Norway Chess R08: Carlsen regains the lead
In Round 8 Fabiano Caruana stopped the leader Alireza Firouzja and gave a chance to Magnus Carlsen which the World Champion quickly grasped. Jan-Krzysztof Duda moved up a notch in the standings by scoring 1.5 points against Levon Aronian. Magnus Carlsen gradually outplayed his compatriot Aryan Tari in a symmetrical position and created a textbook case of “good knight vs. bad bishop” concept. On move 34 the World Champion planted his knight on d5 and broke through on the kingside. Fabiano Caruana tried a relatively rare move 3.f3 against Alireza Fourouzja’s Caro-Kann in both classical and Armageddon games. He got a certain edge in the first one but after 21.Bd7 (21.a4 seems stronger) Firouzja solved all his problems and comfortably reached a drawn in the endgame. Alireza opted for a different line in the Armageddon but jumped out of the frying pan into the fire – Fabiano masterfully took control over the dark squares and sailed to victory. Jan-Krzysztof Duda was under pressure in the classical game and trying to relieve it he ventured upon a pawn sacrifice to transpose into an endgame with the opposite-colored bishops. Levon Aronian did not accept it but probably underestimated the maneuver Bb2-Ba3 that allowed Duda to sneak out of danger. Levon was full of determination in the Armageddon game but Jan-Krzysztof was holding his own. Trying to win at any cost Aronian took it too far by playing 65. Kb5? but missed an obvious refutation 65…e4, which turned the position from equal into winning for Black. Standings after Round 8: 1. Magnus Carlsen – 16.52. Alireza Firouzja – 14.53. Levon Aronian – 134. Fabiano Caruana – 12.55. Jan-Krzysztof Duda – 8.56. Aryan Tari – 1.5
Norway Chess R07: Firouzja maintains the lead
Alireza Firouzja preserved his leading position after Round 7. After a draw and the victory in Armageddon over Levon Aronian, he is one point ahead of Magnus Carlsen, who achieved the same result vs. Fabiano Caruana. The American #1 put a lot of pressure on Magnus Carlsen by wedging his pawn to d6, but the World Champion demonstrated great accuracy in defense and saved a draw. In the Armageddon game, Carlsen got an upper hand with Black right in the opening. Facing a very difficult task Caruana managed to complicate the issue and reached equality but eventually lost on time. Alireza Firouzja got a slight edge with White against Levon Aronian but it was hard to turn it into something substantial in the position with a symmetrical pawn structure and an open center. The Armenian was much closer to the victory in the Armageddon encounter but after missing his chance in a time scramble also forfeited on time. Jan-Krzysztof quickly dispatched the struggling Aryan Tari after convincingly refuting a risky opening concept of the Norwegian GM. By the move 18 White had an overwhelming position and it did take the Pole long to wrap up the game. Standings after Round 7: 1. Alireza Firouzja 14.52. Magnus Carlsen 13.53. Levon Aronian 124. Fabiano Caruana 115. Jan-Krzysztof Duda 76. Aryan Tari 1.5 Photo: Lennart Ootes Official site: https://norwaychess.no/en/
New Presidents of national federations elected
Photo: Lars OA Hedlund SWEDEN Last week, Håkan Jalling (pictured above) was elected the new President of the Swedish Chess Federation, the 13th in the history of this organization, founded in 1917. “Sveriges Schackförbund“ has approximately 40,000 registered players, and it has recently moved its offices to Uppsala. In an interview published at the website of the Swedish Chess Federation, Håkan explains that the main challenges he will face are related to the new scenario created by the coronavirus pandemic, citing the safe resumption of over the board events as one of his priorities. Pretty much like everywhere else, the country’s top players have been affected by the economic disruption, being deprived of the possibility of competing at tournaments with money prizes. However, the new President is optimistic about the future. “Chess is basically a fantastic product and well suited for sponsors. Who could not want to be involved in making Sweden smarter?