives of the Japan Chess Federation to discuss opportunities for the further development of chess. “Key areas for future work were identified, with the main emphasis placed on youth chess and organizing a larger number of FIDE-rated tournaments. At the meeting with the Japanese Olympic Committee, special attention was given to the issue of chess recognition by the local Olympic Committee. We also discussed the inclusion of chess in the program of the 2030 Asian Games in Qatar. “The Japanese Olympic Committee will consider holding an exhibition chess event during the Asian Games in Nagoya this autumn. Both events in Tokyo and Kyoto received excellent reviews from the participants. Such initiatives will significantly contribute to the popularization of chess in Japan. A training camp for Japan’s leading young chess players is already planned for August as part of the FACI project,” shared FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan. Darmen Sadvakasov is the 1998 World Junior Under-20 Champion, a grandmaster, First Vice-President of the KCF, and Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation. Over the years, he has secured match victories against former World Champion Anatoly Karpov and world title contender Viktor Korchnoi. Victor Bologan is the strongest chess player in the history of Moldova, a grandmaster, FIDE Executive Director, and the author of numerous chess books. Throughout his career, he has been part of the global chess elite, reaching a peak Elo rating of 2734. The Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives project is implemented by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation in cooperation with FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation, with the support of Freedom Holding Corp. Its goal is to expand chess cooperation in Asia, develop educational programs, and support initiatives aimed at popularizing chess in the region.
KazChess and Dragon Chilling lead after day one of World Rapid Team Championship in Hong Kong
KazChess and Dragon Chilling emerged as the early leaders after the first day of the FIDE World Team Rapid Championship in Hong Kong, with both teams winning all four of their opening matches. They are followed by nine teams on three match wins, including defending champions Team MGD1 and strong favorites WR Chess. The fourth edition of the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships kicked off in Hong Kong today at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. As is tradition, the World Team Rapid Championship is the first competition to begin. KazChess – traditionally one of the heavyweights in the field – finished the day at the top of the scoreboard without losing a single game on the top boards. But things did not go entirely smoothly. In round one, the team struggled against local side Chongqing Kylin Chess Club, as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Alexander Grischuk were held to draws by players rated around 300 points lower. Still, KazChess won the match 4:2 thanks to wins by Kazybek Nogerbek and WGM Aldiyar Ansat on boards three and four. In the following three rounds, KazChess faced exceptionally strong opposition. In round two, they defeated Sky Chess – featuring strong Armenian players Shant Sargsyan and Aram Hakobyan, as well as American GM Andrew Hong – by 4.5:1.5. In round three, they outplayed the star team of Uzbekistan, striking a major blow against World Championship Challenger Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. In the final round of the day, KazChess overcame the all-star Indian squad Chessgurukul, led by Praggnanandhaa R. Sharing first place, but with weaker tiebreaks, is China’s Dragon Chilling, led by former World Champion Ding Liren. Ding, who is gradually returning to more active chess play, was held to a draw in round one by Mongolia’s Dambasuren Batsuren, rated around 300 points lower. Ding won in round two, drew again in round three, but finished the day with a defeat in round four. Playing Black against Nikolas Theodorou, he miscalculated in a complicated position and lost. Day two will open with a headline matchup between the two leaders. Other notable developments on day one include Praggnanandhaa’s loss in the game with Mongolia-Adlar’s first board, Sumiya Bilguun, who is rated around 300 points lower. Rating favorites WR Chess – featuring world number one Magnus Carlsen and top players such as Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So – also started strongly but survived a setback in round two against Chessnut Nova after Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Alexandra Goryachkina both lost their games. In a clash of two chess titans, Magnus Carlsen beat Vasyl Ivanchuk in round three. In the same round, defending champions Team MGD1 lost to Team International Trading from Singapore. In the final moments of the match, MGD1’s board two, Nihal Sarin, slipped against Rinat Jumabayev, handing the Singapore team the victory. In round four, the mixed Armenian-Uzbek squad Sky Chess delivered a major surprise against Hexamind, one of the favorites. With five games finished, the score was level at 2.5:2.5. But on board three, despite having White, Anish Giri found himself in trouble against Andrew Hong and lost, giving