World Cadet Championship 2024 begins in Montesilvano, Italy
The prestigious World Cadet Chess Championship 2024 sponsored by WR Logistics officially commenced in Montesilvano, Italy, at the Congress Center Pala Dean Martin, Via Aldo Moro. This spacious venue comfortably accommodates all 716 players from 82 countries in a single hall, providing an ideal setting for this global chess event. The venue is surrounded by all the official hotels, ensuring that players, competing in U8, U10 and U12 age groups (open and girls categories), are never more than a five-minute walk from the playing hall. This convenient arrangement benefits not only the participants but also the accompanying persons, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. For the first time in the history of the championship, all boards are live, with games broadcast via DGT Chess Boards. Additionally, the organizers have arranged a live-streaming on the official YouTube channel, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the action in real time. To enhance the experience, the organizers have set up a dedicated parents’ zone, along with spaces for game analysis and chess-related items such as books and accessories, making the event more engaging for players and their families. The event is supported by a team of 31 arbiters and 3 fair play arbiters, working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and fair competition Before the opening ceremony, a technical meeting was held, attended by delegations from over 80 countries. The Chief Arbiter and officials outlined the rules and regulations, setting the stage for a well-organized tournament. The opening ceremony featured notable dignitaries, including Luigi Maggi, President of the Italian Chess Federation; Özgür Solakoğlu, FIDE Delegate; Ottavio De Martinis, Mayor of Montesilvano; and GM Roberto Mogranzini, General Director of the tournament. In a symbolic gesture, ambassadors from three countries made the ceremonial first moves, highlighting the global unity of chess. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on these young prodigies shaping the future of chess. Stay tuned for updates and thrilling games from this grand event! Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar and Niklesh Jain | ChessBase India Official website: worldcadetschess2024.com/
European Championship 2024 reaches midpoint
The 2024 European Individual Championship in Petrovac, Montenegro, has reached its midpoint. After six rounds of intense chess battles, players are enjoying a well-deserved rest day on November 14. Heading into Round 6, four players were tied for the lead with 4.5/5 and clashed on the top boards. Frederik Svane (GER) and Ivan Cheparinov (BUL) drew their game, while Aleksandar Indjic (SRB) outplayed Maxim Chigaev (ESP) in an endgame to claim the sole lead with 5.5/6. Six players, including top seed Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO), secured victories in Round 6, joining Svane and Cheparinov in a group trailing Indjic by just half a point, all standing at 5/6. The competition resumes on November 15, with Round 7 beginning at 3 PM local time. The leader, Indjic, will face a formidable challenge as he takes on top seed Fedoseev with the black pieces. Top 10 after Round 6 1 GM Indjic, Aleksandar SRB 2623 5½ 2 GM Hovhannisyan, Robert ARM 2613 5 3 GM Cheparinov, Ivan BUL 2632 5 4 GM Svane, Frederik GER 2654 5 5 GM Dardha, Daniel BEL 2606 5 6 GM Donchenko, Alexander GER 2617 5 7 GM Fedoseev, Vladimir SLO 2712 5 8 GM Motylev, Alexander ROU 2577 5 9 GM Petrosyan, Manuel ARM 2612 5 10 GM Deac, Bogdan-Daniel ROU 2687 4½ Results, rankings, pairings Photos: Mark Livshits and Stefana Milutinovic Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/
Al Ain Chess and Mind Games present Echess Championship
Sydney, Australia – Marking its 25th anniversary, the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club proudly announces The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, powered by Checkmate Live. This landmark tournament invites online chess enthusiasts and competitors worldwide to participate. Open to players of all levels, both rated and unrated, the championship includes regional qualifiers across multiple skill levels. The competition will reach its pinnacle in the prestigious Grand Final held in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, on December 22, 2024. About the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club Founded in 1999 and led by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan—President of the Asian Chess Federation and the Emirati Esports Federation—the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club has become a cornerstone of international chess, renowned for its achievements and contributions to the global chess community. Recognized for its commitment to excellence and competitive integrity, the club has fostered a vibrant chess culture in the UAE and beyond, culminating in notable victories, including winning the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship. This legacy underscores the club’s standing as a leading institution in international chess and highlights its dedication to advancing the game globally. As the club marks its 25th anniversary, it invites partners and players from around the world to join in an epic celebration alongside the Asian Amateur Chess Championship 2024. This celebration will be highlighted by an epic echess knockout