“Infinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition” – Follow-up on celebrating autism inclusion through chess and community
On April 6, the Infinite Chess initiative hosted “Infinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition”, a transformative online event that united global advocates, educators, and families to advance autism awareness and inclusion. With powerful speeches, heartfelt stories, and the premiere of an exclusive project video, the meetup illuminated how chess and community support can unlock potential for children on the spectrum. The event began with inspiring words from Dana Reizniece (Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and Project Supervisor), André Vögtlin (Chair of the FIDE Social Commission), and Anastasia Sorokina (Chair of FIDE Women’s Commission and Infinite Chess Project Leader). Their messages underscored FIDE’s commitment to leveraging chess as a tool for social impact. A highlight of the opening was the premiere of “FIDE Infinite Chess – A Visionary Approach to Modern Chess“, created with immense support of Kazakhstan Chess Federation a 10-minute video showcasing the project’s mission, strategic partnerships, and real-world impact. The film set the stage for discussions on how chess transcends borders and abilities. Key moments that inspired action 1. Dismantling Stigma with Practical Solutions Doreen Dia, Occupational Therapist and CEO/founder of iPromise Rehab and Care Services in The Gambia, shared actionable strategies to combat societal stigma. Her insights emphasized: The role of community education in fostering acceptance. Adaptive learning techniques for neurodiverse children. How local advocacy creates systemic change. “Breaking stigma starts with small, courageous conversations,” she reminded attendees. 2. Chess as a Catalyst for Growth Ritha James Makame, Life Skills Coordinator at the Ilyanna Foundation and Infinite Chess teacher, revealed the challenges and triumphs of teaching chess to children with autism. Her approach—rooted in patience and creativity—demonstrated how the game: Enhances cognitive flexibility and problem-solving. Builds social connections through structured interaction. Empowers teachers and parents to collaborate effectively. 3. A Mother’s Unwavering Love Renata Nair, mother of Teegan (a student in the Infinite Chess project, South Africa), moved the audience with her raw, hopeful journey. She described: The pivotal role chess played in Teegan’s confidence and focus. How community support alleviates isolation for families. Why inclusive programs like Infinite Chess are lifelines. “Every small victory is a testament to what’s possible,” Renata shared. Honoring Champions: The Infinite Chess partners awards The event culminated in the Infinite Chess Partners Awards, celebrating unsung heroes in autism advocacy. Winners—nominated included: Pioneer Partner – Pep Suárez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Luis Blanso de la Cruz, Madrid Chess Academy, Club Ajedrez 64 Villalba (Spain), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar), Franck Droin (France). Regional Growth Leader – Pep Suárez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Erick Takawira, KZN Chess Academy (South Africa), Kanthi Sarjoo, The Browns’ School (South Africa), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar). Accuracy and Detail Excellence – Viesturs Kapče (Latvia), Buddhi Nirukshi Panagoda (UK), Rita Wu, Taiwan Youth Chess Association (Taiwan). Event Participation Champion – Melodi Dincel (Turkey), Charomova Evguenia (New Zealand), Susana Gonçalves, Association Chess2All (Portugal). Innovation Leader – Ng Teck Sen, Bumblebee Training Centre (Malaysia), Anu Bayar, ABChess Academy (Mongolia), Keunae Choe, EBC Foundation (USA). Outstanding Support – Luciano Gomes de Sousa (Brazil), Christina Aziz (The Gambia), Viviane Bejjani-Aziz (The Gambia), Elly O. Goro, IYANNA FOUNDATION (Tanzania). Collaboration Excellence – Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Kamal Daoudi, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Dalila Mougaa, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Albanian Chess Federation. Impactful Communicator – Dr. Ankita Sanghavi, Innocent Times School (India), Netra Patkar, ZEP Rehabilitation Centre (India), Mark Bryan (Cyprus). The awards underscored the power of collective effort in driving inclusion. “What an inspiring event! Today, we’ve shared knowledge, stories, and hope. Let’s carry this momentum forward—keep advocating, connecting, and uplifting. A huge thank you to our speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team. Stay tuned for future events, and remember: every step counts in creating a more inclusive world. Until next time—take care, stay inspired, and keep shining!” were Maria Tamkovich’s closing words. Carrying the Momentum Forward Watch & Share the Infinite Chess video to spread awareness. Recorded video of the online meetup. Join the Movement via #InfiniteChess on social media. Support inclusive chess programs in your community. A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team for making this event a milestone in autism advocacy. Together, we’re proving that chess is more than a game—it’s a universal language of opportunity. “The spectrum is infinite, and so is our potential to make a difference.” Infinite Chess website: infinitechess.fide.com/