Sky Chess the match victory. The World Team Rapid Championship continues on Thursday with four more rounds. Results and pairings of Day One can be found here: http://worldrapidblitzteams2026.fide.com. Written by Milan Dinic Photos: Michal Walusza About the WTRBСС and the FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships were launched in 2023. It is a global team competition where teams are made up of elite grandmasters, prodigies and recreational players. It consists of two tournaments – rapid and blitz. This is the first time the event is being held in Hong Kong and East Asia. The Hong Kong event also features the FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup, where teams are strictly made up of amateur chess players. The WTRBCC take place from 17-21 June, with three days for the rapid and two days for the blitz. The prize fund for the WTRBСС is €500,000, and €25,000 for the Amateur cup. Official websites:WTRBCC: http://worldrapidblitzteams2026.fide.com Amateur Cup: http://worldteamamateurrapid2026.hkchessevent.com
Hong Kong joins global chess map as World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships get underway
The fourth edition of the fast-paced World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships has started in Hong Kong with 48 squads competing. For the first time since the launch of the competition in 2023, FIDE is also staging a World Team Amateur Cup, which will run alongside the WTRBCC. Six World Champions, including Zhu Chen, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Ju Wenjun, Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand and Ding Liren, and eight World Cup winners and current World Championship challengers Javokhir Sindarov and Vaishali Rameshbabu are taking part in the competition. The WTRBCC is taking place at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium and will consist of a three-day World Rapid, followed by a two-day World Blitz team tournament. Each team has six to nine players – including a female player and recreational player – and every match is played on six boards. The field also features many of the game’s rising stars, making the competition a meeting point between established champions and the next generation of elite chess. In parallel with the WTRBCC, FIDE is also staging the first World Team Amateur Cup. Designed solely for non-professionals, it gives recreational players a chance to compete in a world chess championship atmosphere. More than 800 players in total are participating across both events. A historic milestone for Hong Kong The event represents a historic milestone for the Pearl City, marking the largest and most prestigious chess gathering ever held in Hong Kong. Previously, Hong Kong hosted the 2024 Asian Rapid Teams and the FIDE Asian Amateurs Championship in 2025. Speaking on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR government, Lau Chun, Raistlin, Justice of Peace and Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the championship brings East Asia into the center of top-level fast chess and strengthens Hong Kong’s reputation as a major sporting-event destination. “We do not simply stage international tournaments awarded the “M” Mark status; we further cement Hong Kong’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events,” Lau Chan Raistlin said. The “M” Mark is Hong Kong’s official recognition for major international sports events held in the city. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich described Hong Kong as a new global chess hub. “Today, Hong Kong joins the map of global chess hosts,” Dvorkovich said. Dvorkovich also praised the inclusive nature of the event: “By bringing together professionals, amateurs and prodigies, we show what chess is today – professional, open, competitive and inclusive.” From hosting regional competitions to staging a global chess event, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a serious international chess venue. As pointed out by Geoffrey Kao, Honorary President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, hosting the WTRBCC is “a statement to the capacities and the ambitions of our chess federation” and shows that Hong Kong wants “to be taken seriously as a chess city.” Geoffrey Kao has been praised as the key driving force behind the decision to host the WTRBCC in Hong Kong. K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, credited Geoffrey Kao’s role in making the event happen, adding that “this event speaks for itself: the best players in the world, here, on our shores.” Following the presentation of the teams, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich officially declared the championship open, and together with Lau Chun, Raistlin, started the first round with the ceremonial first move. The opening ceremony also included a warm birthday tribute to Peter Svidler, the multi-time World Chess Championship Candidate, playing for Barys, who turned 50. What this event means for world chess The tournament in Hong Kong joins several FIDE priorities in one: elite fast chess, team-based spectacle, inclusion of women and recreational players, youth development, amateur participation, corporate/private-team engagement, and Asia’s growing role in the chess world. As pointed out