Shakeup in FIDE Circuit 2024 leaderboard as Erigaisi leads

Arjun Erigaisi edged out Nodirbek Abdusattorov from the top position in the FIDE Circuit leaderboard after gaining 5.2 points in the 7th Sharjah Masters. However, it should be noted that the Indian GM collected 57.6 points in five tournaments, whereas Nodirbek’s 55.3 points are the sum of just his three results. The top 10 saw some significant changes as well. Amin Tabatabaei earned 15 points in the Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge – Masters and 7th Sharjah Masters and moved to sixth place, while Parham Maghsoodloo also climbed to seventh place after winning the Aktobe Open – Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial. Wei Yi’s second place finish in the Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz (which translates to 10.5 points) secured him eighth place on the leaderboard, while Volodar Murzin made it into the top 10 after finishing second in the 7th Sharjah Masters. The Superbet Romania Chess Classic featuring, among others, Abdusattorov and Gukesh D, is the most important event in June for the FIDE Circuit 2024 race. We can expect a new leader by the end of the tournament. We maintain a dedicated page on our website for the FIDE Circuit, offering the latest information on eligible tournaments, the current standings, and regulations. Visit: FIDE Circuit 2024.

Chess for Freedom Conference: Program and registration links

FIDE is pleased to unveil the extended list of distinguished speakers and updated program for the upcoming Chess for Freedom Conference, scheduled to take place from June 19 to 21, 2024, in Pune, India. Hosted by Indian Oil Corp. in collaboration with the All India Chess Federation and the Ministry of Justice, this conference aims to highlight the transformative role of chess in correctional facilities worldwide. This conference will bring together leaders and experts from around the world to share their experiences and strategies for leveraging chess as a powerful tool for rehabilitation in correctional facilities. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from diverse international perspectives and contribute to the future direction of the Chess for Freedom initiative. Registration for offline participation (until June 7, 2024):  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsT3pMi1arHIc6nPZxamLlaSplerBWHUU0rY6FIwJG-TYlrA/viewform Registration for online participation:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vw1QkWwUqpZbqjZ_Q95CsZ8xRCNTP5xXX-9dQcsWry8/edit SCHEDULE Day 1: June 19, 2024 Speakers: ● “Chess for Freedom project in India“: Chairman of Indian Oil Corp. will discuss the partnership project. ● “How to achieve 40 facilities in the Championship?“Nadia Cristina Tovar Cruz from Mexico will share details on the Chess for Freedom initiative in Mexico, focusing on the ambitious goal of reaching 40 correctional facilities across the country. ● “Supporting Talents in Prisons State-wide chess initiative” (online): Dr. Cris Fanning, Executive Director, Kansas Department of Corrections, will present online on statewide chess initiatives in the USA. ● “Chess puzzles in prisons, and their relevance to life on the outside” (online): Carl Portman from England will present online on the importance of chess puzzles for inmates. ● Steven Maruwo (Malawi), Hector G., and Emanuel Garcia (USA): These former inmates will share their personal stories of transformation through chess, highlighting its impact on their lives during and after incarceration. Day 2: June 20, 2024 Speakers and Presentations: ● “Social Chess – so much more than a game”: André Vögtlin, FIDE Social Commission Chair, will discuss the broader social impact of chess. ● “Achievements and the future: Intercontinental Chess Championship for prisoners”: Nebojsa Baralic will highlight past successes and plans. ● “Step-by-step to implement Chess for Freedom in prisons” (online): by Grandmaster Kevin Goh Wei Ming outlines the exact program ● “Chess in prisons for resocialization: Evidence based approach” Mikhail Korenman from the USA will present an evidence-based approach to using chess for resocialization. ● “Breaking through the prisons walls with chess”: by Susan Namangale, representing the Gift of Chess initiative ● “Bringing Inmates to Life with the Power of Chess” (online): Jop Delemarre will present online about using chess to bring inmates to life, highlighting the program’s benefits. ● “Georgian experience preparing local tournaments for the world chess championship of prisoners“: by Vasil Lipartelian ● “Building Bridges: Tips, Tricks, and Encouragement for Successful Volunteer Engagement in Correctional Setting“: Lāsma Kokoreviča from Latvia will discuss volunteer engagement in correctional settings. ●     “Checkmate to Stigma: How Chess is Rewriting Inmate Narratives“: by Sergejs Kļimakovs will present on how chess is rewriting inmate narratives and combating stigma. ● “Chess Reinvented: Tailoring Training Strategies for Inmate Learners“: Boris Bruhn from Germany will talk about tailoring chess training for inmates. ● “Chess Empowering Women Behind Bars“: by Batchimeg Tuvshintugs Panel Discussions and Workshops: Panel Discussion: “Chess for Youth Freedom” Featuring David Acheampong (Ghana), Nebojsa Baralic (Serbia), a representative from India, and Vasil Liparteliani (Georgia), this discussion will explore how chess can aid youth rehabilitation. Workshop: “Let’s Shape the Future of the Chess for Freedom” Led by André Vögtlin, this workshop will focus on the future direction of the Chess for Freedom initiative. About the new Speakers: Vasil Liparteliani (Georgia) Vasil Liparteliani serves as the Head of Sport Management programs at the Georgian State University of Physical Education and Sport and is a member of the academic board. Additionally, he is an invited expert in sports for the Special Penitentiary Service under the Ministry of Justice. Liparteliani is also the General Director of LTD “For Sport,” a company responsible for managing sports facilities and providing consulting services to sports organizations. Susan Namangale (Malawi) The Global Head of the Gift of Chess and former President of the Malawi Chess Association, Susuan is also the founder of Dadaz Chess in Malawi. She has spearheaded the distribution of chess sets to prisons in over 20 countries through the Gift of Chess initiative. In Malawi, she launched the chess in prison program via Dadaz Chess, successfully registering two teams for the Intercontinental Chess Championship in 2023. Additionally, she has distributed chess sets to 16 prisons and established strong collaborations with prison authorities in Malawi. Sergejs Kļimakovs (Latvia) Media and Finance professional. FIDE master and ICCF Senior International Master. He is the Leader of the National Correspondence Chess Team of Latvia and has 15 years of experience working as a coach with talented youth. Sergejs is also a voluntary Chess for Freedom trainer in Latvian prisons. Batchimeg Tuvshintugs (Mongolia) International Master and Woman Grandmaster, Honored Athlete of Mongolia, and seven-time participant in the World Chess Olympiad. She also holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the General Executive Agency of Court Decision. Jop Delemarre Jop Delemarre is a distinguished Dutch International Master and renowned chess trainer with more than 20 years of chess training experience, particularly known for his expertise in the Chess Steps curriculum. Delemarre has mentored many young talents who have gone on to earn IM and GM titles. He actively participates in webinars and workshops, sharing his knowledge and training methods with the global chess community​. For more information about the conference, please visit chessforfreedom.fide.com Contact Information: Lasma KokorevichaSecretary of the FIDE Social CommissionEmail: sc.secretary@fide.comWhatsApp: +371 29 221 222