tournament on Checkmate Live’s platform, styled after the high-energy, immersive format of esports competitions. The live final in Al Ain, UAE, on December 22, 2024, will showcase top talent in a dramatic showdown. The Grand Final will be held at the official venue, Danat Al Ain Resort. The club’s strategic partnership with Checkmate Live, a next-gen online broadcast and tournament platform, reinforces its vision for the future and underscores its dedication to advancing competitive chess and mind sports globally. The Road to Al Ain: A Global Chess Journey The Road to Al Ain invites players from across the globe to participate in a series of online qualifiers beginning on November 23, 2024, with skill-level divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. Open to both rated and unrated players, these qualifiers will lead to the four Regional Finals, scheduled for December 7-8, 2024. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final on December 22, 2024, in Al Ain. Key tournament highlights include: ● Global Inclusion: Open to both rated and unrated players, with divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. ● Redemption Games: Players who do not qualify in their designated Elo division will have multiple opportunities to participate. If a player doesn’t qualify on their first attempt, they can enter additional qualifiers within their division or compete in higher Elo categories, creating thrilling opportunities for unexpected victories and upsets as competitors from all levels strive to advance. ● Bonus Rewards: Special prizes and rewards for female players, newcomers, and sportsmanship honorees. ● Continental Representation: Regional qualifiers hosted across four major time zones, each with four qualifiers per Elo division: ○ AO: Asia and Oceania ○ EAS: Europe and Southern Africa ○ MENTA: Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey ○ AM: Americas ● Generous Prizes: A total prize pool of $60,000 USD, including $35,000 in distributed prizes (USDC and in-game currency) throughout the tournament stages from Checkmate Live, with an additional $25,000 USD for the four-player Double Elimination Grand Final in Al Ain. ● Travel costs covered: Al Ain CMG provides flights, five-star accommodation, and meals for all Grand Final participants. ● Flexible Timing: Qualifiers are scheduled based on each player’s registered country to accommodate various time zones, ensuring global participation at convenient times. ● Travel and Accommodation: Finalists advancing to Al Ain will receive complimentary flights and accommodations, with the tournament’s Grand Final hosted at the luxurious Danat Al Ain Resort. Tournament Schedule and Structure Key Dates ● Weekend Qualifiers: November 23-24 and November 30 – December 1, 2024 ● Regional Finals: December 7-8, 2024 (four regional finals across major time zones) ● The Road to Al Ain Grand Final: December 22, 2024, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain Stage 1 – Online Qualifiers The Online Qualifiers will consist of a 3+2 Blitz Swiss-format tournament (9 rounds) designed to advance top players from each division to the Regional Finals. The structure is as follows: ● Under 2000 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. ● Under 2300 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. ● Open Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top eight players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. Stage 2 – Four Regional Finals Each zone—AO (Asia and Oceania), EAS (Europe and Southern Africa), MENTA (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), and AM (Americas)—will host a 3+2 Blitz single-elimination head-to-head KO tournament. In each zone, a total of 64 players (16 from the Under 2000, 16 from the Under 2300, and 32 from the Open division) will compete, with the top player from each region ultimately advancing to the Grand Final. Each matchup will consist of two games. In the event of a tie, an Armageddon game will determine the winner, ensuring a decisive outcome for each head-to-head encounter. Stage 3 – Grand Final The four regional champions will compete in a double double-elimination knockout format to crown the tournament champion in Al Ain. These finalists will battle head-to-head for the title and a share of the additional $25,000 USD prize pool. Grand Final Details The Grand Final on December 22 will showcase a fast-paced double-elimination showdown among the four regional champions at the Danat Al Ain Resort. Participants will contend for significant cash prizes while experiencing the cultural richness of Al Ain, one of the UAE’s oldest and most cherished cities. Registration Details Registration opens on November 15, 2024. Players interested in competing can register at Checkmate.live. Don’t miss the chance to join this landmark event and experience the
Ding Liren ahead of his World Championship showdown with Gukesh: “A match is a match”