by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Hong Kong is a natural stage because chess strength in Asia is growing fast. “This region has given our game champions, new stars and a new generation of players who are changing the chess map… This is a statement about where chess is going – faster, more international, more inclusive, more commercially visible, and increasingly centered on Asia,” added Dvorkovich. On Monday, Dvorkovich was in Shenzhen, one of the world’s leading tech hubs, where he opened FIDE’s new Asian office. With a growing interest from tech companies in chess, the office will focus on building partnerships with tech and business organizations in the region to drive the next phase of global chess development. About the WTRBСС and the FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships were launched in 2023. It is a global team competition where teams are made up of elite grandmasters, prodigies and recreational players. It consists of two tournaments – rapid and blitz. This is the first time the event is being held in Hong Kong and East Asia. The Hong Kong event also features the FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup, where teams are strictly made up of amateur chess players. The WTRBCC take place from 17-21 June, with three days for the rapid and two days for the blitz. The prize fund for the WTRBСС is €500,000, and €25,000 for the Amateur cup. Official websites:WTRBCC: http://worldrapidblitzteams2026.fide.com Amateur Cup: http://worldteamamateurrapid2026.hkchessevent.com Written by Milan Dinic Photos: Michal Walusza
FIDE opens Shenzhen Office, ushering in a new era of international chess collaboration
On June 16, the FIDE Shenzhen Office was officially inaugurated in Qianhai, Shenzhen. As the federation’s first office in Asia since its founding in 1924, the new hub marks a major milestone for FIDE’s global expansion and makes it the first international sports organization to establish a formal presence in Shenzhen. The move represents a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to strengthen international sports cooperation and attract global resources. FIDE is an International Olympic Committee-recognized federation responsible for the governance and global promotion of chess. With more than 200 member federations, it ranks among the world’s most influential international sports organizations. The establishment of the Shenzhen Office reflects FIDE’s strategic push to deepen its presence in Asia while further elevating Shenzhen’s profile in the global mind sports community. The Shenzhen Office will serve as FIDE’s primary base for liaison, coordination, and partnership-building across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Its key goals include bringing top-tier international events to the area, promoting cultural exchange through chess, and fostering industry collaboration. The office is also expected to reinforce Shenzhen’s role as a vital bridge between China and the rest of the world. The inauguration ceremony featured FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE Executive Director Viktor Bologan, FIDE Treasurer and Chief Representative of the FIDE Shenzhen Office Zhu Chen, Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board Vice Dana Reizniece, along with Director of the Chess and Card Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China He Fengxiang, President of the Chinese Chess Association Xie Jun, Director of the Chess Department of the Chess and Card Sports Management Center Xu Yuhua, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Sports Bureau Zhu Hongwei, as well as other FIDE officials and distinguished guests from Shenzhen municipal and district governments. Together, they witnessed this historic moment. Speaking at the ceremony, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich thanked all parties involved in making the office a reality. “I’ve visited Shenzhen many times, and today we’re seeing the rewarding outcome of those collective efforts,” he said. “People often ask me: why Shenzhen? The answer is simple – this city has a strong chess culture and a powerful spirit of innovation. That made the choice very easy for us.” “Much like in chess, we hope to see many exciting positions and bold new moves here in Shenzhen,” Dvorkovich added. “The 4th FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship, which begins tomorrow in Hong Kong, is a clear sign of the vibrant chess development across the Greater Bay Area. Chess is a bridge and a bond. We hope even more people will join us. Shenzhen is becoming a new center for chess, and the eyes of the world will be watching this city.” The concentration of international organizations has become a key measure of a city’s global connectivity, ability to mobilize resources, and international influence. International sports bodies, in particular, serve as important platforms for hosting major events, driving industry growth, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. In recent years, Shenzhen has been actively developing itself as a world-renowned international sports city and a national pilot for sports consumption. The city has made steady progress in hosting major events, expanding its sports industry, and deepening international