Champions crowned at EU Youth Championship 2024
The 2024 edition of the EU Youth Chess Championship in Roznov pod Radhostem (CZE) reached climax on August 13, as the fate of titles in multiple categories was decided. The final rounds were full of tension and saw many exciting battles. In category Boys U8, Han Nam Pham (FRA) took the title with an excellent score of 9/9; Aaron-Mathias Dragoi (ROU) came second, and Vojtech Vratny (CZE) finished third. In category Girls U8, Amanda Skytte (DEN) emerged victorious, followed by Cassandre Itier (FRA) and Isis Bocquenet-Drouode (FRA). Konstantin Mueller (GER) emerged as the winner in the Boys U10; the silver medal goes to Victor Chalampuente (FRA), while Daniil Den Gusev (GER) rounded out the podium. Niya Malcheva (BUL) triumphed in the Girls U10 category, Hermione Glon Tombi Ambassa (FRA) earned silver, and Hanna Janaszak (POL) took bronze. Vlad Petroff (ROU) won the Boys U12 with Leo Corral Nehama (FRA) and Matvii Bilochenko (POL) in second and third places, respectively. Girls U12 saw the triumph of Cyrielle Duchatel (FRA), while Veronika Vancakova (CZE) and Stefania Theodora Sabou (ROU) took second and third places, respectively. In category Boys U14 Alexandru Ioan Constantinoiu (ROU) came out on top, Hugo Bocquenet-Drouode(FRA) finished second and Daniel Belocky (CZE) took third place. Zuzana Stara (CZE) was the best in the Girls U14 category, Lena Michalska (POL) earned silver, while Emma Kincses (HUN) rounded up the top trio. The top three finishers in each category received cups and diplomas. The next five players in each category also were awarded valuable prizes. Every participant of EUYCC got a medal and a t-shirt with the EUYCC logo. All eight champions of the EU are leaving Roznov pod Radhostem with a notebook! The prizes were given by the event director, Zdenek Fiala, and the tournament director of ECU, Petr Pisk. The EU Youth Chess Championship 2024, under the patronage of the ECU, was organized by Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou in cooperation with the Czech Chess Federation. Boys and girls played in the same tournaments but were ranked separately. The Championship brought together 83 young players from 13 federations. All games were broadcast online. There were also special awards for the best game of the round. The winners are: Amanda Skytte (DEN), Adam Kopecny (SVK), Alex Moravcik (SVK), Hana Bartova (CZE), Ana Zegrea (ROU), Thomas Lobina (FRA), Robert Skytte (DEN), Hugo Bocquenet-Drouode (FRA), Richard Hutta (SVK), David Bartecek (CZE), Leo Corral Nehama (FRA) and Sofia Myronova (CZE). The participants and accompanying persons enjoyed chess and non-chess leisure activities (a simul with IM Pisk, blitz tournament, trips) that organizers had prepared for them. The organizers would like to thank all players for their performance and fair play, all parents and coaches for cooperation, arbiters for running the tournament and all volunteers for their work. Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/ Final standings in all categories:chess-results.com/tnr976123.aspx?lan=5&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30 Photo gallery:rajce.idnes.cz/sachysvetla/album/euycc-2024/1644635846rajce.idnes.cz/sachysvetla/album/euycc-2024-players
2024 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz: Three-way tie on the top
Multiple players joined the lead on Day 2 of the 2024 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave came to the day as an early leader but was held to three draws. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Alireza Firouzja jumped on this opportunity to catch up with him in the standings after scoring 4/6 and 5/6, respectively. Going to the final day of rapid, this trio shares the lead, followed by Levon Aronian with seven points. Alireza Firouzja scored a very important victory over Hikaru Nakamura after the American made a severe mistake in a complicated opposite-colored bishop endgame. Alireza Firouzja – Hikaru Nakamura White just played 33. a6 and Hikaru made a wrong choice of 33…b6? Instead, he should have opted for 33…bxa6 34. bxa6 Bb5! 