Roberto García Pantoja wins XVII Absolute Championship of the Americas

The Absolute Continental Chess Championship of the Americas 2024, “Jorge Vega In Memoria”, took place in Medellín, Colombia, from May 24 to June 2, 2024. The competition, an 11-round Swiss tournament with classical time control, attracted 387 players (including ten Grandmasters) from 18 countries. The total prize pool was $23,000, with $8,000 reserved for the champion. To the delight of the local chess community, GM Roberto García Pantoja (Colombia) took the prestigious title for the first time in the history of Colombian chess. Up to the midpoint it was a very close race for the top position, but in Rounds 6-10 the Colombian GM notched up five straight victories and pulled away. Going to the final round a full point ahead of his closest competitors, he made a quick draw with IM Renato Terry from Peru to secure gold with an impressive score of 9.5/11   A huge group of 11 players, including the top seed Jeffery Xiong and 10-year-old chess prodigy from Argentina FM Faustino Oro, finished a point behind the champion and tied for second place. The four top finishers punched their tickets to the FIDE World Cup 2025. Lelys Stanley Martinez Duany emerged as the winner of the rapid event, whereas Luis Ernesto Quesada Perez won the blitz tournament.  Final standings: 1 GM Garcia Pantoja, Roberto COL 2526 9½ 2 GM Xiong, Jeffery USA 2645 8½ 3 GM Henriquez Villagra, Cristobal CHI 2588 8½ 4 IM Ghazarian, Kirk USA 2459 8½ 5 IM Wang, Justin USA 2504 8½ 6 GM Quesada Perez, Luis CUB 2567 8½ 7 IM Terry, Renato PER 2521 8½ 8 FM Oro, Faustino ARG 2351 8½ 9 GM Corrales Jimenez, Fidel USA 2545 8½ 10 GM Martinez Duany, Lelys Stanley CUB 2456 8½ Complete final standings The event featured special guests visiting Colombia for the first time. Former World Champion, Bulgarian GM Veselin Topalov, in a first for the country, visited a hospital and a prison. He also gave simultaneous exhibitions in different locations around Medellín, where he was warmly received by hundreds of fans and shared enjoyable moments. One of the event’s highlights was undoubtedly the commentary team, which included Spanish GM José “Pepe” Cuenca, the top Colombian Chess YouTuber, and the highly popular streamer FM José Luis Castañeda “PupiloChess,” alongside Colombian FM Mauricio Ríos. Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez Facebook