cooperation. As a frontier of China’s reform and opening-up, Shenzhen offers an open, inclusive environment, a robust industrial ecosystem, and strong global orientation – qualities that make it highly attractive to international sports organizations. The opening of the FIDE Shenzhen Office is both a recognition of the city’s dynamic environment, innovative spirit, and global outlook and a powerful new platform for Shenzhen to integrate more deeply into global sports governance and international exchanges. Chess, as a mind sport that blends competition, education, and broad appeal, enjoys a strong following in Shenzhen. The city has been vigorously promoting the game in schools and communities, hosting high-level tournaments, and developing talented players. FIDE and Shenzhen have enjoyed close ties for years, with many FIDE-branded events and programs already held here. With the new office now operational, FIDE will work even more closely with the Chinese Chess Association, Guangdong Province, and Shenzhen authorities to advance high-quality chess development, strengthen cultural exchanges, and inject fresh momentum into Shenzhen’s ambition to become a world-class, innovation-driven international city. Text and photos: Liang Ziming
FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 officially open in Hong Kong
The opening press conference for the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 took place on June 16 at The Pavilion, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, marking the official start of one of FIDE’s most dynamic and spectator-friendly competitions. Held in Hong Kong for the first time, and making its inaugural appearance in East Asia, the fourth edition of the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships will take place from June 17-21 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The event brings together more than 40 teams and over 300 players from around the world, featuring elite grandmasters, top women players, rising stars and amateur participants competing side by side in a unique team format. The press conference featured FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Hong Kong China Chess Federation President K.K. Chan, as well as three leading players: GM Levon Aronian, representing Hexamind; and GM Lei Tingjie, representing Dragon Chilling. Opening the press conference, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich welcomed the media, players and organisers, underlining the significance of the championships, “Hong Kong isn’t just hosting a chess tournament. It is taking place on the global chess map, with the best players, rising stars and chess fans from all over the world coming together,” he said. “We see this competition not only as a tournament, but as a festival of chess, where people and ideas come together and where we build a basis for a stronger and more connected chess community.” The FIDE President also emphasised the rapid growth of the competition. What began in Düsseldorf with 36 teams has now developed into a major international event, with the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships and the newly introduced FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup bringing together more than 800 players across the full programme. “This event is built for spectators. It is fast, team-based, international and easy to follow, and I invite everyone to come, enjoy, learn and connect,” added Dvorkovich. K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, welcomed the international chess community to the city and described the event as an important moment for Hong Kong’s chess development. “Today is a statement: Hong Kong is open, ambitious, and ready to host the world,” said Chan. “This is a city that has always thrived on competition — in commerce, in culture, in ambition. Chess belongs here. And today, the very best players of this global game are here — in our city.” Chan also stressed the inspirational value of hosting a world-class chess event for young players in Hong Kong, “When we were asked why Hong Kong should host a World Championship, our answer was simple: you do not wait until you have champions before you host a world event. You host a world event so your young players can see champions with their own eyes. That is how champions are made,” he said. He further noted that the championship has been awarded “M” Mark status by the Major Sports Events Committee, a recognition of Hong Kong’s standing as a world-class host city. Following the official remarks, the press conference continued with an interactive discussion featuring GM Levon Aronian and GM Lei Tingjie. Asked about Hexamind’s expectations for this year’s event, Aronian said the addition of Alireza Firouzja had significantly strengthened the team’s chances of fighting for gold. He also pointed to the importance of having a second female player in the line-up, with Kateryna Lagno, a multiple-time world rapid and blitz champion, joining the team. Aronian noted that although Divya Deshmukh delivered an excellent performance in London last year, the demanding schedule fatigued her, making it necessary to bring in another female player. Lei Tingjie spoke about Dragon Chilling’s all-Chinese line-up and the spirit of competing