Chess Olympiad Open Section: Who will reign supreme in Budapest?
By WGM Anna Burtasova One hundred ninety-seven teams have registered for the open section of the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. With FIDE currently encompassing 201 national federations, the registration numbers fall short by just four federations. As is often the case, not every registered team will make it to Budapest for various reasons. Nevertheless, this Olympiad is set to break participation records. The teams from the USA, India, and China stand out as rating favorites, with the average rating of all team members exceeding 2700. The USA has assembled an almost optimal roster. Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So, Leinier Dominguez, Levon Aronian, and reserve player Ray Robson bring the average rating to an impressive 2757. However, the team does not include the USA’s number one, Hikaru Nakamura (2802), or the current number five, Hans Niemann (2733). Niemann gained 45 rating points over the summer and did not make the cut before this leap. Nakamura also skipped the previous Olympiad in Chennai. This time, he’s absent again, despite being the world’s number two and a sure candidate for the first board. The USA has an extensive Olympiad record, having participated in 40 Olympiads and won 20 medals (6 gold, 6 silver, 8 bronze). Their latest successes were gold in 2016 and silver in 2018, with Nakamura being part of the team on both occasions. In their home Olympiad in Chennai, India had the privilege of fielding several teams, and their youth team performed better than the main one. Gukesh D and his teammates (Gukesh, Sarin, Praggnanandhaa, Adhiban, Sadhwani) won bronze, while the main team finished fourth. Three players from the youth team made it to this year’s roster. Arjun Erigaisi (21 years old) leads the squad, followed by Gukesh (18), Praggnanandhaa (19), Vidit (29), and Harikrishna (38). Anand has stepped aside for the younger generation, and apart from him, all of India’s top-rated stars will be in action. So far India co-won the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad and took bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. Now, they are stronger than ever and will definitely aim for gold. China is seeded third with an average rating of 2724. The World Champion Ding Liren (2736) has given way to Wei Yi (2762) as the highest-rated player. The team also includes Yu Yangyi, Bu Xiangzhi, and Wang Yue. The Chinese squad is no longer as young as it once was, with no players under 25. Wei is 25, Ding is 31, Yu is 30, Bu is 38, and Wang is 37. For Bu, this will be his eighth Olympiad, reflecting the general trend in male Chinese chess. The first player born in 2001 or later appears only in the 32nd place on the rating list. It contrasts sharply with their women’s team, where three young talents occupy the top three boards this year. China won the 2014 and 2018 Olympiads with a similar lineup but did not participate in 2022 due to coronavirus restrictions. Whether these “veterans” can compete against the rising Indian and Uzbekistan squads will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the competition. Defending champions Uzbekistan, who caused a sensation in Chennai, are seeded fourth and have the same lineup as two years ago: Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, and Jakhongir Vakhidov. At 29, Vakhidov is the team’s “veteran,” with everyone else younger than 23. The average age of this team is just 22 years old, even younger than India’s average of 25 years. To bring in wisdom and experience, the team captain is former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. What about Magnus Carlsen? He is leading the Norway squad, which includes Carlsen, Christiansen, Tari, Amar, and Urkedal, with an average rating of 2670 and a sixth starting rank. Having swept all possible chess titles individually, the world’s number one is eager to win team medals. His enthusiasm and leadership brought Norway to fifth place in 2016, their best result so far. It is important to note that the team lineups are still provisional, and changes in the board order are possible. We might witness not only Ding Liren vs. Gukesh D (the two are set to play the world championship match but have never met at the board) but also Carlsen vs. Ding and Carlsen vs. Gukesh games – all very intriguing encounters. Chess Olympiads are not only about teams and nations; they also gather talents from every part of the globe. Some names to closely follow include 13-year-old Turkish prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, the youngest grandmaster in the world; Ukraine’s legends GMs Ruslan Ponomariov and Vasyl Ivanchuk; and “the world’s strongest amateur chess player,” trader by day GM Luke McShane. You can find all the team lineups here: Chess-Results – 45th Chess Olympiad Budapest 2024
Elections of Chairmen and Members of 3 FIDE Commissions to take place at FIDE GA