“ The full interview is available on the website of the Swedish Chess Federation. SERBIA The Serbian Chess Federation has also elected a new president, Dragan Lazic. The extraordinary assembly of the Chess Federation of Serbia was held in the Amphitheater of the College of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship PEP in Belgrade, where Mr. Lazic was elected with 34 votes in favor, and 1 abstention. Slavoljub Jocic, Jovan Obradovic, and Jovan Vujasinovic will be members of the Board of Directors, until April 2022. Photo: http://www.serbiachess.net/ With a Bachelor’s degree in economics, Dragan is an experienced professional in finance management and business planning, having been a regional manager for Credit Agricole Serbia for more than six years. More information on the website of the Serbian Chess Federation. SLOVAKIA Photo: http://www.nazahori.sk/ The Slovak Chess Federation also held elections this weekend, which resulted in a new President: Milan Roman. And entrepreneur and chairman of a chess club in Skalica, Milan has the intention to modernize the federation, expanding and bringing the game to as many people as possible. “We have to work with children, for whom chess can lay the foundations for their future life since the game develops their logical skills and critical thinking”. Along with him, Ladislav Šipeky, Štefan Blaho, Rastislav Nemečkay, Rastislav Diviak, and Ján Kocúr, were also elected members of the board of the Slovenský Šachový Zväz. More information on the website of the Slovak Chess Federation.
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FIDE enters a partnership with the ISF Brief news from National Federations World Teachers’ Day Chess meets history A new social chess project in Norway Ju Wenjun on the red green carpet Anniversaries READ NEWSLETTER
Norway Chess R06: Firouzja forges ahead
It was the day of revenge at the Altibox Norway Chess as in Round 6 Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana retaliated after yesterday’s losses to Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Levon Aronian respectively. The only exception was Aryan Tari who suffered another defeat at the hand of Alireza Firouzja. As a result, Firouzja took the lead one point ahead of Carlsen who moved up to the second position. Magnus Carlsen made a short work of Jan-Krzysztof Duda by beating him in just 26 moves. The opponents followed the footsteps of Pashikian and Matlakov until move 16, when the Pole opted for a supposedly better move 16…Nc5 which, nevertheless, did not solve all his problems. A couple of inaccuracies were enough to turn his position from tough to hopeless and Magnus quickly delivered a coup de grace. Levon Aronian achieved a very promising position against Fabiano Caruana but when the time came to turn up the heat he opted for an attractive but erroneous 23.g4? (23.Ng5 was much better). According to chess engines, the position was still roughly equal, but being short of time the Armenian went down in flames in the subsequent tactical skirmish. Alireza Firouzja played another fine game against Aryan Tari by gradually building up pressure on the kingside, while the opponent’s advance on the opposite wing was rather innocuous. On move 22 Aryan weakened his castled position with 22.g3? and allowed Alireza to finish the game with a direct attack. Standings after Round 6:1. Alireza Firouzja – 132. Magnus Carlsen – 123. Levon Aronian – 114. Fabiano Caruana – 105. Jan-Krzysztof Duda – 46. Aryan Tari – 1.5 Photo: Lennart Ootes Official site: https://norwaychess.no/en/
Norway Chess R05: Duda ends Carlsen’s unbeaten streak