FIDE World Junior Championship kicks off in Gujarat, India

The 2024 edition of the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship has just commenced in Radisson GIFT City, Gujarat, India.  Almost 230 players from 44 countries are participating in this competition, with 125 players (including 13 GMs) from 39 countries in the open section. The highest-rated player in the tournament is GM Abhimanyu Mishra (2627) from the USA.  The girl’s section attracted 101 players (including two WGMs) from 27 countries. IM Divya Deshmukh (2456) from India is the top seed in this tournament.  The first day of the championship was marked by a technical meeting led by the chief arbiter, IA Ashot Vardapetyan. This was followed by a grand opening ceremony, graced by the presence of Ankit Dalal, Dev Patel – Secretary of the All India Chess Federation, Geet Sethi – professional billiard player, and Grandmasters Viswanathan Anand and Tejas Bakre.  GM Viswanathan Anand and Geet Sethi made the first symbolic move of the event.  The live broadcast can be accessed here: Open section: live.aicf.in/worldjunior2024/open/index.html  Girl section: live.aicf.in/worldjunior2024/girls/index.html Photos: Sarangam Production

FIDE June 2024 rating list published

The top 10 saw no significant changes this past month. It was a relatively quiet month the FIDE Candidates in Toronto.  Biggest gains in Top 100 Open and Women Sliwicka, Alicja WIM POL 2375 (+46) Garifullina, Leya IM FID 2458 (+28) Fataliyeva, Ulviyya IM AZE 2399 (+22) Kulon, Klaudia IM POL 2380 (+22) Murzin, Volodar GM FID 2650 (+19) Buksa, Nataliya IM UKR 2402 (+19) Deshmukh, Divya IM IND 2456 (+16) Aravindh, Chithambaram GM IND 2684 (+14) Shankland, Sam GM USA 2683 (+12) Lu, Miaoyi WGM CHN 2449 (+12) Alicja Sliwicka (pictured below) became the greatest rating gainer in May, following her strong performance at the European Women’s Championship in Rhodes, which earned her 46 rating points.  Photo: Tomasz Makowski The new European Women’s Champion, Ulviyya Fataliyeva, significantly improved her rating, coming very close to the 2400 mark. Klaudia Kulon and Nataliya Buksa also overperformed in Rhodes and picked up rating points.  Divya Deshmukh (pictured below) and Leya Garifullina did an excellent job in the 7th Sharjah Challengers 2024, tying for first place and earning significant rating points in this competition. As a result, both are joining the top 25 Women for the first time. Photo: Aditya Sur Roy The 7th Sharjah Masters featured a strong field, with four players tied for first place. All four gained impressive rating points, with Sam Shankland and Volodar Murzin (pictured below) making it onto our list. Notably, Murzin debuted in the top 100 Open, climbing to the 83rd position. Aravindh Chithambaram collected only 3 points in this competition but put in a strong performance in the Dubai Police Global Challenge Masters that translates into 11 points and his debut in the top 50 Open. Photo: Maria Emelianova /Chess.com Lu Miaoyi shared first place in the Chinese Women’s Championship to gain 12 rating points. 

FIDE World Championship Match 2024: Host city bids submitted

The FIDE World Chess Championship Match is the pinnacle of the FIDE World Championship Cycle. The 2024 edition will decide who will reign the chess world for the next two years – the reigning world champion, Ding Liren (China), or the youngest challenger in chess history, Gukesh D (India).  The World Championship Match 2024 is provisionally scheduled between November 20 and December 15, 2024.  After opening the bidding procedure to host the event, FIDE received three applications that met all the criteria. These bids came from New Delhi (India), Chennai (India) and Singapore, vying to host the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024.  All three bids will be discussed at the upcoming FIDE Council meeting scheduled for the next week. The representatives of all three bids will be invited to the meeting to share more details and answer questions. The final decision to be made by FIDE Council later this month.