Ju Wenjun strikes back: World Champion levels the score with endgame magic
World Champion Ju Wenjun equalized the score in Game 3 of the FIDE Women’s World Championship, redeeming her endgame blunder in Game 2 with precise and elegant play today. In a battle that lasted over five hours and 87 moves, Tan Zhongyi blundered on move 60, allowing Ju to seize the advantage and play an instructive endgame with the principle of two weaknesses, ultimately claiming victory. The playing hall today was graced by four Women’s World Champions; the reigning champion and challenger, along with Zhu Chen and Xu Yuhua, the second and third women’s world champions from China. Chen, the current FIDE Treasurer, and Yuhua, Secretary General of the Chinese Chess Association, made the ceremonial first moves on the board. Following the ceremony, the clock was started and the game commenced. It featured a repeat of the first game’s Sicilian, where the World Champion introduced 3.c4, the Kramnik Variation, a rare sideline occasionally seen at the highest level, including during the Carlsen-Caruana World Championship match. It was a curious choice, as statistics tend to favor Black in this line. Tan Zhongyi paused to consider her response, and soon the players entered a completely uncharted position. It was clear that both had exited home preparation, as they began using significant time on their moves. The game transitioned into a position where both players had isolated pawns – White on c3 and Black on d5, with Ju once again at a time disadvantage. Understandably so, as the position remained balanced and called for subtle maneuvering. With the white pieces, Ju had to look for chances to create imbalances, prolong the game, and prevent Black from steering it toward a draw – without taking undue risks so early in the match. Black managed to simplify with a series of trades, and the game seemed to be heading toward a dry draw. However, the position was still rich in tactical possibilities and required precise play. This match has shown that even seemingly equal positions are far from over – as evidenced by Ju’s decisive blunder in Game 2. Ju held the initiative, with active pieces and the bishop pair, while Tan’s position was more passive, putting her on the defensive and having to remain solid. It was far easier for White to find natural moves, while Black faced challenges. True to her style, Ju kept pressing, attempting to squeeze out chances, though her time management remained a concern, having cost her the previous game. Tan took advantage of this by playing confidently and quickly, blitzing out moves and putting the pressure on Ju. An important moment came on move 37: White has just captured the d5 pawn, and the only move for Black was the tricky 37…Ne3, preparing to recapture the pawn. Anything else would leave White a pawn up with dominant pieces. After some thought, Tan found the only move, and Ju, having anticipated this, responded immediately with 38.h4, the best follow-up. After 38…Qg4, Black remained a pawn down and had to choose the least harmful version of the position. At this point, Ju’s body language shifted – she sat upright and focused, while Tan began to consume more time. This was Ju’s domain: technical positions. As FIDE commentator Evgenij Miroshnichenko noted, “A game of chess has a fantastic amount of resources for both sides.” Following a series of forced trades, the game simplified into an endgame with opposite-colored bishops with a pair of rooks still on the board. White held an extra passed pawn on c3, and although the position remained theoretically equal, the players reached the additional time control at move 40 with a long endgame ahead. The c-pawn was difficult to advance, and Ju needed a weakness on the kingside to make progress. She continued pressing, and her opportunity arrived on move 60. Black committed a critical error with 60…Bc6? The idea of trading the rooks was correct, but the execution was flawed. It was essential not to remove protection from f7-pawn and while keeping White’s king at bay with 60…Re2! The key is to meet 61.Kg5 with 61…Re4! As played, after 61.Kg5, trouble loomed. 61…Ra4 failed to the intermediate 62.Be5+, and after 62…Ke7 63.Rb2, White preserved the rooks – a crucial detail, as a pure opposite-colored bishop endgame would likely end in a draw. From there, Ju’s plan was clear: her king advanced to g7, the rook stayed active, and the c-pawn became a growing threat. Black, by contrast, had active counterplay. Her weak f7-pawn and the advancing c-pawn were too much to handle. What kept viewers on edge was Ju’s time pressure. But this is the reigning Women’s World Blitz Champion, and even with only minutes on the clock, she navigated the complications masterfully. She confidently found the best moves and brought home a well-deserved win. In the post-game press conference, she said that the endgame was relatively straightforward, so her low time did not concern her and after 73.f3 she felt she was winning. We have witnessed endgame magic from both players in the last two games, where their ability to keep pushing in equal positions, and ultimately yield decisive results, is highly admirable. It surely serves as a lesson to not give up, and beautifully shows the infinite possibilities in chess. Ironically, things are not always clear-cut black and white. With the score once again leveled, and two decisive results in the first three games, the match is shaping up to be nothing short of exciting. The fourth game will be played on Monday, April 7, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Tan Zhongyi playing White. FACT SHEET, Game 3, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Tan ZhongyiBlack: Ju WenjunResult: 0–1Opening: Sicilian DefenseGame length: 87 movesMatch score: 1.5–1.5 Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship
1st FIDE Council meeting 2025: List of decisions published
1st FIDE Council meeting March 21-22, 2025 List of decisions CM1-2025/01 To note President’s report. CM1-2025/02 To approve Treasurer’s report. CM1-2025/03 To instruct FIDE President to continue the negotiations regarding FIDE’s online projects based on Council members’ suggestions. CM1-2025/04 To note FIDE Calendar 2024/2025. CM1-2025/05 To note the Global Strategy Commission’s report. CM1-2025/06 To approve the Global Strategy Commission’s proposal regarding the reversal of the qualification paths B and C due to the swap in the chronological order of the World Cup and Grand Swiss tournaments for the year 2025. CM1-2025/07 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report. CM1-2025/08 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles. CM1-2025/09 To note the Qualification Commission report. CM1-2025/10 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles. CM1-2025/11 To approve the award of direct titles to ASEAN youth event and to the Central Asia Youth Chess Championship. CM1-2025/12 To approve the Qualification Commission decision not to rate the tournaments that took place in July-August 2024 in Mramorak, Serbia. CM1-2025/13 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies. CM1-2025/14 To approve the recommendations of the Events Commission on titles. CM1-2025/15 To approve the FIDE World Cadet U8, U10, U12 Championships 2025 to be organized in Almaty, Kazakhstan. CM1-2025/16 To approve the World Championships 2027 in age categories U7, U9 and U11 to be organised by the Spanish Chess Federation and the World Championships 2027 in age categories U13, U15 and U17 by the Turkish Chess Federation, subject to the successful inspection. CM1-2025/17 To award the World Cadet Rapid and Blitz Championships 2027 to Spain to be organised during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Spanish Chess Federation subject to the successful inspection. CM1-2025/18 To note the Chess in Education Commission’s report CM1-2025/19 To approve the recommendations of the Chess in Education Commission on titles. CM1-2025/20 To approve the Chess in Education Commission’s proposal in respect of the Regulations for Accreditation in Chess in Education. CM1-2025/21 To note the changes in the Fair Play Commission and the report on their way forward. CM1-2025/22 To approve the recommendations of the Fair Play Commission on titles. CM1-2025/23 To approve that a working group comprising representatives from the respective FIDE Commissions be established to elaborate on the proposal regarding sanctions for the breach of Fair Play Regulations. CM1-2025/24 To note the Planning and Development Commission’s report. CM1-2025/25 To conditionally approve the Planning and Development Commission’s proposal in respect of the Development Index Regulations, taking into consideration the FIDE Council’s input. CM1-2025/26 To approve the proposal of the Historical Committee regarding the nominations for the World Chess Hall of Fame: E. Bogolyubov, P. Cramling, J. Timman and V. Hort. CM1-2025/27 To support in principle establishing continuous bi-annual FIDE Awards, establishing a working group that would define awards categories and selection criteria. CM1-2025/28 To note the Commission’s for Women’s Chess report. CM1-2025/29 To note Continental Presidents’ reports. CM1-2025/30 To approve that an official warning in respect of its arrears before the continent is issued to the Venezuela Chess Federation with the payment deadline of July 1st2025. To inform the Venezuela Chess Federation that FIDE may withdraw its services (art. 6.3. of the Financial Rules) CM1-2025/31 To note the Constitutional Commission’s report and to instruct the Commission to develop the draft of the guidelines for all situations related to the development of chess in any territories with dispute status. CM1-2025/32 To approve the launch of the FIDE digital museum project. CM1-2025/33 To confirm that if a player who qualified from a certain zone/continent for the FIDE World Cup/FIDE Women’s World Cup afterwards changes his or her national federation and the new national federation doesn’t belong to the same zone/continent, the corresponding spot shall be awarded to the player who finished as the next best ranked in that qualifying tournament. 1st FC Meeting 2025 – List of Decisions (PDF)
FIDE World Cup 2025 Under 8, 10, 12: Players with personal rights