After the day-off, the grandmasters darted into a fight with a renewed vigor and produced three decisive outcomes. For the first time in this tournament, no Armageddon game was needed. Jan-Krzysztof Duda, who made just one draw and lost three games, showed his mettle and toppled the leader Magnus Carlsen. The game saw the line of Caro-Kann defense that the World Champion played once against Peter Svidler in 2018. Unlike Peter, Jan-Krzysztof Duda opted for a more aggressive plan, castled long, and got quite a promising position. On move 19 Magnus correctly sacrificed an exchange and got sufficient compensation but in the subsequent tactical fight, Jan-Krzysztof was more precise and resourceful. The tension was there till the very end but eventually, the Pole repulsed all the threats and forced the resignation of the World Champion. Duda ended Magnus’ unbeaten streak in classical games (125!) that lasted two years, two months, and ten days. Levon Aronian and Fabiano Caruana tested waters in a sharp line of Nimzo-Indian. The opposite-side castling led to a tense battle in which the Armenian GM was a half-step ahead. The American traded queens but even without the strongest pieces Black’s activity on the queenside was quite unpleasant for White. Trying to get off the hook Caruana sacrificed an exchange and got sufficient compensation but on move 30 misplaced his knight – 30.Ne2? (30.Nd3 was much better). Levon immediately spotted the opponent’s mistake and comfortably converted his extra exchange. This win propelled Aronian to the top position. Alireza Firouzja played a nice strategic game with Aryan Tari. On move 20 Firouzja (White) offered an interesting pawn sacrifice which the opponent accepted but did not foresee all the consequences and quickly went astray. Firouzja regained a pawn, transposed into a favorable endgame, and smoothly sailed to a victory. Alireza is the clear second, just one point behind Levon Aronian. Photo: Lennart Ootes Official site: https://norwaychess.no/en/
2020 3rd quarter FIDE Online Council Agenda and Commissions reports
FIDE publishes the Agenda of the 3rd quarter FIDE Online Council Meeting which was held on September 30, 2020. Download Agenda (pdf) Annex 7.1 Global Strategy Commission. Annex 7.2.1 Arbiters’ Commission (ARB) Annex 7.3 Chess in Education Commission (EDU) Annex 7.4 Commission for the Disabled (DIS) Annex 7.5 Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) Annex 7.6 Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) Annex 7.7.1 Events Commission (EVE) Annex 7.8 Fair Play Commission (FPL) Annex 7.9 Medical Commission (MED) Annex 7.10 Planning and Development Commission (PDC) Annex 7.11.1 Qualification Commission (QC) Annex 7.12 Rules Commission (RC) Annex 7.13 Social Commission (SC) Annex 7.14 Systems of Pairings and Programs (SPP) Annex 7.15 Technical Commission (TEC) Annex 7.16.1 Trainers’ Commission (TRG) Annex 7.17 Data protection GDPR Annex 7.20 Historical Committee
Decisions of the 3rd quarter FIDE Online Council Meeting
Decisions of the 3rd quarter FIDE Online Council Meeting 30 September 2020 Q3OC-2020/1 To approve the Agenda for the meeting. Q3OC-2020/2 To approve the President’s proposal to monitor the progress in the All-India Chess Federation. Q3OC-2020/3 To approve the Treasurer’s report and note the External Auditors’ report for the year 2019. Q3OC-2020/4 To approve the President’s proposal to further discuss the fee reduction proposal and to finalize it by November 06, 2020. Q3OC-2020/5 To note the information provided by Mr. Iclicki regarding preparations for the 2020 online GA. Q3OC-2020/6 To recommend to the General Assembly to admit the Red Sea and Aden Gulf Chess Association as an affiliated organization of FIDE. Q3OC-2020/7 To call upon the Constitutional Commission to play a more active role regarding the situation in South Africa and to request Mr Rivello to come up with a proposal in the next weeks. Q3OC-2020/8 To note that the final decision regarding the 2020 Candidates’ Tournament shall be taken by October 05, 2020 conditional on the results of the analysis of the current situation in the respective countries. Q3OC-2020/9 To note the update provided by Mr Sutovsky regarding the 2021 World Championship Match. Q3OC-2020/10 To note that the decision regarding the organization of the Women’s World Cup and World Cup 2021 shall be taken at the Online GA. Q3OC-2020/11 To note the