Polish Championships 2024: Double victory for married couple

Radosław Wojtaszek and Alina Kashlinskaya are the new Polish Champions. A rare feat by a married couple! Radosław won his sixth title and is now just one victory short of Wlodzimierz Schmidt’s record (7 titles). Alina claimed her maiden gold in this prestigious event.  In addition to the titles, the new Polish champions will receive cash prizes – 25,000 PLN (approximately USD 6,350) each. The PGNiG TERMIKA Individual Polish Chess Championship and Dr Irena Eris Cosmetics Individual Polish Women’s Chess Championship took place from May 22 to 30 in Rzeszow, the largest city in southeastern Poland. Unlike the last three editions, the tournaments were played in the same format: a 10-player round-robin. In the open event, Radosław Wojtaszek confirmed his status as pre-tournament favorite. The top seed turned in an excellent performance, scoring 7/9 and finishing with three straight victories. Jacek Tomczak and Mateusz Bartel netted 5.5/9 and tied for second place, with the former claiming silver thanks to superior tiebreaks. Wojtaszek and Tomczak became the only unbeaten participants in the event.  Final standings open: 1. Wojtaszek, Radosław 2671 +9 7 2. Tomczak, Jacek 2584 +6 5½ 3. Bartel, Mateusz 2645 -2 5½ 4. Moranda, Wojciech 2554 +4 5 5. Soćko, Bartosz 2556 -1 4½ 6. Piorun, Kacper 2611 -8 4½ 7. Gumularz, Szymon 2593 -6 4½ 8. Kosakowski, Jakub 2476 +5 4 9. Psyk, Radosław 2478 -6 3 10. Koziorowicz, Michał 2324 -5 1½ The women’s competition was a much closer affair that came down to the wire. Alexandra Maltsevskaya led most of the tournament but stumbled in the penultimate round, allowing Alina Kashlinskaya to catch up. Both leaders won their last-round games to finish on 7/9 and share first place. The second seed, Monica Socko, finished third with 6.5 points.  A rapid tie-breaker was played to determine the champion. After drawing the first game, Alina won the second one with the white pieces and captured the title.  Final standings women: 1. Kashlinskaya, Alina 2468  +6 7 2. Maltsevskaya, Aleksandra 2392  +15 7 3. Soćko, Monika 2431  +5 6½ 4. Kiolbasa, Oliwia 2387  +1 5½ 5. Antolak, Julia 2309  +12 5 6. Śliwicka, Alicja 2329  -13 4 7. Siekańska, Maria 2181  +8 3 8. Jarocka, Liwia 2234  -9 3 9. Rudzińska, Michalina 2315  -40 2½ 10. Barwińska, Ewa 2106-19 ​ 1½ Photo: Michal Walusza Official website: mp2024.pzszach.pl/ Photos: Polski Związek Szachowy Facebook

Interview: Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. on сhess and business

Chess as a Global Business Language By Milan Dinic Freedom Holding Corp.’s CEO, Timur Turlov, has positioned his company as a formidable supporter of chess on the world stage. Now, he explains why and what connections he sees between the game and the business world Freedom Holding Corp., a global diversified financial services company with a presence in 19 countries and roots in Kazakhstan, has, in recent years, emerged as a key supporter of chess worldwide. Headed by a 36-year-old financier and chess enthusiast, Timur Turlov, the company has recently sponsored some of the most prestigious events in chess, including the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Almaty in 2022 and the Match for the World Championship Title held in Astana in April 2023. Freedom Holding Corp. is also sponsoring other events aimed at promoting chess globally but also in Kazakhstan where they want to grow local talent and give more exposure to chess in central Asia. Turlov is also the president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Photo: Anna Shtourman This year, the company has partnered with FIDE to organize the World Corporate Chess Championship, which will take place in New York from June 14 to 17. The event will bring together chess players of different levels from major world companies playing in a competitive format.  Ahead of the spectacle in New York, FIDE spoke with Timur Turlov about his involvement in chess and the links between the game and business. FIDE: What inspired you to sponsor a chess event for corporations? Timur Turlov: Chess has become one of the most popular and engaging games in recent years, and some talented players work for the corporations taking part in this event, Freedom Holding Corp. included! Working with a global chess partner such as FIDE allows these corporations to showcase their talented team members and brings world-class organizations together in a spirit of camaraderie, competition, and, most of all, fun. And in today’s world, we think that all of us could use a little more fun! FIDE: What do you hope to achieve through this sponsorship? T.T: We are interested in promoting a spirit of fellowship and understanding amongst diverse peoples of the world, and we would like the Freedom Holding Corp. name to be synonymous with this. We have seen this work very well on a micro level in Kazakhstan [Turlov’s home country – note], where citizens of highly diverse ethnicities come together in peace and engagement over the board, and we think this has the potential for similar success on a macro-international level. Photo: Anna Shtourman FIDE: How does sponsoring this chess event align with your company’s values or mission statement? T.T: At Freedom Holding Corp. we have a strong drive towards community engagement, personal improvement, and the social elevation of all members of the societies we operate in. Better resources, well-being, and the expansion of thoughtful engagement between all people are good for everyone. In fact, we think it is the foundation of peaceful coexistence. In one way or another, chess touches on all these issues. FIDE: How is business relevant to chess? T.T: Strategy, deeper longer-term thinking, engagement, understanding of the person across from you, and sometimes compromise to get to an ultimate goal, are all hallmarks of chess that have analogies in business. I am sure all the corporate challengers at this year’s championship understand this. FIDE: Let’s be more specific – how does the strategic thinking and planning in chess reflect the decision-making process in your company? T.T: Life is a diverse thing, which can sometimes feel like a race or a roller coaster. Over short periods of time, we experience radically different moments and cycle through a whole range of emotions, which can affect our decision-making process. And that’s okay. But I think what’s important in this fast-paced race is to step back and reflect on how we can try to live in the moment, be thoughtful, and achieve a kind of balance so that we can make good decisions that create an environment that generates positive outcomes. Chess is about this kind of patience and balance that allows you to realize the full potential of an opportunity, i.e., checkmate, when the time is right. Photo: Mark Livshitz FIDE: In recent years, we have seen Freedom Holding sponsoring several important chess events globally. Where did the interest in chess come from, and what are your plans for the future? T.T: Some time ago, we realized the universal language of chess and its value in character development when introduced at an early age. Think about it in these terms: chess knows no borders, requires no special translators, and brings together the most unlikely sorts of people across the board and – across continents! We like to believe that the Freedom Holding Corp. model of business functions in very much the same way. We now have a presence in 19 different countries, and we expect this number to grow. And while we do, of course, use translators, we do speak a common language around advancement, social responsibility, community engagement, and business success in the regions in which we operate.  You can be assured that we will continue our involvement in the chess community for some time to come!