According to 3. 4. A of WC regulations top 3 players from each age category (6 X 3 = 18 players) by FIDE standard rating (April 1, 2025) are granted personal rights to participate in the FIDE World Cup 2025 Under 8,10, and 12, which will be held in Batumi, Georgia from June 22 to July 3. The above-mentioned players with personal rights will receive free full board accommodation (in twin share rooms) from June 22 (lunch) to July 3 (breakfast). The players with personal rights will also get travel compensation for air-tickets – €600 for players from Europe and €1,200 for players from other continents. The list of top players by FIDE standard rating as of April 1, 2025: The registration deadline is April 22, 2025. If any player does not accept the invitation by April 22, 2025, the spot be allocated as an additional organizer wildcard. In order to ensure proper tournament standards, FIDE member federations must fully complete the Excel registration form and send it back to the contact person before the registration deadline April 22, 2025. Incomplete registrations will not be accepted. WC will be played in two stages. Stage 1 will be a 7-round Swiss system tournament. In Stage 2, players who finish in the same position in each group will play against each other. Prizes: 6 Playing categories X 3 Players each category = 18 players (Open 8, 10, 12 + Girls 8, 10, 12) I Cup, Medal, Diploma, MacBook Air 2023/24 II Cup, Medal, Diploma, iPhone 16 III Medal, Diploma, IPAD The top three finishers in each age category/any gender will get free FB (in twin share rooms with bath and/or shower) for the World Cadets championship of the same year. Each participant will receive an appropriate certificate. Contact Information E-mail: wcc@fide.comOfficial website – wcc2025.fide.com/
Fast moves, global teams: Register for FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships
The first major open FIDE event of the year is on the horizon, with the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships set to take place in London from 10-16 June. The mixed-team format and fast time controls make this a thrilling highlight on the calendar for both players and spectators. Registration is open, and the line-up already features teams composed of elite players from across the globe – ranging from Super GMs to rising stars. WR Chess, the 2023 Rapid and 2024 Blitz champions, lead the field by rating, now bolstered by the addition of Hikaru Nakamura, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alireza Firouzja, along with the return of Wesley So. “I always enjoy team events. There is a lot at stake, but it’s also an opportunity to bond with my teammates and to meet many fresh faces from all over the world, and it makes for great memories,” said Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of WR Chess. “Obviously, I’m also looking forward to fight for a World Champion title with my team WR Chess!” Photo: Michal Walusza Close behind is Al-Ain ACMG UAE, the 2024 Rapid champions, returning with an almost identical squad, including Daniil Dubov, Kateryna Lagno, and reigning Rapid World Champion Volodar Murzin, with only minor changes. Other powerhouse teams include MGD1, led by Arjun Erigaisi and joined by fellow Olympiad gold medalists Pentala Harikrishna and Harika Dronavalli. “Thanks to the nice team atmosphere, in both editions MGD1 has won medals. We are looking forward to giving our best in London,” said Harikrishna. Photo: Niki Riga Also competing is the Hexamind Superteam featuring chess legends Levon Aronian, Vladimir Kramnik, and Peter Svidler; and a dynamic generational mix led by Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who is joined by young prodigies Ediz Gurel and Yagiz Erdogmus. The list of top-tier talent continues – and can be viewed in full on the official website. While the chance to see so many Super GMs competing under one roof is a major attraction, one of the unique aspects of this event is its inclusivity. Each team must consist of 6 to 9 players and include at least one female player and one recreational player (never having FIDE rating above 2000). This creates an extraordinary opportunity for club players to compete alongside the world’s elite and brings lesser-known talents into the spotlight. A prime example is Pang Bo, the unrated star of Team China, who played alongside Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun and stunned the chess world with a breakout performance. After all, this is the FIDE Year of Social Chess, and this event perfectly embodies the spirit of promoting chess as a unifying force. It promises to be a spectacle, and we warmly welcome you to London! Tournament info FormatThe five days of chess will feature two exciting formats: Rapid Tournament: A 12-round Swiss system with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move. Blitz Tournament: Divided into two stages. In Stage 1, teams are placed into pools of similar strength and play a round-robin format. The top 16 teams advance to Stage 2, a knockout phase. The time control is 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment per move. The total prize fund for the event is an impressive €500,000—€310,000 allocated to the Rapid Tournament and €190,000 to the Blitz Tournament. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique chess celebration. We encourage you to register your team as soon as possible. The full list of registered teams and all other relevant information can be found on the official website.