together as one team. In a light-hearted exchange, she was also asked about the origins of the team’s name. “Dragon Chilling” is a nod to the viral “Ding Chilling” moment from the 2024 FIDE World Championship Match, with Lei explaining that the name was chosen by the team captain GM Ni Hua, and that the “dragon” carries strong symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. The conference concluded with questions from the media and a group photo session. The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 will run from June 17-21 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, promising five days of fast-paced action, team drama and world-class chess in the heart of Hong Kong. Written by Chalize Van Zyl Photos: Michal Walusza Official website: https://worldrapidblitzteams2026.fide.com/
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2026 begin in Montesilvano
The FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2026 officially commenced yesterday at the magnificent Pala Dean Martin Congress Center in Montesilvano, Italy, bringing together hundreds of talented young players from around the globe for one of the most prestigious events on the international youth chess calendar. The day began with the Technical Meeting, led by Chief Arbiter Marco Biagioli and tournament officials, where players, coaches, and accompanying persons received important information regarding tournament regulations, schedules, and playing conditions ahead of the competition. Later in the day, participants gathered for the Opening Ceremony, which welcomed players from all continents. Several distinguished guests addressed the audience and officially welcomed participants to Montesilvano and to the championship. Speeches were delivered by: GM Roberto Mogranzini, Tournament Director Luigi Maggi, President of the Italian Chess Federation Ozgur Solakoglu, FIDE Delegate Marco Biagioli, Chief Arbiter Ottavio De Martinis, Mayor of Montesilvano Adriano Tocco, City Council Member The speakers highlighted the importance of youth chess, international friendship, fair play, and the role of chess in connecting young people across cultures and nations. A total of 758 players from 83 countries have arrived in Montesilvano to compete for world titles across two main sections and three age categories: Open Section: Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 Girls Section: Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 The host federation, Italy, fields the largest delegation with 65 participants. The championship also features an impressive number of titled players. Among the participants are 291 titled competitors, including: 2 Grandmasters (GM) 22 International Masters (IM) 14 Woman International Masters (WIM) and many other FIDE title holders. The event is being played over 11 rounds using the classical time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by an additional 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment added from move one. In addition to the main competition, participants will enjoy several side events throughout the championship. A football match is scheduled for 18 June, while a Blitz Tournament will take place on 20 June. Players will also have the opportunity to enjoy a free day on 21 June, featuring various recreational activities. Following the Opening Ceremony, the first round got underway, with players eager to begin their quest for the coveted World Youth titles. The opening day of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship unfolded largely according to the ratings, with most top seeds across all categories securing comfortable victories. However, every section delivered a few surprises, as several lower-rated players produced impressive performances to either defeat or hold their higher-rated opponents to a draw, injecting early excitement into the race for the world titles. In the Open Under-18 section, several interesting results were expected on the very first day. While most of the top seeds began their campaigns with victories, the biggest upset came on board ten, where England’s 74th seed, William Alexander Olsen, defeated Romania’s 10th seed and 2421-rated Vladimir-Alexandru Cnejev. Top seed IM Filip Magold of Romania started with a win over Serbia’s Nikola Leskovac, while second seed GM Aksel Kvaloy of England defeated Austria’s Aron Schneider. On board three, FIDE’s IM Artem Pingin was held to a draw by fellow FIDE player and 67th seed Timur Checkanov. In the Girls Under-18 section, all of the top ten seeds scored convincing victories. Top seed WIM Zarina Nurgaliyeva of Kazakhstan prevailed over Israel’s Michal Moscovitch. Second seed WFM Valeria Kleymenova of FIDE overcame Sri Lanka’s H. Sandithi Kusalya Alwis, while third seed Iren Lyutsinger of FIDE defeated Ananya Ananth of the United States. In the Open Under-16 section, top seed IM Lukas Dotzer of Austria beat Daniel Ibanez Koblash of Spain, while second seed IM Felix-Antonio Ilinca of Romania started his campaign with a victory over Alberto Ganci of Italy. Among the top ten boards, two games ended in draws. Third seed IM Sauat Nurgaliyev of Kazakhstan was held to a draw by 78th seed Zhu Pengxiao of England, while eighth seed FM Mykola Korchynskyi of Ukraine also split the point with 83rd