information provided by Mr. Sutovsky in respect to Women’s Grand-Prix. Q3OC-2020/12 To authorize President to CONSULT with the Moscow authorities regarding timing of the 2021 Olympiad. Q3OC-2020/13 To note that Belarus official Bodies didn’t demonstrate reliability as FIDE partners and violated their legal obligations to FIDE regarding the events of the 2022 Olympiad cycle; to demand respective compensatory payments and to reserve the right to pursue other legal action. Q3OC-2020/14 To note information regarding the organization of the World Online Corporate Championship 2020. Q3OC-2020/15 To note information regarding the organization of the World Bullet Championship 2020. Q3OC-2020/16 To note that the draft regulations for the 2020 World Online Youth and Cadet Championships shall be provided for the Council’s further consideration. Q3OC-2020/17 To express gratitude to the FIDE President and the entire team for a successful organization of the 2020 Online Olympiad and to request to take into account the lessons from the event in order to improve regulations and practices for the future. Q3OC-2020/18 To approve President’s proposal in respect of the Iranian Chess Federation to request drafting of two versions of communication formal and diplomatic to be sent to all FC members for further consideration. Q3OC-2020/19 To note the GSC report. Q3OC-2020/20 To approve the new arbiters’ title applications. Q3OC-2020/21 To approve the list of recommendations of the Arbiters’ classification upgrades. Q3OC-2020/22 To note the ARB report. Q3OC-2020/23 To note the EDU report. Q3OC-2020/24 To note the DIS report. Q3OC-2020/25 To note the WOM report. Q3OC-2020/26 To note the EDC report. Q3OC-2020/27 To approve the President’s information regarding the appointment of Mr. Dabilani Buthali (BOT) as the third member of the EDC Fact-finding Committee. Q3OC-2020/28 To approve the new organizers’ titles. Q3OC-2020/29 To note the EVE report. Q3OC-2020/30 To note the FPL report. Q3OC-2020/31 To approve new Anti-Doping Regulations. Q3OC-2020/32 To note the MED report. Q3OC-2020/33 o note the PDC report. Q3OC-2020/34 To approve the new OTB titles and norms including the ones obtained in Gibraltar Masters 2020. Q3OC-2020/35 To approve Vice-President Short’s proposal to open an official inquiry into the violation of the 2019 FIDE Fair Play resolution and the FIDE Pairing Rules by the Chief Arbiter at the Gibraltar Masters 2020. Q3OC-2020/36 To note the QC report. Q3OC-2020/37 To note the RC report. Q3OC-2020/38 To note the SC report. Q3OC-2020/39 To note the SPP report. Q3OC-2020/40 To note the TEC report. Q3OC-2020/41 To approve the NEW trainers’ titles and new academies. Q3OC-2020/42 To approve the TRG report. Q3OC-2020/43 To approve President’s proposal to redraft a proposal on Academies and titles including a clear distinction between titles and certification process, the latter serving a separate function both in FIDE system and as a signal to all interested parties; to include the stipulation that titles are for life and that trainers shall pay for re-certification; send a proposal to the FC members in a month time. Q3OC-2020/44 To approve the Data Protection Committee proposals on GDPR conditional on double-checking the terminology. Q3OC-2020/45 To approve the creation of the Athletes’ Commission. Q3OC-2020/46 To approve internal rules for the Athletes’ Commission taking into consideration the comments by Mr Short and Mr Dvorkovich. Q3OC-2020/47 To approve the creation of the Historical Committee; to continue awarding the titles of Honorary member, Life member and most esteemed Friend of FIDE. Q3OC-2020/48 To investigate how the organization of the forthcoming Zonal events may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Q3OC-2020/49 To approve the proposal of the FIDE President to charge GM Cheparinov a minimum applicable fee for his transfer and approve his transfer. Q3OC-2020/50 To note that the next online meeting of the FIDE Council will take place on December 04, 2020, prior to the 2020 FIDE General Assembly.