First blood: Tan Zhongyi wins Game 2 after Ju Wenjun’s costly blunder
Challenger Tan Zhongyi strikes first at the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match, winning game two after Champion Ju Wenjun blunders in the endgame. Following a closely contested 99% accuracy draw in the opening game, it was evident that both players were adopting a solid, risk-free approach. Game two appeared to be heading in a similar direction until a tricky endgame combined with time pressure led to a decisive mistake by the reigning champion – an opportunity Tan capitalized on to secure the full point. Interestingly, in their 2018 match, it was Ju Wenjun who struck first blood by winning game two (also with the black pieces) after surprising Tan in the opening. Coincidentally, that second game also featured an English Opening, where Ju responded with 1…e5, and after 2.Nc3 Bb4, caught her opponent off guard. This time, Ju opted for 1…Nf6, and the game entered a well-trodden main line of the English Opening, frequently seen at the top level by players such as Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren. The English Opening has become a powerful weapon for White. As commentator Evgenij Miroshnichenko noted, “1.c4 is one of the starting moves to fight for an advantage.” Tan was asked about this in the post-game press conference and admitted that her team debated about the opening choice. Ultimately, it was she who decided to repeat the opening, this time more confidently. Despite both players entering a main line early on, it was Ju who began to consume significant time, spending over 10 minutes each on three consecutive moves (moves 10, 11, and 12). This gave Tan a comfortable 20-minute time advantage for much of the game. Eventually the opponents traded off into an equal rook and pawns endgame, and reached an interesting position where it seemed like Ju faltered: The position remained equal, and a move like 31…Kf8 would have led to an inevitable draw. However, Ju played 31…c5 almost instantly. While the engine still evaluated the position as equal, it introduced unnecessary complications that demanded precision from Black. After Tan responded with 32.Kf3, Ju, down to 14 minutes, spent seven of them pondering her next move, clearly second-guessing her pawn push. Though still drawable, the position now required more effort from Black. Both sides had passed pawns, but White’s king was significantly more active. Calculating accurately under time pressure became crucial, and unfortunately for Ju, her decisive mistake came on move 40: Black’s only correct continuation was 40…b4, sacrificing the pawn to allow her rook space. Instead, Ju played 40…Ke8?, and after 41.Ke4, White was winning. Black would lose the b-pawn without compensation. With material advantage, a centralized king, and a dominant passed d-pawn, Tan was in complete control. Despite a few minor inaccuracies, the challenger converted her advantage smoothly to secure the victory. It was a painful loss for Ju Wenjun, but the upcoming rest day provides her a chance to recalibrate and mentally prepare for game three. In such high-pressure matches, having a strong support system is vital, and both players are accompanied by experienced teams. Ju is supported by Grandmaster Ni Hua, her Shanghai chess teammate and second for nine years. The two began working together after the 2016 Chess Olympiad, where the Chinese Women’s team won gold (with both Ju and Tan on the roster!). Also on her team is Grandmaster Maxim Matlakov, winner of the 2017 European Individual Championship and an experienced second who has previously assisted none other than Peter Svidler. Tan, on the other hand, is joined by Grandmaster Jeffery Xiong, who was part of her team during the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates. Also providing support is Jeffery’s father, Wayne Xiong, who, as a chess parent, has often emphasized the importance of enjoying the game beyond its competitive aspects, a perspective that can be instrumental in a high-stakes encounter like this. The third game of the match will be played on Sunday, April 6t, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Ju Wenjun playing White. FACT SHEET, Game 2, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Tan ZhongyiBlack: Ju WenjunResult: 1–0Opening: English OpeningGame length: 62 movesMatch score: ½ – 1½ (in favour of Tan Zhongyi) Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize Van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner. The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
Asian Zonal 3.4 Championship: First round, first sensations
On 2 April 2025, the Asian Zonal 3.4 Chess Championship – a qualifier for the World Cup – kicked off in Pavilions 7 and 8 of the Atakent Exhibition Centre in Almaty. The Asian Zone 3.4 includes six countries from the expanded Central Asian region: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. A total of 131 players (87 men and 44 women) are competing for seven spots in Batumi and New Delhi. In May 2023, when the previous qualifier took place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, only three World Cup spots were available – two for men and one for women. Those places went to Assel Serikbay and Alisher Suleymenov from Kazakhstan, and Nodirbek Yakubboev from Uzbekistan. This year in Almaty, players will vie for three spots in Batumi (Georgia), which will host the Women’s World Cup from July 5-29, and four places in India, where the World Cup will take place from November 1-26. The opening ceremony featured welcoming speeches from Mukhtar Mukanov, Acting Head of the Sports Division at the Almaty Sports Department; Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of KazChess; Husan Turdialiev (Uzbekistan), President