seed Danail Jurgen Sergooris of Belgium. In the Girls Under-16 section, the top seeds made a strong start to the championship. Top seed WIM Elnaz Kaliakhmet of Kazakhstan defeated WFM Rukiya Olimova of Uzbekistan, while second seed WIM Rachael Li of the United States scored a convincing victory over Valentina Neumeier of Germany. Third seed WFM Veranika Abramkina of FIDE also began with a win, overcoming Caissa Liduvina Galaviz Medina of Mexico. The only draw on the top ten boards came on board nine, where Poland’s WIM Wiktoria Smietanska was held to a draw by her compatriot Maria Gora. Apart from that result, the leading contenders enjoyed a successful opening round as they began their quest for the world title. In the Open Under-14 section, the top seeds also started impressively. Top seed and defending champion IM Mark Smirnov of Kazakhstan defeated Savvas Konstantinides of Cyprus, while second seed FM Alisher Abdsattar of Kazakhstan scored a victory over Lauritz Nissen Hellerud of Norway. Among the top ten boards, three games ended in draws. Third seed FM Danis Kuandykuly of Kazakhstan was held by Deividas Ivanauskas of Lithuania; sixth seed FM Antoni Radzimski of Poland shared the point with Rodion Romanko of FIDE, while ninth seed FM Joachim Le Geay of France was held to a draw by Makar Berdashkevich of FIDE. In the Girls Under-14 section, top seed WFM Sara Maria Sunea of Romania began her campaign with a victory over Mathilde Rath Vesterbaek of Denmark, while second seed WIM Laurie Qiu of the United States defeated Alima Omirserik of Kazakhstan. The biggest upset on the top ten boards came on board four, where Amit Baruch of Israel defeated fourth seed WFM Christina Jordan of South Africa. The only draw among the top ten boards occurred on board six, where Maya Sahin of Turkey held sixth seed Luomeng Wang of China to a draw. Written by Pavel Dvorkovich & Niklesh Jain Photos: Mark Livshits and Niklesh Jain Official website: https://www.chessworldyouth.com/
Mukhiddin Madaminov triumphs in UzChess Cup Masters
Mukhiddin Madaminov of Uzbekistan claimed the UzChess Cup Masters title after defeating his fellow countryman Shamsiddin Vokhidov in an exciting tiebreaker. The third edition of UzChess Cup was held in Tashkent from June 7 to 15, 2026 and featured a stellar lineup of top Uzbek players and elite international Grandmasters. The most prestigious Masters tournament, a 10-player round-robin with classical time control, boasted a prize fund of $20,000. Alongside the Masters, the Challengers, Futures, and Open were also contested. The top finishers in each section advanced to the higher tier in the next-year edition. With the field closely matched in rating, the Masters tournament turned into a very tightly contested affair. Suffice it to say that neither participant completed the event unbeaten. After losing his second-round game, Vokhidov scored three consecutive victories and seized the lead but could not feel safe as three players – Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Madaminov – trailed him by just a half-point. In Round 6, Madaminov defeated Vidit Gujrathi and caught up with the leader, who drew his game with Abdusattorov. Heading into the final ninth round on 5/8, the co-leaders were a half-point ahead of Ian Nepomniachtchi and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. Madaminov and Vokhidov drew their games, and with their closest rivals also splitting the point, the duo finished in a two-way tie at the top. In the ensuing tiebreaker, Madaminov was dominant, winning both games to capture the title – arguably the biggest triumph of his career. Nepomniachtchi, Mamedyarov and Erigaisi shared third place, with Nepomniachtchi completing the podium on tiebreaks. Final standings Masters GM Mahammad Muradli of Azerbaijan secured a landslide victory in the Challengers event, clinching the title with a round to spare and finishing two points ahead of the field. Khumoyun Begmuratov (Uzbekistan) triumphed in the Futures section, while Timur Gareyev came out on top in the Open tournament, edging out another local player, Shavkatjon Abdukholikov, on tiebreaks. Final standings Challengers Final standings Futures Final standings Open Photos: Uzbekistan Chess Federation Official website: https://uzchesscup.uz/en/2026
Chess emerging as a tool for brain-computer innovation
FIDE Treasurer and Women’s World Champion Zhu Chen, together with WIM Liang Zhihua, attended the “Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Clinical Application Symposium” on June 11, as special guests at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen). Chess has long been associated with intelligence and human creativity. Increasingly, the game is finding its place at the cutting edge of brain science. FIDE representatives and chess players were invited to attend an event that brought together leading neurologists, clinicians, and technology companies working on brain-computer interface systems. At first glance, chess may seem an unusual guest at a medical symposium. Yet over the past year, the game has emerged as one of the clearest demonstrations of what brain-computer interface technology can achieve. The event comes nine months after a historic moment in September 2025, when Neuralink patient