35. Ra1 Rd7! and it is very hard for White to make progress. As played, Alireza won a pawn after 34. Rc7 Bxb5 35. Rxa7 Ra3 36. Ra8+ Kf7 37. a7 Ra6 38. Bxb6 Bc6 39. Rc8 Rxb6 40. Rxc6! and confidently converted it in a rook endgame | 1-0, 54 moves Ian Nepomniachtchi notched up his only win of the day after Leinier Dominguez missed a nice trick playing on increment. Leinier Dominguez – Ian Nepomniachtchi After 40. Bb8! keeping an eye on the e5-pawn, White has a good chance to hold this inferior position. Instead, Leinier snatched the e4-pawn with 40. Kxe4, which failed to 40…Bf5+! The point is that 41. Kxe5 is met with 41…Be6+ winning the bishop. Here, Dominguez made the final mistake with 41. Kd5?? (41. Ke3 Bg6 was his last try, although with two connected passers, Black would have had excellent winning chances) and resigned after 41…Be6+ (42. Kc5 e4+) 0-1 Round 7 will see a clash of the leaders, with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave taking on Ian Nepomiachtchi as White. Day 3 of the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz continues Wednesday, August 14, with live commentary from GM’s Yasser Seirawan, Peter Svidler, Cristian Chirila and IM Nazi Paikidze starting at 1:00pm CDT. Tune in to the Saint Louis Chess Club’s Twitch & YouTube channels. Official website: grandchesstour.org/ Photos: Saint Louis Chess Club, Lennart Ootes
Tbilisi kicks off 2024/25 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix season
From 14 to 25 of August, the Georgian capital will be host to the first of six tournaments where 20 top women players from around the world will compete, shaping the future of female chess There is no better place than Georgia to launch the new season of the Women’s Grand Prix. As the birthplace of chess legends like former Women’s World Champions Nona Gaprindashvili (the first woman to be awarded the title of Grandmaster) and Maia Chiburdanidze, as well as three-time Soviet Women’s Champion Nana Alexandria, Georgia holds a revered place in chess history. The country continues to produce world-class talent, including Nana Dzagnidze, Nino Batsiashvili, Lela Javakhishvili, and Bella Khotenashvili, making it a fitting host for this landmark event. “We are delighted that this event will start in Georgia, given the country’s rich chess legacy,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “FIDE has made women’s chess one of its priorities, and the updated Women’s Grand Prix series is an opportunity to further raise awareness of women’s chess, hopefully getting more female players and more sponsors involved”. The 2024/25 WGP series introduces several key changes, including an increase in participants from 16 to 20, an expansion from four to six tournaments, and a larger prize fund of 120,000 euros. Each player will compete in three of the six tournaments, earning points based on their standings in each event. The top two players in the series will secure spots in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. The Tbilisi tournament The tournament in Tbilisi will take place at the Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel – the first glass skyscraper in Georgia and the highest hotel in the Caucasus Region. This inaugural event features a strong lineup, including two former Women’s World Champions—Alexandra Kosteniuk, winner of the Munich leg in the 2022/23 series, and Mariya Muzychuk—alongside some of the most promising players in the chess world today. First round and time control The first round starts on Thursday, 3 PM local time in Tbilisi. The time control will be 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 one. The regulations of the event can be found here. For more information, including live games and broadcast, visit the event website: https://womengrandprix.fide.com/
2024 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz: Vachier-Lagrave takes early lead
Closing out the 2024 Grand Chess Tour season are the final two events held in the Chess Capital of America, Saint Louis, Missouri. The Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz kicked off on August 12. The third and final speed chess event of the 2024 GCT (and the fourth overall) features seven tour players and three American wildcards – Hikaru Nakamura, Levon Aronian and Leinier Dominguez – fighting for a prize fund of $175. The format is nine rounds of rapid action followed by eighteen rounds of blitz for a total of 135 games spread across five days. After the first three rapid games, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave took an early lead with two wins over Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and a draw against Hikaru Nakamura, scoring a total of 5/6 (with a victory counting for two points in rapid). Tied for second are Levon Aronian, Leinier Dominguez and Ian Nepomniachtchi, each with 4/6. Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Hikaru Nakamura and Alireza Firouzja are sitting on 3/6, sharing third place. There are some exciting matchups in Round 4, including Fabiano Caruana as White against the leader, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Day 2 of the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz continues Tuesday, August 13, with live commentary from GM’s Yasser Seirawan, Peter Svidler, Cristian Chirila and IM Nazi Paikidze starting at 1:00 pm CDT. Tune in to the Saint Louis Chess Club’s Twitch & YouTube channels. Official website: grandchesstour.org/ Photos: Saint Louis Chess Club, Lennart Ootes and Crystal Fuller