Following the FIDE Charter and FIDE Electoral Rules, the elections of the Chairmen and Members of the Verification Commission, Ethics and Disciplinary Commission, and Constitutional Commission will take place at the FIDE General Assembly meeting on September 21, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary. According to Articles 5.4 and 24.5 of the FIDE Electoral Rules, the candidates’ documents were examined by the Electoral Commission and FIDE Council. The valid candidacies: 1. Candidate for Chairman of the Verification Commission – Allen Priest1.1. Candidates for members of the Verification Commission: – Eric Bopala; – Gulmira Dauletova; – Alexander von Gleich; – Ken Koort; – Panu Laine; – Malcolm Powell; – Rajai Al Susi. 2. Candidates for Chairman of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission; – Daniel Florea; – Yolander Persaud. – Johan Sigeman; – Babur Tolbaev; 2.1. Candidates for members of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission: – Khaled Arfa; – Olga Baskakova; – Alan Borda; – Yanori Morera Campos; – Ravindra Dongre; – David Hater; – Yolander Persaud; – Ali Nihat Yazici. 3. Candidate for chairman of the Constitutional Commission – Roberto Rivello.3.1. Candidates for members of the Constitutional Commission: – Ivy Claire Amoko; – Jorge Arias Bouzada; – Yanori Morera Campos. – Erald Dervishi; – Marouane Tabti; – Ian Wilkinson
World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championships 2024: Registration is open
FIDE and the Slovenian Chess Federation invite all FIDE member federations to participate in the World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championships 2024. Each federation can register any number of players. The championships will be held in the Terme Čatež Hotel. More details are in the invitation letter. The dates of the Championships are from December 13 (arrival) to December 17 (departure) 2024. Participants must not have reached their 14th, 16th, 18th birthday before January 1, 2024. The champions of 2023 World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championships have personal rights to participate. The deadline for the registration is October 31, 2024. The official website of the event will be launched this week: worldyouthrb2024.fide.com E-mail: worldyouthrb@fide.com Regulations and invitation letter (PDF)
FIDE World Championship Match 2024 Regulations announced
FIDE is pleased to announce the official regulations for the highly anticipated FIDE World Championship Match 2024, set to take place in Singapore from November 20 to December 14, 2024. This prestigious event will see the reigning World Champion, GM Ding Liren, defend his title against the challenger, GM Gukesh D, the winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024. Key Highlights of the Regulations: Match Format and Time Control: The match will consist of 14 classical games. Each game will follow the time control of 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move 41. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the World Championship Match. If the score after fourteen games is equal, then tie-breaks will be played. Tie-Breaks: After consultations with both players, the format for tiebreaks has changed to introduce a gradual decrease in time controls. Prizes: The total prize fund for the match is $2.5 million, with specific distributions based on game outcomes. The prize fund will be distributed as follows: Each player will receive $200,000 for each game they win. The remaining prize money will be split equally between the players. If the winner is decided on a tie-break, the prize money will be divided as follows: the winner receives $1,300,000, and the runner-up receives $1,200,000. Schedule: The match schedule includes 14 game days, interspersed with rest days. A tie-break, if needed, will be held on December 13, followed by the Closing Ceremony on December 14. The full regulations are available here:handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/FWCM2024.pdf FIDE invites all chess fans to follow this historic match as two of the world’s best grandmasters battle for the ultimate title in chess. 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 current World Champion is Ding Liren, who secured his title by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in a thrilling match that went to tiebreaks in Astana, Kazakhstan, in April 2023. The Challenger is the 18-year-old prodigy Gukesh D from India, who emerged victorious in the Candidates Tournament held in Toronto in April 2024, and is the youngest challenger for the title in chess history. The 2024 FIDE World Championship Match will take place in Singapore, with the Singapore Chess Federation playing an important role in organizing and promoting the event. The match will be hosted at the luxurious Resorts World Sentosa, a premier resort known for its world-class facilities and stunning location, providing an ideal setting for this historic battle for the world chess crown.