Noland Arbaugh played a game of chess online against Swedish WFM Anna Cramling, marking the first time chess appeared on the global stage as a real-world BCI application. The match served as a public demonstration of how consumer-grade digital platforms can integrate with next-generation medical hardware. During the match, Arbaugh, who was left quadriplegic after a swimming accident in 2016, controlled his side of the board on chess.com using a coin-sized Neuralink skull implant that contained over 1,000 electrode threads tracking his neural intent. The match highlighted a shift from robotic arm movements towards complex cognitive multitasking. That connection was reflected in discussions at the Shenzhen symposium. Researchers from top Chinese institutions took part, including Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Xuanwu and Tiantan Hospitals, affiliated with Capital Medical University; Huashan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University; Southeast University; and many others from the Greater Bay Area. Representatives from BCI companies also attended. During the conference, chess was recognized as a tool for connecting scientific research and technology in the study of cognitive functions. Zhu Chen, a former Women’s World Champion, shared her views from the perspective of a chess player, linking scientific discussions with a board game built on human thought. “It was very interesting to see the extent to which science has advanced in brain research. It seems almost sci-fi! It was exciting as well as heartwarming to hear that chess, an ancient game, has a very important role to play in the groundbreaking research which will strongly impact the future of humanity,” said Zhu Chen. “FIDE has always been supportive and open to working with scientific institutions and organizations and will continue to do so,” Zhu added. Experts also shared the latest advances in using BCI to treat Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, consciousness disorders, and spinal cord injuries and highlighted the rapid development of BCI research in China. The organizers said that the next stage of the project will involve multicenter clinical projects with leading BCI companies in China. Chess was again recognized as a useful tool for hypothesis testing. Whether those efforts ultimately transform medical treatment remains to be seen, but what is clear is that chess has a role to play in supporting scientific research and development. Photos: Liang Ziming and Neuralink live stream
FIDE extends bidding deadline for 2030 Chess Olympiad
In response to requests by several national federations that are in the process of securing necessary funding, FIDE has officially extended the deadline for bids for the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 until September 1, 2026. This global event, the largest team competition on the chess calendar, lasting 15 days (including arrivals and departures), brings together thousands of players and fans from across the world. At the most recent Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, 188 federations registered teams in the Open section and 169 federations in the Women’s section, reflecting the truly universal character of the event. Events to be organised Alongside the main competition, two additional key events will be held under the umbrella of the Olympiad: FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 – Competition for People with Disabilities (organisers must be ready to host at least 100 teams) FIDE Congress 2030 The selected organiser will be responsible for hosting all three events and providing a proposal that ensures the maximum possible number of teams can be accommodated. With FIDE now uniting more than 200 federations — and expanding each year — the scale and importance of the FIDE Chess Olympiad continue to grow with every edition. Regulations The official regulations for both Olympiad competitions will be approved no later than 30 September 2026 and will follow the structure of the 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad Regulations in all important aspects: FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028 – Main Competition Regulations (PDF) FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028 – Competition for People with Disabilities Regulations (PDF) The requirements for hosting the FIDE Congress may be found here: FIDE Congress Regulations. Who Can Bid? Any FIDE member federation or organiser approved by a national federation is eligible to apply. Bidders proposing to host additional FIDE events alongside the Olympiad will be given priority. Bidding process Formal Bid: Complete bidding applications must be submitted to office@fide.com by June 15, 2026, 18:00 CET. Applications must follow the form provided in the approved regulations and include all required documents. The full responsibilities of the organiser, including financial obligations, will be defined in the regulations and any additional conditions. The final decision on the host city will be made by the FIDE General Assembly held during the next FIDE Chess Olympiad in September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which will award the organisation rights to the applicant receiving the highest number of votes.