FIDE takes disciplinary action against IM for postal harassment of multiple female chess players
FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission announced its decision in the case of alleged postal harassment of female chess players by IM Andrejs Strebkovs Acting on the Complaint of the FIDE President against IM Andrejs Strebkovs concerning allegations of postal harassment in violation of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code, the EDC found the Respondent guilty and sanctioned him to a worldwide ban of five years from participating in any FIDE-rated event as a player, or to be physically present at any such FIDE rated event. A complaint from the FIDE President prompted the EDC investigation submitted on May 1, 2024, based on the findings of two separate investigations – an in-depth report by the Meduza Internet Platform published in February 2022 and a formal police investigation in Riga, Latvia. Both investigations traced the letters back to IM Strebkovs using forensic evidence, including DNA analysis. In his response, IM Strebkovs claimed that only one case – from 2021 – can be subject to a complaint, as the other letters “have nothing to do with the chess competitions…” or chess. The Respondent further claims that the letters do not concern FIDE or the national chess federations and the activities of those organizations. In effect, he was claiming that FIDE has no jurisdiction over the cases in question. The police investigation in Latvia was followed by a criminal case which concluded that the actions did not constitute a criminal offense under Latvian law, the EDC determined that IM Strebkovs violated multiple provisions of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code related to human dignity, ethical behavior, and social conduct. The EDC found compelling evidence that Latvian chess player IM Andrejs Strebkovs engaged in a disturbing pattern of harassment over the past decade against female chess players. The investigation revealed that dozens of female players, some as young as 14, received obscene letters containing pornographic material and used condoms, sent to their homes, clubs, universities and tournament venues. In addition to sending letters, Strebkov, for many years, allowed himself offensive statements about women on various Internet platforms, which contributed to his identification. “FIDE will not tolerate any form of harassment or abuse within the chess community, especially in the cases where minors are involved,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of whether they are male or female. We welcome the decision by the Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, which sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.” The Decision of the EDC notes that “FIDE strongly supports chess players competing in a safe and respectful environment. This environment includes and extends to playing venues. Part of this support is encouraging and empowering victims to speak up and report transgressions which contravene with these principles to safeguard a safe environment.” In 2023, FIDE has partnered with Safe Sport International to begin the process of developing a Safeguarding Framework within FIDE. The Decision of the EDC can be found – here.
FIDE100 Awards: Selecting the Most Memorable Tournaments
To celebrate FIDE 100 anniversary, a series of awards to honor those who have made exceptional contributions to the world of chess in the past 100 years was established. The awards are given in 19 categories. Each category has a specified nomination and voting criteria. National federations are welcome to submit their events in the categories “the Most Memorable FIDE Chess Tournament” and “the Most Memorable Private Chess Tournament.” These awards will recognize the most impactful chess tournaments, which have earned their place in chess history thanks to their strength, reputation in the chess world, and recognition by players and the chess audience. They will also recognize the exceptional efforts of organizers who have created unforgettable experiences, inspiring the global chess community. Nominations can be submitted here until August 20, 2024: The Most Memorable FIDE Chess Tournament: 100.fide.com/fide-awards-2024-%E2%81%A0the-most-memorable-fide-chess-tournament/ The Most Memorable Private Chess Tournament: 100.fide.com/fide-awards-2024-%E2%81%A0the-most-memorable-private-chess-tournament/ The winners of the FIDE 100 Awards will be announced during the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September 2024. For more information about the FIDE100 Awards and to submit nominations, please visit 100.fide.com/fide-awards-2024/.