In the run-up to the FIDE World Chess Championship at the end of November, where he will play against 18-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh, the reigning World Champion from China, Ding Liren, gave an interview where he spoke about the challenges he faces, both on and off the board. In the interview, Ding was open about the shortfalls in his recent performance: “I know my performances haven’t been up to my usual high standards,” Ding admitted, citing his underwhelming result at the recent Olympiad in Budapest, where he scored just 3.5 points from eight games, including one loss and no victories. Photo: Michal Walusza “But at the end of the day, a match is a match. It’s between two players. When one player starts to hit his stride, how the opponent reacts depends on their experience and how they handle the situation at the moment,” Ding said, emphasizing that match play and tournament play “are two different things.” When asked about his preparation for Singapore, Ding said his focus is more on the middlegame, an area where his challenger excels. “I’m more cautious towards the middle stage of the game because Gukesh is strong in strategy, the middle game, and positional understanding,” Ding explained. While noting that he and Gukesh are not close and, therefore, he doesn’t know much about him, Ding said he expects to “get to know him better as the match goes on.” Still, he gave credit to the maturity the 18-year-old Indian is showing on the board. “He’s good at strategic understanding… he plays like a seasoned player despite his young age.” Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club | Lennart Ootes Ding was also asked to share thoughts on the rise of the younger generation in chess. “They play without any restriction or dogma that the previous generation had,” he said, noting they constantly play for initiative and are more creative in opening preparation. On a personal level, Ding said his life has remained largely unchanged since becoming World Champion in 2023, though he admitted to a dip in his professional form. “My career might have taken a downward turn, but I believe there will be a turning point soon,” he added. In the second part of 2023, Ding took a break from chess, in part to address mental health challenges. Despite the poor showing in Budapest, he said he believes participation in the Olympiad helped him to regain focus ahead of the championship. Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club | Lennart Ootes “My current state is neither exceptionally good nor bad, but I’ve definitely moved past the worst moments of the last one and a half years. I know I’ve been playing great chess—I just couldn’t convert some positions. I still believe I can turn that around, maybe during the match.” As for the venue, Ding seemed comfortable. Although he has never been to Singapore, Ding said he is “not worried” about the facilities and has already sampled some of the local cuisine, which he enjoyed. About the FIDE World Championship Match The FIDE World Championship Match is one of the most important and widely watched chess events globally. Held every two years, it features the defending World Champion and the Challenger, chosen through a qualification process culminating in the Candidates Tournament, which includes eight of the world’s top players. The defending Champion is Ding Liren, who won the title after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in Astana, Kazakhstan, in April 2023 on tiebreaks. The Challenger is the 18-year-old Gukesh D from India, who won the Candidates Tournament in April 2024 in Toronto. The World Championship Match will consist of 14 games. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the Match, and no further games are played. If the score is equal after 14 games, the winner is decided by a tiebreak.
Gala in Barcelona celebrates 100th anniversary of Catalan Chess Federation
Last Tuesday, November 5, the CaixaForum auditorium in Barcelona hosted a gala celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Catalan Chess Federation, an event that also marked the centenary of FIDE (International Chess Federation), which was a special guest at the celebration. Approximately 300 attendees gathered at sunset for the dynamic event, which featured tributes, recognitions of various entities, and musical performances. The gala, hosted by presenter Danae Boronat, began with performances by Juga di Prima, a Chilean singer residing in Catalonia who merges her passion for chess with contemporary music. Distinguished guests recognized by both FIDE and the Catalan Chess Federation included Gerard Esteva, president of the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia (UFEC), who paid tribute to the Federation’s 100 years; FIDE Deputy Chair Dana Reizniece-Ozola; FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan; and Cristóbal Ramon Frontiñán, acting president of the Spanish Chess Federation, who received a standing ovation for delivering his speech in Catalan despite not being fluent. Jesús Naharro, Deputy of the Sports and Physical Activity Area, also offered words of recognition. The occasion was perfect for unveiling the Federation’s new corporate image, designed to be more functional, modern, versatile, and adaptable, setting the tone for the future. The event also showcased several productions created for the 2025 celebration, including a commemorative chessboard limited to 100 units, a centennial book, a sticker album for the 2024-2025 teams, and the evening’s highlight: the world premiere of the Centennial Song. The celebration continued at Luz de Gas, where chess games illuminated by cellphone lights extended the festivities into the night. The centennial season promises to be filled with proposals and activities, culminating on August 2 with the Centennial Celebration Party. Leading up to this, there will be exhibitions, challenges for all ages, street tournaments, surprises, and plenty of chess.