of FIDE Zonal Council 3.4 and Chief Arbiter of the tournament; and Baglan Musin, President of Freedom Shapaghat. Symbolic first moves were played on the first two men’s boards by Raushanbek Matchanov, Consul General of Uzbekistan in Almaty, and Zhenishbek Asankulov, Consul General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Almaty, and by Nurymyrat Rozyjumaev, Counsellor-Consul of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan, and Zhanibek Saurbek, entrepreneur and Chairman of KazChess for Almaty Oblast. And with that, the game began! The first major upset occurred in the men’s category: 18-year-old FIDE Master (FM) Yerlan Tleukhanov (2143) held Uzbek Grandmaster (GM) Abdimalik Abdisalimov (2525) to a draw – from a position of strength. The other top seeds, including GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (2536), GM Ortik Nigmatov (2501), and International Master (IM) Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (2469) from Uzbekistan, along with IM Saparmurat Atabayev (2530) from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan’s GM Alisher Suleymenov (2478), IM Zhandos Agmanov (2470), IM Aldiyar Ansat (2469), IM Arystanbek Urazayev (2467), and GM Ramazan Zhalmakhanov (2462), all lived up to expectations and secured victories. In the women’s section, the top-ranked players on the first seven boards – WGM Alua Nurman (2347), IM Meruert Kamalidenova (2342), WGM Xeniya Balabayeva (2285), WGM Liya Kurmangaliyeva (2249), and WIM Assel Serikbay (2235) from Kazakhstan, along with Uzbekistan’s WIM Afruza Khamdamova (2326) and WIM Umida Omonova (2263) – all won their games. However, some had to battle hard for their victories, particularly Balabayeva, whose encounter with the experienced Anel Muratova (1900) concluded close to 8:30 PM Almaty time. Two other interesting results stood out. WCM Yasmina Alemanova (1844) and WFM Zarina Nurgaliyeva (2199), both 15 years old, faced off in the first round. Though Zarina is two months older and already knocking on the door of Kazakhstan’s senior national team as a FIDE Master, while Yasmina is just a Candidate Master, it was Zarina who had to fight for a draw and reached it by a perpetual check. Meanwhile, in another matchup with a greater age gap, 18-year-old WFM Ayaulym Kaldarova (2179) also had to settle for a draw against WCM Deniza Kurmanalina (1837). Standings, pairings and results Photos: Yevgeniy Kim
Déjà vu in Shanghai: Ju and Tan begin title rematch with balanced battle
The FIDE Women’s World Championship Match 2025 began today at 15:00 local time in Shanghai, China. Ju Wenjun had the White pieces, while Tan Zhongyi, playing with black, steered the game into the Sicilian Defence. After 39 moves, with no major fireworks, the game concluded in a logical draw. Yesterday was a packed media day featuring interviews, press conferences, and the opening ceremony – all pointing toward a fiercely competitive match ahead. The storyline is compelling: two world champions, current and former, battling for the coveted title. Adding further intrigue is the déjà vu element, as the two players faced off in 2018, when Ju was the challenger and Tan the reigning champion. Ju claimed the title in that match and has successfully defended it ever since. This time, the roles are reversed, with Tan returning as challenger for the first time against her compatriot. The psychological backdrop is equally fascinating. In her exclusive interview with FIDE, Tan spoke with confidence, emphasizing that while she viewed herself as “lucky” to be playing the 2018 match (having winning the title in 2017 in a knockout tournament) this time she felt more assured, having earned her place by winning the Candidates. With only a six-point rating difference between them, the outcome may come down to confidence. At the start of today’s game, their body language told a subtle story. Tan appeared relaxed, sipping coffee and glancing around the room, while Ju was intensely focused, her eyes fixed solely on the board. The ceremonial first move was made by He Fengxiang, Director of the Chess and Card Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and President of China Qiyuan, along with Xu Bin, Director of the Shanghai Municipal Sports Bureau. At exactly 15:00 local time, the chief arbiter started the clock, and the match was officially underway. Both players raced through the early stages of the Sicilian Defence, French Variation – a calmer line compared to typical Sicilian battles. Ju deviated from the mainline with 5.Bd3 – a less common continuation than 5.Nc3, though not unusual at the elite level. Tan, seemingly still in preparation, continued to play quickly. However, after 9.Bg5, the challenger paused for over five minutes, suggesting she was now out of preparation. In the post-game press conference, she acknowledged the psychological impact of that move and responded accurately with 9…h6. A few moves later, Ju took her time for the first time in the game, indicating that both players were now navigating unfamiliar territory – something rare and refreshing at this level in today’s computer-driven era. Ju appeared slightly more comfortable out of the opening thanks to her active pieces, while Tan’s bishop on c8 remained undeveloped. On move 14, Ju spent nearly 20 minutes before simplifying the position with a trade and breaking in the center, signaling that the game was drifting toward a draw – though not without its complexities. An interesting moment arose on move 18. Ju opted not to play 18.cxd5, which would have gained an extra pawn but allowed Black’s pin with 18…Ba6. Instead, she targeted the weak h6-pawn with 18.Qe3, prompting Tan to find the precise 18…Qg5. After the queens were exchanged, White captured on d5, leaving Black with