Hungarian Post releases commemorative stamp for 45th Chess Olympiad
Hungarian Post pays tribute to the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad with a commemorative stamp release. The event, organized by the National Event Management Agency in cooperation with the Hungarian Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will be held between September 10 and 23, 2024, in Budapest. From 5 August, 40,000 copies of the special edition stamp will be released and can be purchased at Filaposta, through philatelic specialist services, in select post offices, and at www.posta.hu. Hungary has been a significant player in chess for hundreds of years. The Game of Kings arrived in the country as early as the 14th century; Hungary was involved in founding the International Chess Federation 100 years ago and since then, Hungarians have produced many world-famous chess players. The names Lajos Portisch, Péter Lékó, Zoltán Almási, Ildikó Mádl, Richárd Rapport, and the Polgár family are known worldwide. “On behalf of the sports community, I am delighted and honored that an organization with such a long and illustrious history as the Hungarian Post is issuing a commemorative stamp as a gesture of homage to the Budapest Chess Olympiad. It is not widely known, but chess and postal services share a long-standing tradition; Hungary has achieved remarkable results in correspondence chess over the years. In a series of correspondence chess Olympiads conducted via postal mail, taking several years, Hungary has won 1 gold and 2 silver medals in the men’s category and 1 bronze medal in the women’s category. We would like to thank the Hungarian Post for this wonderful gesture,” said Dr. Zoltán Polyánszky, President of the Hungarian Chess Federation, on the occasion of the stamp issue. Therefore, Hungary is one of the leading centers of chess, and it is a great honor that one of the sport’s most important global events is being hosted in Hungary this year. World-class chess players from around the globe will come to Budapest for this major competition. “It is wonderful to see that the Hungarian Post has created a stamp to commemorate the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Budapest this September. This follows in the footsteps of other countries that have, in previous decades, published postal stamps to celebrate chess and their national achievements in the game. This act is another step from Hungary in making the 45th Olympiad a memorable event, and we are truly grateful for that,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. The Hungarian Post pays tribute to this outstanding event by releasing a unique stamp and other philatelic items featuring the visual elements and logo of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. The stamp design evokes the black and white squares of the chessboard, and the central element of the commemorative envelope is the image of the black queen. The event logo is displayed on the stamp imprint of the First Day Cover (FDC). The image for the Chess Olympiad was inspired by the art of the Hungarian-born Victor Vasarely, the greatest figure of optical painting. Not only does the visual world of black and white squares connect Vasarely to chess, but the artist himself was also a passionate chess enthusiast, and chess played an important role in his life. The design inspired by him can be found not only on products from the Hungarian Post but also throughout the entire event. The 45th Chess Olympiad will be open to visitors at the BOK Sports and Conference Centre from 10 to 23 September. For the event, the organizers are preparing a free exhibition where visitors can participate in various chess-related programmes. For more information about the stamp, please visit: www.posta.hu
FIDE100 Torch Relay reaches New Zealand
Continuing its global journey spanning five continents, the FIDE100 Torch Relay, commemorating a century of FIDE, made several thousand miles and landed in New Zealand. The country has been given a special role ahead of the FIDE Chess Olympiad, to take place in Hungary next month. This year’s 45th Chess Olympiad is celebrating 100 years since the governing body of chess competitions, FIDE, was created. To mark the momentous occasion, FIDE has chosen New Zealand to represent Oceania in the global torch relay. A special ceremony by the New Zealand Chess Federation took place on Sunday, August 11, in Auckland, North Island. Featuring several high-ranking chess officials, including FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board Dana Reizniece-Ozola,, and President of New Zealand Chess Federation Nigel Metge, the event climaxed with the lighting of the cauldron symbolizing the enduring flame of chess in Oceania. New Zealand Chess Federation vice president Paul Spiller said it was significant for New Zealand to be recognized by the global chess body. “This is a very exciting event for New Zealand chess. It’s a rare occasion for New Zealand to get a visit from a deputy president of FIDE and also a former five-time world champion, Vishy Anand, who is a very popular sporting figure in India.” The 15th World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand gave a masterclass and amicably chatted with his numerous fans. New Zealand Chess is sending two teams of five to compete in the Olympiad’s open team and women’s team