FIDE announces partnership with International School Sport Federation
FIDE is proud to announce a partnership agreement with the International School Sport Federation (ISF), the international governing body for school sport, which comprises children between the ages of 13 to 18. Based in Belgium, the ISF has been organizing international competitions to encourage education through sport and student-athletes since its foundation in 1972. ISF was recognized by the IOC in 1995, and it currently has 113 members which compete in 45 different sport disciplines. Many of these sports have their own World Schools Championship every two years, while some others are part of the bi-annual Gymnasiade. ISF is currently organizing its first-ever virtual world schools championship: the World SchoolsChampionship Online Chess 2020, an online tournament organized for school-going youth aged 13-17. This competition managed to attract 340 young chess players from 39 countries, representing five continents. It was within the framework of this competition that, on 7 October 2020, ISF president Mr. Laurent Petrynka participated in a virtual meeting with FIDE president Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich to discuss the cooperation during the event, and laid the foundations for future cooperation between FIDE and ISF in order to promote chess among the global school network. “The partnership between FIDE and The International School Sport Federation is a natural fit since our values and core mission align perfectly”, explains the FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich. “Both institutions are members of the Olympic family, and as such we consider sport as a way to promote inclusion, development, education, and gender equality. Chess is a great tool to improve educational outcomes and it keeps gaining recognition in school programs all over the world, while ISF’s goal is to encourage education through sport and student-athletes. It is a great satisfaction to enter this partnership agreement, and I believe that both with the ISF and FIDE will be reinforced by joining efforts in many future initiatives.” ISF President Laurent Petrynka added: “We are honored to sign a partnership and work with FIDE on ISF World Schools Championship Online Chess 2020. Chess is included in schools all over the world, and presents an important part of school sport. We will continue to develop chess in ISF events, including ISF Summer Gymnasiade. We are delighted to have FIDE supporting the ISF World Schools Championship Online Chess 2020. This cooperation will also strengthen our efforts to bring and connect the Olympic movement to schools across the globe.” Below you can read the full text of the joint statement: The International School Sport Federation (ISF), represented by President, Mr. Laurent Petrynka, and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), represented by President, Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, wishing to establish a partnership that serves the interests of both parties, NOW, THEREFORE, STATE AS FOLLOWS: 1. The ISF has the mission to organize worldwide School Sport events, hence promoting education through sport. The ISF, an IOC-recognised organization, strives to ensure cordial relations with all International Sport Federations whose aims and objectives are similar to its own. 2. FIDE, an IOC-recognised organization, has undertaken to promote, develop, establish the rules and organize events in Chess at all levels on a worldwide basis. 3. The ISF and FIDE are aware of the continuously growing need for international cooperation in this regard and recognize that they both adhere to Olympic values and spirit. The parties also recognize the role played by sport as a factor in promoting inclusion, development, education, and gender equality. 4. The ISF and FIDE jointly confirm that the ISF World Schools Championship Online Chess 2020 will be organized according to the FIDE technical rules and regulations. The ISF will promote cooperation with FIDE during this event and will encourage all participants to obtain memberships in their national chess federations, members of FIDE. 5. The ISF and FIDE undertake to discuss future cooperation in good faith and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to integrate the sport of Chess in the program of ISF events, to ensure harmonious development and promotion of the ISF and FIDE events. Date: October 08, 2020 Signatories: Mr. Laurent Petrynka, President of ISF Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE LINKS: ISF website World SchoolsChampionship Online Chess 2020
FIDE Online General Assembly 2020: List of Delegates
FIDE is publishing the list of delegates of the FIDE Online General Assembly as is required by the FIDE Electoral Regulations Section 5.A.1. LIST OF DELEGATES (pdf) According to FIDE Electoral Regulations Section 5.A.2 At the latest five weeks before the opening session of the General Assembly, the President of each member federation shall inform the FIDE Secretariat in writing of any changes to be made to this list. If there has been no such notification by this deadline, and there is no delegate on the list that was published on the FIDE website pursuant to Section (1) above, the delegate shall be the President of the federation. FIDE recommends that the following wording be used for informing the Secretariat, until 31 October (CET 17.00), of any change to be made to the list of delegates in accordance with this paragraph. “I, the President of the federation of _____________________ hereby inform FIDE that the Delegate of my federation at the FIDE 2020 Online General Assembly will be _____________________. Date : _____________________ Signature: _____________________” —–FIDE Secretariat