FIDE September 2024 rating list published
The most important change in the top 10 in September is Alireza Firouzja’s return into the top 5 open. The 21-year-old Iran-born Frenchman gained 16 rating points in the final leg of the Grand Chess Tour in Saint Louis, while the runner-up Fabiano Caruana picked up 5 points and is now very close to the 2800 mark. Nodirbek Abdusattorov earned 4 rating points in this competition and not only moved one position up in the top 100 Open but also topped the junior’s rating list. Photo: St Louis Chess Club, Lennart Ootes The Women’s World Championship Challenger Tan Zhongyi emerged as the winner of the Belt and Road Women Chess Open in China to get 6 rating points and climb to the third position in the women’s list. Biggest gains in top 100 Open and Women Yao, Lan WGM ENG 2353 (+57) Gaal, Zsoka WIM HUN 2385 (+44) Niemann, Hans Moke GM USA 2733 (+22) Badelka, Olga IM FID 2430 (+21) Firouzja, Alireza GM FRA 2767 (+16) Kashlinskaya, Alina IM POL 2490 (+16) Tsolakidou, Stavroula IM GRE 2444 (+15) Injac, Teodora IM SRB 2425 (+14) Guichard, Pauline IM FRA 2374 (+13) Assaubayeva, Bibisara IM KAZ 2482 (+12) The biggest gainer in August, Yao Lan triumphally returned to the top 100 Women after a three-month break after earning an impressive 57 points in the 2024 British Championship and FE 22 Spilimbergo – Master. Photo: Lennart Ootes Zsoka Gaal picked up 44 rating points and reached her career-high 60th position in the women’s rating list following her strong performance in the SixDays Budapest July-August 2024. Hans Niemann firmly established himself as a top 20 player in August. After winning back-to-back matches over Anish Giri, Etienne Bacrot, and Nikita Vitiugov, the American collected 22 rating points and reached his career-high 16th position (2733) in the open rating list. Photo: Anna Shtourman Alina Kashlinskaya achieved arguably the greatest success in her career, winning FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Tbilisi, gaining 16 rating points and returning to the women’s top 15. The runner-up, Bibisara Assaubayeva, continues to ascend in the women’s rating list after collecting 12 points at this event. Stavroula Tsolakidou also had a great tournament in the Georgian capital, where she earned 15 points and debuts in women’s top 30. Pauline Guichard lost in a very close final of the French Women’s Championship but can find consolation in 13 rating points that lifted her to the 70th position in the list.
Alireza Firouzja wins 2024 Sinquefield Cup
Alireza Firouzja emerged as the triumphant winner of the 2024 Sinquefield Cup and the Grand Chess Tour after making a draw with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and finishing on 6/9. The Iran-born Frenchman scored three victories over Fabiano Caruana, Ding Liren and Anish Giri and completed the event unbeaten. The last leg and final classical event of the Grand Chess Tour, a 10-player round-robin, took place in Saint Louis Chess Club from August 19-27. Following his first-round defeat at the hands of the champion, Fabiano Caruana bounced back with three wins and climbed to second place in the tournament and the overall GCT 2024 standings. Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave notched up final-round victories over Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren, respectively, and also finished in the positive zone (5/9) tying for third place. Somewhat surprisingly, the current world championship challenger Gukesh Dommaraju drew all his nine games and shared fifth place with Wesley So and his countryman Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Photos: Crystal Fuller; Grand Chess Tour and Spectrum Studios Official website: grandchesstour.org/
UEFA Youth Sports Games conclude in Split, Croatia
The 2024 Youth Sports Games under the aegis of the UEFA Sports Foundation was held in four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia throughout 2024. Primary and secondary-school-age children competed in ten sports free of charge, and the most successful individuals and teams traveled to Split to take part in the international finals. In addition to the games, the association organized regular sports and recreational activities for children to promote health, tolerance and ethical values. The association promotes a lifestyle based on understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play as an alternative to addiction and deviant behavior. The FIDE chess tournament as part of the Plasma Youth Sports Games enjoys an increasing number of entries from season to season, and the 2024 edition was no exception. FIDE sponsored the rapid chess discipline (10 min + 5 sec increment) at this junior event. The participants competed in open and girls sections in the ages of 2009 and younger and 2013 and younger categories. The sumptuous closing ceremony occurred in Split from August 22-23 and was attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “For chess, being a part of this prestigious multi-sport event is a significant step in the international recognition at big international sports competitions,” said FIDE President. As a part of the ceremony, FIDE Continental President for Europe GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili and WGM Aleksandra Dimitrijevic gave a simul to the local players.