an isolated queen’s pawn, balanced by the open nature of the position and a bishop versus knight scenario. Neither side had a tangible advantage or clear path to push for more. With this in mind, neither player was willing to take significant risks. With the engine bar showing complete equality, the game eventually ended in a draw. While we didn’t witness any fireworks today, the game suggested that we won’t be seeing quick, uneventful draws either. Will the players adopt a more aggressive approach as the match progresses? Or will caution prevail, potentially leading to tiebreaks? It’s too early to tell, and only time will reveal the course of this tightly contested match. The second game of the match will take place on Friday, April 4t, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Tan Zhongyi playing White. FACT SHEET, Game 1, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Ju WenjunBlack: Tan ZhongyiResult: ½-½Opening: Sicilian Defence, French variationGame length: 39 movesMatch score: ½-½ Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize Van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner. The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
A grand occasion: 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship opening ceremony
The official press conference and opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship took place today in Shanghai, set against a prestigious backdrop befitting such a significant event. At approximately 16:00 local time, journalists gathered in the Grand Banquet Hall on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai, eagerly awaiting the start of the official opening press conference for the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship Match. The press conference was divided in two segments – the first featuring officials and organizers, and the second with the players. Grandmaster Ni Hua, who recently served as Ding Liren’s second during the 2024 World Championship in Singapore, moderated the first half of the proceedings. The panel comprised Victor Bologan, FIDE Management Board Executive Director; Song Hui, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Administration of Sports; Du Xueyong, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Administration of Sports; Xu Yuhua, Deputy Director of the Chess Department of China Qi-yuan and General Secretary of the Chinese Chess Association; Liu Shizhen, Director of the Shanghai Board and Card Games Administrative Center; and Huang Bo, Director of the Chongqing Board and Card Games Administrative Center. Translation between Mandarin and English was provided throughout. Xu Yuhua presented the match details, after which Victor Bologan expressed FIDE’s gratitude to the organizers and emphasized the event’s significance, describing it as a “Celebration of Chess and China.” The floor was then opened to journalists for questions. Soon after, the stars of the event; Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi, arrived. Questions centered on how the players felt and what the match meant to them. Both appeared in excellent spirits, smiling and responding to questions with enthusiasm. The atmosphere soon shifted to celebration as guests moved to the other side of the Grand Banquet Hall. With elegantly decorated tables filling the space, the setting perfectly reflected the grandeur of the occasion. The ceremony began with a promotional video that captured the intensity and drama of the championship about to commence. This was followed by introductions of the players and guests, and the playing of both the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China and the FIDE anthem. Xu Bin, Director General of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, delivered a welcome address, stating: “We are delighted to host the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match once again. Ju Wenjun will defend her title as reigning champion against Tan Zhongyi, marking their second showdown in this Championship Match. I believe that this world-class event will reignite Shanghai’s passion for chess once again, and further promote the popularity and development of the sport.” Next, He Fengxiang, President of China Qi-yuan, spoke about the prestige and legacy of chess in China: “As a brilliant crystallization of human wisdom, chess has always resonated with the development of the times since its introduction to China. From Xie Jun winning first world champion in 1991, which ushered in a new era of women chess in China, to Ding Liren’s historic breakthrough in winning the men’s champion in 2023, generation after generation have devoted unremitting efforts for 34 years to compose a magnificent chapter by presenting ‘the shining stars of the chess king and queen’ in the chess world.” Victor Bologan then read a letter on behalf of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who was unable to attend. “The match between Tan Zhongyi and Ju Wenjun is not only a milestone for chess but also for China,” he began, highlighting the nation’s legacy in the sport: “My dear friends, this year marks 50 years since China joined FIDE. Today, China is one of the world’s great chess nations. It has produced world champions in both the open and women’s competitions, holds the record for the most Women’s World Champions (six, ahead of the USSR’s five), and boasts numerous players in the world’s top 100. With such success comes great responsibility—to promote and expand the game. FIDE and the global chess community are deeply grateful for China’s contributions and hopeful that we will see even more investment in chess, more events, and an even brighter future for the game in this country.” Then came the eagerly awaited drawing of lots. Two bouquets were placed in front of the players, where the chief arbiter placed two silk bags in each and invited the World Champion to choose her bouquet. Ju Wenjun picked the flowers closest to her and opened her bag to reveal a white queen, determining their colors for the first game. The evening concluded with He Fengxiang, Xu Bin, Victor Bologan, Xie Jun, Song Hui, and Du Xueyong taking the stage to press their hands on the stage screen as a symbolic gesture marking the official start of the match. With the ceremony complete, guests and players remained in the banquet hall to enjoy a dinner featuring Chinese delicacies. The first game is scheduled to begin tomorrow, 03 April 2025, at 15:00 local time. Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize Van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner. The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