Gukesh Dommaraju: “I just want to enjoy the experience”
Just 18, Gukesh Dommaraju is on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement – he is about to fight against Ding Liren in the match that will determine the new world champion. The Indian prodigy’s rapid ascend to the top has stunned many in the chess world. In a recent interview with the media, organized by FIDE, Gukesh shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, his preparation, and what he thinks of his opponent. “The year so far has been quite good,” Gukesh said, reflecting on his recent successes. “A lot of interesting chess and some nice achievements. I’m really looking forward to the World Championship match in Singapore. It’s coming soon, and I’m quite eager to start the match.” Photo: Michal Walusza While many have labeled him as the favorite for the title, Gukesh is understandably more cautious. “In general, I don’t believe in predictions and who are the favorites. I just think whoever shows up every day as the best will win the game eventually,” he explained. “I’m just focusing on the process, and I try to be at my best every day and play a good game. I just want to enjoy the experience.” And when it comes to that process, he outlined key elements of it: “The process is pretty much typical for the World Championships. I have a team, and we are preparing hard. I’m trying to be at my best and enjoy each moment of this journey.” Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club | Lennart Ootes When asked about Ding Liren and whether he had any specific strategies in mind for the match, Gukesh was diplomatic yet insightful. “It’ll be an interesting match for sure. We are both strong players, and there’ll be a lot of exciting games. I hope it’s a beautiful experience for all chess lovers,” he said. “As for my team, I can say Gajewski will be my trainer for the match, but beyond that, I can’t reveal much.” A key theme throughout the interview was the question about how well the 18-year-old can handle the pressure of playing such a demanding and high-profile event, particularly on the international stage where he represents India. “It’s always a privilege to play for India at such a high level, and I enjoy the experience. I think how I handle pressure is mostly through experience. I’ve played in many high-pressure situations, though not the World Championship, of course,” he noted. “But I’m looking forward to the new experience.” It’s a rare feat to become a role model at 18, but Gukesh seems to have achieved that, and many players are inspired by his meteoric rise. But his message to anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps is simple: “Just enjoy the game; chess is a beautiful game. It has many benefits. If you enjoy it, it’s a very good hobby to have. And if you’re talented, it’s very nice to be a professional chess player.” Photo: Michal Walusza Gukesh, like many of his contemporaries, belongs to the “computer generation” – kids who grew up with engines significantly stronger than humans and who learned with those engines and not via books. In the interview, he was asked about the influence computers have on chess preparation. One of the interesting points raised during the interview was about the influence of computers on chess preparation, something Magnus Carlsen has openly expressed frustration with in his decision not to defend the crown. But Gukesh’s outlook is different: “It’s different for Magnus and me. Magnus has been doing this for so many years, and I’m just coming up, so it’s a new experience for me. I basically enjoy the process,” he said. “It’s hard work, but I’m enjoying it, and let’s see how things unfold.” Another topic was his age and the advantages and disadvantages that come with it. Photo: Michal Walusza “Because of my age, compared to the more experienced players, I have more energy levels, and it’s easier to stay focused during long tournaments,” he said, before acknowledging, “The disadvantage is obviously that I’m not as experienced and haven’t played as much as them. But, so far, it’s been positive.” For the first time in the history of the game, both players come from Asia – signifying a symbolic return of chess to its roots. “It’s nice that this will be the first time there is no European in a World Championship match. I hope it becomes even more popular in Asia,” Gukesh remarked. “We’re already seeing some very nice growth. China has been a superpower for a few years, and Uzbekistan is catching up. But in India, chess is already quite popular, and I hope it grows even bigger.” The venue for this momentous match holds a special place in Gukesh’s heart as well—Singapore. “I’ve been there a couple of times. Once on vacation before I started playing chess, and the other time was one of my first international wins—some Asian under-nine tournament, I think. I have some pleasant memories from that championship in Singapore,” he shared with a smile. “Singapore is a beautiful country, and I’m super glad to have the match there.” About the FIDE World Championship Match The FIDE World Championship Match is one of the most important and widely watched chess events globally. Held every two years, it features the defending World Champion and the Challenger, chosen through a qualification process culminating in the Candidates Tournament, which includes eight of the world’s top players. The defending Champion is Ding Liren, who won the title after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in Astana, Kazakhstan, in April 2023 on tiebreaks. The Challenger is the 18-year-old Gukesh D from India, who won the Candidates Tournament in April 2024 in Toronto. The World Championship Match will consist of 14 games. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the Match, and no further games are played. If the score is equal after 14 games, the winner is decided by a tiebreak.