Chess Beyond the Board: Exciting side events at 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad
The 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest promises to be not only a thrilling global chess tournament (and the biggest since its inception) but there will also be a diverse array of side events engaging participants and spectators alike. These events, ranging from conferences and exhibitions to artistic performances, highlight the cultural and social impact of chess. Here are the key side events scheduled during the Olympiad: FIDE100 Exhibition Date & Time: September 10-23, 2024 Location: BOK Sports and Conference Centre, Expo Area Description: The FIDE100 exhibition celebrates the centennial of FIDE, showcasing the rich history of chess and its governing body. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of exhibits highlighting the evolution of chess over the last 100 years. CAPTURE – The Photo Exhibition Date & Time: September 17-23, 2024 Location: TBD Description: CAPTURE is a photographic art installation that celebrates the beauty of chess through a luminous photo exhibition. The project invites viewers to explore the colorful world hidden behind the 64 black and white squares. Link: CAPTURE Exhibition QUEEN TRAP – Music Short Film Date & Time: September 17, 2024 Location: Hungarian Fine Arts Museum Description:“Queen Trap” is an unreleased chess-themed music short film by artist Juga, promoting female empowerment in chess. The project features top women chess players from around the world and is co-produced with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. We are already counting on the participation of Judit Polgar, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Elizabeth Paehtz, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Tania Sachdev, and many more! Link: Queen Trap Film Judit Polgar’s 10th Global Chess Festival Date & Time: September 17-18, 2024 Location: Hungarian National Gallery and Intercontinental Budapest Description: Celebrating its 10th edition, Judit Polgar’s Global Chess Festival will feature games, workshops, demonstrations, and tournaments. The event also includes the 4th EDU Chess Summit, where speakers discuss the role of chess in education. Link: Global Chess Festival The FIDE 100 Awards Ceremony Date & Time: September 19, 2024 Location: TBD Description: In celebration of FIDE’s centenary, the FIDE 100 Awards Ceremony will honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the world of chess. The awards recognize excellence in various fields, including playing, organizing, and promoting chess. Link: FIDE 100 Awards Conferences and Seminars FIDE EDU “Preparation of Teachers” course Date & Time:September 15-16 & 20-21, 2024 Location:September 15-16 -Pasha Cafe (Váralja utca 14), September 20-21 – BOK stadium Description:This exceptional 4-day seminar is an ideal opportunity for teachers, chess educators, beginner and advanced players with basic chess knowledge, and anyone with experience working with children. Engage in hands-on activities designed to integrate chess into academic settings while fostering essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.Expert Lecturers: Rita Atkins, WIM, Secretary of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission (Hungary) and Anzel Laubscher, WIM, FIDE Instructor, and FIDE EDU Commission Member (South Africa). For registration, please send an email to edu.courses@fide.com until September 10, 2024 Link: edu.fide.com/commissionNews/66c079144c003ef7ddac74aa #SOCIALCHESS Conference Date & Time: September 21, 2024, 09:00–13:00 Location: InterContinental Hotel Budapest and Online Description: Organized by the FIDE Social Commission, the #SOCIALCHESS Conference will discuss the societal benefits of chess. Attendees will learn about FIDE’s social initiatives, such as Chess for Protection, Chess for Freedom, Infinite Chess, Chess for Elderly, and Chess for Life. The event will feature speakers including Dana Reizniece-Ozola, André Vögtlin, and other project leaders. Link: SOCIALCHESS Conference FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar Date & Time: September 12-17, 2024, 09:00 – 12:30 Location: BOK Sports and Conference Centre Description: The FIDE Arbiters’ Commission will conduct this seminar, offering training and certification for arbiters. The seminar covers essential regulations and best practices and will be conducted in English. The Seminar will give norms and titles of FIDE Arbiter, according to the Regulations for the titles of Arbiters. Entry fee: 130 EUR Contact: IA/IO Nebojsa Baralic, ARB Secretary (secretary.arbiters@fide.com, +381 64 3232910 Link: FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar FIDE Fair Play Seminar Date & Time: September 15-18, 2024, 08:30 – 12:00 Location: TBD Description: Organized by the FIDE Fair Play Commission, this seminar will focus on anti-cheating regulations and fair play practices in chess. Participants will receive certification upon successful completion. Scope of the seminar Fair Play Legal Framework Anti-Cheating Regulations Statistical evidence Technical devices and their usage Fair Play Theory and Practice at OTB Events Seminar fee: 200 EUR Exam fee: 50 EUR Link: FIDE Fair Play Seminar 8th International Certification Seminar Date & Time: September 15-18, 2024, 08.30-12.30Location: BOK Sports and Conference Centre, Playing hallDescription: The International Arbiter Certification Seminar is a training session for active FIDE Arbiters. The goal of this second level of arbiter training is to ensure that candidates applying for the IA title are ready, in terms of technical skills and practical experience.The session is concluded by a readiness evaluation. Participants who are declared ready through the evaluation are granted an International Arbiter Norm from the seminar. The following topics will be covered in IA Certification Seminar:• Revision of all the necessary regulations of Arbiters, Rules, Qualification, Pairings, Fair Play and Technical Commissions• Ability to use chess clocks efficiently• Ability to use an approved version of pairing software efficiently• Ability to run a chess event• Ability to communicate in English in a chess event Entry fee: 130 EURContact: IA/IO Nebojsa Baralic, ARB Secretary (secretary.arbiters@fide.com, +381 64 3232910)Link: arbiters.fide.com/news/9396 Women&Chess&Balance Conference Date & Time: September 21, 2024, 15:00–19:00 Location: InterContinental Hotel Budapest and Online Description: This conference, organized by the Commission for Women’s Chess, will explore topics such as management, social media, and branding in chess, with a focus on empowering women in the chess community. Link: Women&Chess&Balance Conference Join us in Budapest for these enriching side events that promise to add a new dimension to the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad. For more details and registration information, please visit the official Olympiad website.