Autism awareness: Understanding and supporting the spectrum globally
Every April world celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects millions of children worldwide across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is nearly four times more common in boys than in girls. The condition presents significant challenges for parents, who often face limited access to care, a lack of treatment options, and the stigma associated with autism. However, thanks to parental advocacy and advances in scientific research, autism is now much better understood. Autism varies greatly from person to person—no two individuals with autism are alike, which is why it is referred to as a spectrum. Common characteristics include difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. “With globally estimated prevalence of about 1 in 100 children, some countries report higher rates, with approximately 1 per 100,000 people. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes for individuals with autism,” shares Ala Mishchanka, special needs educational assistant, co-author of the Infinite chess Handbook (Canada). Chess as a tool for inclusion At Infinite Chess, we believe in the power of chess to foster inclusion, support, and growth for everyone, especially those on the autism spectrum. “You might have learned that autism is not a disability; it is a special ability. But how to make use of it? And our answer would be to use chess as a discipline that might not only give enjoyment, satisfaction and pleasure to these special kids but also improve their physical and mental wellbeing,” noted Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board and Infinite Chess project Supervisor Dana Reizniece. Creating supportive environments for individuals with autism involves understanding their unique needs and strengths. Chess offers numerous benefits—it provides a structured environment that helps improve focus, enhances cognitive skills, and promotes social interaction. “Some sports can be challenging for kids with autism spectrum; that’s why it is important to help children choose sports they are likely to enjoy and excel at”, says Maria Tamkovich, Infinite Chess project coordinator. “But not every sport requires high-level communication and cooperation and could be a great match for children with autism. Chess is definitely one of them.” Here are some ways chess can be particularly beneficial: Structured Environment: The clear rules and predictable nature of chess can be comforting for individuals with autism, providing a sense of stability and order. Cognitive Development: Chess encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and memory enhancement, which are valuable skills for everyone. Social Interaction: Playing chess can help improve communication and social skills, offering a platform for positive interactions and relationship-building. Anastasia Sorokina, leader of the Infinite Chess project, emphasizes: “Autism awareness is about more than just understanding the disorder; it’s about fostering acceptance and inclusion worldwide. By educating ourselves and others, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with autism are valued and supported. This is one of the main goals for our project.” Autism Awareness month events To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, Infinite Chess, in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and numerous partners worldwide, is organizing a series of events to promote inclusion and support for individuals with autism. Online Chess Meetup on April 6 at 12:00 CEST, zoom: Hosting educators, parents, and tutors on how to increase awareness and use chess as a tool for supporting individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions. Register now and be part of a community that believes in the infinite potential of every child!https://forms.gle/S3tBkuaziZqNJt6KA Offline Autism Talks, 6 April at 10:00, Almaty, Kazakhstan: Encouraging our community to share their own stories and experiences with autism and chess, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Simulations chess exhibition for kids in support of the Autism Awareness month in frames of Asian Zonal Chess Championship on 6 April 2025. Get involved and spread the word! We invite all members of the chess family to join us in celebrating Autism Awareness Month. If you are planning any activities or events, please share them with us so we can highlight them on our social media platforms. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive community. About Infinite Chess Project During five year of work, the Infinite Chess united 28 countries from all continents and has brought together over 110 coaches, teachers, and tutors, as well as 280 children with autism. Eight educational online and offline seminars were conducted for more than 250 participants from 95 countries. Official website: infinitechess.fide.com/