Champions crowned at 36th FIDE World Youth Championship
The island of Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina, Brazil, has been immersed in chess over the past days as it hosted the 36th World Youth Chess Championships 2024, held from October 28 to November 9 at the Canasvieiras International Hotel. This prestigious event brought together 520 players under 18 from 62 countries. The awards ceremony on Saturday evening celebrated the new world champions in the 14, 16, and 18-year-old categories, with trophies, medals, and culturally inspired gifts, accompanied by official speeches. Among the highlights in Girls 16, WIM Afruza Khamdamova (UZB; pictured below) secured her title with a round to spare, scoring an impressive 10.5 points out of 11, conceding only one draw to Guadalupe Montano Vicente (MEX) in the third round. In Girls 14, WFM Diana Khafizova (FID) claimed the title with 9 points despite a final-round loss. The Girls 18 championship was decided in the last round, with WFM Olga Karmanova (FID) and WIM Amina Kairbekova (KAZ) tied at eight points. Karmanova ultimately emerged as champion due to her direct-encounter victory. In the Open 14 category three players shared first place with Patrik Ciesllak (POL) taking the title thanks to a superior Buchholz. The Open 18 category also made waves, with four players achieving international master norms. GM Aleksey Grebnev (FIDE; pictured below), the sole grandmaster in the event, confirmed his status as the favorite by winning without a single loss. The top delegations were also recognized at the awards ceremony, with the FIDE team taking first place, followed by Poland in second and Uzbekistan in third. Additional honors included the Fair Play Award, given to Luiza Lessing Vieira. Tournament Director Kaiser Luiz Mafra presented awards to Sarah de Oliveira Orsini and Frederico Dhom Lemos from Brazil, as well as Justiniano Flores from Bolivia. FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin awarded Candela Francisco Guecamburu from Argentina, the only girl to compete in the Open 18 category, and Melania-Cristina Grigore from Romania, the youngest competitor at nine years old, who participated in Girls 16. Chief Arbiter Elena Polovina presented the Chief Arbiter Award to Tatiana dos Santos Spineva Bohonok from Brazil and Stefani Chuhukova from Bulgaria. Rest Day and Cultural Exchange On November 4, the rest day featured the inaugural World Youth Chess Solving Championship and the World Blitz Chess Tournament. Players and their families had the opportunity to explore iconic Santa Catarina landmarks, including the Hercílio Luz Bridge and Beto Carrero World Park. Support and next edition The World Youth Chess Championships were organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in collaboration with the Brazilian Chess Federation. The Chief Arbiter for the event was Elena Polovina, and Kaiser Luiz Mafra served as the Tournament Director. Key supporters of the event included FIDE, FIDE America, the Brazilian Chess Federation, the Santa Catarina Chess Federation, WR Logistics, Fort Atacadista, Jaehrig, Chess Trips, Fesporte, and the Sports Foundation of Florianópolis. The 37th World Youth Chess Championships will be held in Albania in 2025, continuing the mission of fostering cultural exchange and developing young chess talents. Detailed standings for each category are available at the following links: Open 18, Girls 18, Open 16, Girls 16, Open 14, Girls 14. FIDE WYCC 2024 awarding list Girls U14 1. WFM Diana Khafizova (FIDE) – 92. CM Victoria Smietanska (Poland) – 8.53. WFM Mariya Vlasova (FIDE) – 8.5 Open U14 1. FM Patrik Ciesllak (Poland) – 8.52. IM Edgar Mamedov (Kazakhstan) – 8.53. FM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan) – 8.5 Girls U16 1. WIM Afruza Khamdanova (Uzbekistan) – 10.52. FM Yana Zhapova (FIDE) – 83. WFM Charis Peglau (Germany) – 8 Open U16 1. FM Havier Aguererra Habans (Spain) – 92. FM Krszysztof Raczek (Poland) – 8.53. Nikita Kalinin (FIDE) – 8.5 Girls U18 1. WFM Olga Karmanova (FIDE) – 92. WIM Amina Kairbekova (Kazakhstan) – 93. WFM Galina Mikheeva (FIDE) – 8 Open U18 1. GM Alexey Grebnev (FIDE) – 92. IM Aldiyar Ansat (Kazakhstan) – 8.53. IM Ian Klimkowski (Poland) – 8 Fair play award Luiza Lessing Vieira (Brazil) Tournament Director Award Sarah De Oliveira Orsini (Brazil)Frederico Dhom Lemos (Brazil)Justiniano Flores (Bolivia) FIDE Delegate Award Candela Be Francisco Guecamburu (Argentina)Melania-Cristina Grigore (Romania) Chief Arbiter Award Tatiana Dos Santos Spineva Bohonok (Brazil)Stefani Chuhukova (Bulgaria) Photos, content, and additional materials from the Championship can be found on the social media pages: Official website: worldyouth2024.comInstagram: instagram.com/worldyouth2024 Photos: flickr.com/photos/fide/albums/72177720321585911 Written by Liziane Nathália Vicenzi Photos: Vivian Passig