events. The competition is expected to be stiff, with a record 3000 players from across the world participating. Since the pandemic and the release of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, Spiller said chess had grown in popularity, particularly among young people. He said there were now more opportunities in chess than ever before. “There’s more chess in the news these days, there are more tournaments, and there is more money involved. Chess is now seen as a career opportunity. Not only playing but being arbiters, photographers and chess coaches.” Notably, most of New Zealand’s Olympiad players are under the age of 22. Sixteen-year-old Felix Xie, who had been playing chess competitively since he was eight, was one of the youngest players representing New Zealand at the competition. Xie said competing in the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai, India, when he was just 14, was one of his proudest achievements. “The first time I competed, I was quite proud of that. Even though I didn’t have the greatest tournament, it was a really proud moment to be all the way in India representing New Zealand.” He was pleased to see chess gaining popularity among his peers. Felix was looking forward to meeting Anand at the torch ceremony this weekend and the opportunity to take part in the upcoming Olympiad. With the chess flame reaching New Zealand, the relay continues with stops in Quebec, Abu Dhabi and culminating in Budapest, Hungary in September, where the 45th Chess Olympiad will take place. Based on the article by Jessica Hopkins (rnz.co.nz/) Auckland reporter Photos: Sergey Indeykin
World Youth CC 2024: Important comment by FIDE EVE
To all FIDE Member Federations: FIDE Events Commission issued a comment on p. 2.5 of the World Youth Chess Championships 2024 Invitation letter: Quote: 2.5. Important: According to Brazilian national legislation, all minors (-18 years old) must always be accompanied by one or both parents or legal guardians during their stay at the hotels and must present identification documents at check-in. In case of absence of both parents or legal guardians, the child/adolescent must be accompanied by an adult who must present written legal authorization granting powers for the care and custody of the minor. EVE comment: According to Brazilian law (“Child and Adolescent Statute”), heads of delegations should present written notary authorization for each player (who hasn’t reached the age of 18) from their parents. This is very important for hotel accommodations, as hotels cannot host a child or adolescent without a legal parental consent. In case all notary-authorized documents are collected, but a delegation is facing problems with accommodation, please inform Events Commission ASAP at: fideevents@fide.com. Official website: worldyouth2024.com/
Unlocking Minds: Register for 2024 FIDE Prisoners’ Chess Championship
The Chess for Freedom initiative, launched by FIDE and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in May 2021, has grown significantly, promoting the integration of chess as a rehabilitative tool in correctional facilities worldwide. With increasing participation each year, the initiative now includes a diverse range of categories, such as male, female, and juvenile tournaments. “We believe in the transformative power of chess and its ability to offer hope and a sense of community to those who need it most,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “Through initiatives like Chess for Freedom, we are committed to bringing the benefits of this noble game to all corners of society.” The 4th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, set to take place from October 8-10, 2024, continues this tradition, fostering global engagement and offering inmates a chance to experience the positive impact of chess. Event Dates: October 8-10, 2024 Event Format: The championship is open to teams of 4 players across three categories: men’s, women’s, and juvenile correctional facilities. Each country can register up to three teams: – A male team – A team representing a female correctional facility (all four players must be female) – A team representing a juvenile correctional facility (players under the age of 20) Additional teams can be submitted for the waiting list in case the tournament organizers seek to complete the 8-team field for each group. Time control: Game in 10 min + 5 sec per move starting from move 1. Tournament Structure: (for each category; male, female) Registration: Interested participants can register for the championship via the following link: Registration Form. The registration deadline is September 30, 2024. For more information about previous events and the impact of our Chess for Freedom initiative, please visit our Chess for Freedom website. Contact Information: For any inquiries, please contact: Mikhail Korenman Chess Program Coordinator at Cook County Department of Corrections,FIDE International Chess Organizer and Member of FIDE Social Commission E-mail: Mikhail.Korenman@ccsheriff.org Tel.: 1-785-906-0402 We look forward to your participation in this unique and impactful event. Join us in celebrating the power of chess to inspire and rehabilitate within correctional facilities worldwide. Regulations for 4th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners (PDF) Official website: chessforfreedom.fide.com/