Karthik Venkataraman wins 61st India Championship
GM Karthik Venkataraman of Andhra Pradesh emerged as the winner of the 61st India Chess Championship thanks to a crucial final-round victory over Guha Mitrabh. Organized by the Haryana Chess Association at RPS International School, Gurgaon, the 11-round Swiss tournament boasting a prize fund of thirty lakhs rupees (approximately USD 35,000) brought together 341 players from all across India. In addition to winning the title, Karthik lifted a glittering trophy and a cash prize of six lakhs rupees (approximately USD 7,150). The top seed Ganguly, leading throughout the tournament, tied for the first place but had to settle for silver (only 0.5 Buchholz points separated him from the champion) after making four straight draws at the finish. IM Neelash Saha, with nine points, the same as Karthik and Ganguly placed third due to inferior tiebreaks. As many as six players, including the second seed Abhijeet Gupta, scored 8.5/11 and tied for fourth place. Dharmendra Kumar IA, treasurer, All India Chess Federation was the chief guest and awarded the prizes in the presence of Saurabh Jindal, President of Haryana Chess Association, Vishnu Bhagwan Kashyap, Secretary, HCA, Raj Chauhan from the film industry, Naresh Sharma, former treasurer of AICF, Raj Pal Chauhan Secretary, District Chess Association, Gurgaon, Dr. Pooja Sharma Principal, RPS School, and Sushma Chauhan, joint secretary Gurgaon DCA. Final standings: 1 GM Karthik, Venkataraman 2568 9 2 GM Ganguly, Surya Shekhar 2583 9 3 IM Neelash, Saha 2470 9 4 GM Ghosh, Diptayan 2568 8½ 5 IM Aronyak, Ghosh 2535 8½ 6 IM Gusain, Himal 2511 8½ 7 GM Lalit, Babu M R 2494 8½ 8 GM Gupta, Abhijeet 2583 8½ 9 IM Shyaam, Nikhil P 2442 8½ 10 GM Sethuraman, S.P. 2571 8 Complete final standings Photos: All India Chess Federation Official website: aicf.in/
Olympiad Expo Classic tournament announced
The 45th Chess Olympiad is around the corner, and FIDE, in collaboration with the Hungarian Chess Federation, is pleased to announce the Olympiad Expo Classic, an International Open Chess Tournament that will take place alongside the Olympiad from September 12 to 21, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary. Event Details: Date: 12 – 21 September 2024 Venue: BOK “C” Sports Hall, 1146 Budapest, Dózsa György utca 1 Tournament Type: Swiss system, 9 rounds, standard FIDE rules, computer pairings (Swiss Manager) Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move per player Tie-Breaks: Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, Berger-Sonneborn, Progressive Schedule: Opening Ceremony: September 12, 2024, at 9:45 AM Rounds: 10:00 AM daily from September 12 to 21, 2024 (except September 17, which is a rest day) Closing Ceremony: September 21, 2024, at 3:30 PM Chief Arbiter: Zsolt Korpics, International Arbiter Registration Details: Fee: Above 2000 ELO: 12,000 HUF (30 EUR) Under 2000 ELO: 16,000 HUF (40 EUR) GM (WGM), IM (WIM) titleholders: Free Deadline: September 8, 2024. Registration on the day available for a surcharge of 3,000 HUF (8 EUR). Registration Form: Click Here Contact: For more information, email tournaments@chess.hu. Prizes: 1st Place: 375 EUR + cup + medal 2nd Place: 300 EUR + medal 3rd Place: 250 EUR + medal 4th Place: 175 EUR 5th Place: 125 EUR Special Prizes: Best Senior, Woman, U2000: 100 EUR each The tournament will take place alongside the prestigious Chess Olympiad, offering participants a unique opportunity to compete in the same venue as the world’s top players. Please note that FIDE regulations regarding electronic devices will be strictly enforced. Players are reminded that any electronic communication devices, including smartwatches, are prohibited in the tournament hall. Join us in Budapest for this exciting event, where top players from around the world will compete in a thrilling and competitive atmosphere. FIDE and the Hungarian Chess Federation look forward to welcoming you to the Olympiad Expo Classic! Olympiad Expo Classic regulations (PDF)