European Chess Championship 2024 kicks off in Montenegro
The 2024 European Individual Chess Championship began on November 8 in Petrovac, Montenegro. The opening ceremony of the event took place shortly before the start of the first round, with the attendance of the ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, ECU Vice President Alojzije Jankovic, Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of Montenegro Milun Zogovic, Vladimir Obradovic on behalf of the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Montenegro, President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Jovan Milovic, ECU Honorary Vice President Veselin Draskovic, and other distinguished guests. ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili and Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of Montenegro Milun Zogovic made the first ceremonial move on the top board, officially opening the event. Most first-round games ended decisively, with only 23 draws. The round saw some unexpected results, including top-seeded players drawing against underdogs. GM Jorden Van Foreest (NED, 2687) drew with black against FM Atilla Kuru (TUR, 2371), GM Shant Sargsyan (ARM, 2655) was unable to secure a win with the white pieces against FM Matic Lavrencic (SLO, 2366), and GM Etienne Bacrot (FRA, 2653) drew with FM Henry Edward Tudor (ROU, 2365). The game between IM Ori Kochavi (ISR, 2363) and GM Aleksandr Predke (SRB, 2652) and ended in a perpetual check, while GM Vasyl Ivanchuk (UKR, 2640) split a point with FM Borna Derakhshani (ENG, 2355). All results, pairings, and rankings can be found here. The second round begins on November 9 at 15:00 CET and will be broadcast live on the ECU YouTube channel with commentary by GM Alojzije Jankovic. Text: europechess.org/ Photos: Mark Livshitz Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/
FIDE WGP Shymkent: Goryachkina clinches victory
The second leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024/2025 concluded in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, with Aleksandra Goryachkina emerging as the undisputed winner. Dominating the tournament from start to finish, Goryachkina only needed a draw in the final round to secure the title, which she confidently achieved. Here’s how the final round unfolded: Nurgyul Salimova – Aleksandra Goryachkina ½-½ Aleksandra Goryachkina has been dominating this event, so much so that she only needed a draw in the final round to secure the tournament victory. This what came from her game against Nurgyul Salimova, an excellent result for the rising young star (particularly in terms of rating) who scored her first win yesterday. In the London System, the game was mostly uneventful with both players playing solidly, trading off into an endgame in which White had just a slight edge. Happy with the half point, Goryachkina offered a draw on move 42, and the tournament crown was in her hands. Goryachkina made her mark in her first leg of the series so far, and will play the next two in Monaco and Cyprus. Whether she will assert the same dominance there is something to be seen, but for now, she has secured important grand prix points for the overall standings. Salimova has only recently entered the realm of women’s elite after reaching the finals in the 2023 FIDE Women’s World Cup where she lost to her today’s opponent, Goryachkina, but cemented herself as one of the best by achieving silver. This was her Grand Prix debut, and where others fatigued towards the end, she picked up momentum, showcasing her ability to endure these tough tournaments. We will see her at the Austrian and Indian Grand Prix legs next year. Bibisara Assaubayeva – Munguntuul Batkhuyag ½-½ Assaubayeva, who had been mostly consistent throughout the event, was not in her top form today, which, coupled with a position that did not give her any sort of attacking potential, resulted in her drawing her final game to Munguntuul Batkhuyag. The game saw the Reti opening and by move 9 the opponents stepped into an uncharted territory. Munguntuul had chances to incorporate more dynamism into the game, but instead chose quieter moves, perhaps the best choice considering Assaubayeva’s aggressive style. By move 26, Black was a pawn up, but in a position where her pieces had no play, and after a few repeated moves, the game was drawn. We will see both players once again in the next grand prix in Monaco. Elisabeth Paehtz – Divya Deshmukh ½-½ In this game, we saw a Caro-Kann, a rare sight in this tournament. The specific variation played is not very popular nowadays, and by move 7 they reached a position that had not been played before. Deshmukh, achieving an early slight advantage, was clearly the one driving the game – executing threats, refusing unfavorable trades, and playing for the initiative after giving up a pawn. In the mutual time trouble, both players managed to parry each other’s threats, but followed incorrect plans. As a result, Black allowed White to activate her rooks at some point and take over the h-file. There was an opportunity for Paehtz to sacrifice a piece for a dangerous kingside attack, but playing with mere minutes, she decided to forgo this unclear plan. Eventually, her active h-file rooks secured a draw by perpetual. This was Divya’s debut at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, after what has already been an extremely successful year with her winning the World Junior Girls Championships, and securing double gold at the Olympiad. She has definitely shown that she is a player to watch in this series. We will see her in the Cyprus and Indian legs. Although Paehtz has remarked that her career is not what it used to be, she will continue to compete at the highest level, and we will see her in the next two legs in Monaco and Cyprus. Humpy Koneru – Kateryna Lagno ½-½ The game between Koneru and Lagno ended within the hour. Both players had a tough event and were not vying for places in the standings, leading to a fast-paced game with many consecutive trades, which eventually lead to a completely equal endgame and resulted in a draw. This tournament might not have seen the best of both players, but they still remain in the top ranks of women’s chess, and with two more Grand Prix legs each, we will be sure to see exciting performances coming up. Both will play in the Monaco and Indian legs. Stavroula Tsolakidou – Tan Zhongyi 0-1 Tan Zhongyi has been one of the best players in this event, competing with Goryachking for the top spot to the very and. The Chinese GM finished off her successful tournament with a 22-move miniature against the Greek talent Stavroula Tsolakidou. Tsolakidou once again found herself spending a considerable amount of time in the opening after entering an inferior position with her pieces placed awkwardly. By move ten, Black was already slightly better, and from this point things went from bad to worse in the moves that would follow. In this position, it was crucial for White to play 12.g4 in order to obtain some play in the center after 12…Nxg4 13.dxe4. Instead, Tsolakidou erred with 12.Nc2? and after 12…Qd7, Tan took full control over the position. Black did not play with 100% accuracy, but well enough to maintain her advantage throughout. After a few trades in the center, Tan arranged her rooks in the center d8 and e8, controlling the central files. Tsolakidou collapsed shortly after and threw in the towel on move 22 facing heavy material losses caused by the black knight’s fine maneuver: Tan has also had a successful year, winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates, allowing her to challenge Ju Wenjun for the crown next year. For now, Tan is not too concerned about that and saying in an interview that she is just enjoying playing chess. It will be interesting to see if she will continue this
European Chess Championship 2024 starts in Montenegro
The 2024 European Individual Chess Championship kicks off this Friday in Petrovac, Montenegro, and will run from November 8-19 in the 4-star Hotel “Palas”. The Championship is an 11-round Swiss tournament, with the time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes until the end of the game, with 30 seconds increment for each move starting from move one. Nearly 400 players from 42 European federations registered for the event, including 120 GMs, 85 IMs, 71 FMs, 3 WGMs and 8 WIMs. The top-seed players in the field are GMs Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO, 2712), Bogdan-Daniel Deac (ROU, 2687), Jorden Van Foreest (NED, 2687), Haik Martirosyan (ARM, 2676), David Navara (CZE, 2674), Ivan Saric (CRO, 2668), Nikita Vitiugov (ENG, 2668), Shant Sargsyan (ARM, 2655), Jonas Buhl Bjerre (DEN, 2654) and Matthias Bluebaum (GER, 2654). Starting rank list of players can be found here. The European Individual Chess Championship 2024 serves as a qualifier for the FIDE World Cup 2025. According to the FIDE regulations for World Cup and the ECU Board decision, the top-20 players will qualify for the World Cup. The total prize fund of the Championship is €100,000, with €20,000 reserved for the champion. The opening ceremony of the event will take place on November 8 at 14:00 CET, followed by the first round at 15:00 CET. Live broadcast with commentaries by GM Alojzije Jankovic and Dragana Nikolovska is available in the ECU TV platform. It will also be streamed on the ECU YouTube channel. Text and photos: europechess.org/ Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/