VII Festival in Salamanca: Ruslan Ponomariov clinches title

The Salamanca Chess Festival 2024 took place from May 22-25, 2024, in Salamanca, Spain, known as a cradle of modern chess. The main event, an 8-player round-robin featuring Alekseenko, Ponomariov, Adams, Iturrizaga, Mariya Muzychuk, Salimova, Paehtz, Calzetta (four men and four women) with the time control of 45+5 was aimed to commemorate the newborn rules of the modern chess published back in 1497. These new rules were written by Lucena, a student at Salamanca University, who published them in an incunabulum titled “Art of chess with 150 match games”. One of these copies is preserved in the University Historical Library.   The participants competed in a luxurious playing hall, the former Banco de España, a few meters from the Plaza Mayor, with beautiful graphic designs and extraordinary technical means, with the Alumni team of the University of Salamanca at the forefront. The tournament had strong exposure on different platforms and social networks, as well as a YouTube channel. After the first day, the German Elisabeth Paehtz and Kirill Alekseenko, representing Austria, grabbed the lead, scoring 2/2. The German GM convincingly outplayed Muzychuk and then surprisingly beat Iturrizaga with the black pieces. The young Bulgarian Salimova had a crushing attack vs Alekseenko in Round 2 but eventually fell in a topsy-turvy game. Meanwhile, Ponomariov and Adams, against the odds, netted only a half-point each in two games. On the second day, the situation turned around. The two leaders faltered a little and allowed Adams and Ponomariov to recover. Alekseenko went too far against Ponomariov, but to the Ukranian’s credit, he defended very well and finally won by direct attack on the black king. Adams had a slight advantage against Paehtz that he evenutally converted after the German’s gross mistake. Elsewhere, Salimova crushed Spain’s Calzetta, and Iturrizaga soundly defeated former Women’s World Champion Muzychuk.   The fourth round saw women-vs-men clash on all four boards. Muzychuk was the big winner against the odds, toppling Michael Adams. The Englishman desperately tried to squeeze water out of a stone in a slightly better position, but Mariya reacted well and created counterplay on the kingside until Adams blundered miserably. For her part, the Spaniard Calzetta got an edge against Iturrizaga (in fact, she was winning) but then collapsed in a position with chances to equalise. Salimova tested always interesting Trompowsky against Ponomariov but played perhaps too actively and created some weaknesses in her pawn formation, which was the decisive factor in the endgame. Finally, Elizabeth Paehtz had a hard time facing Alekseenko and threw in the towel on move 49.  Consequently, Alekseenko and Iturrizaga took the lead with 3 points, followed by Ponomariov with 2.5 points.   On Friday, only one round was played, with the last two decisive rounds to go. Alekseenko won against Muzychuk in a typical Nimzo-Indian position, which was slightly better for her but solid for Black. Mariya went wrong on the move 13 and gradually fell into an inferior position. Kirill wrapped it up with a nice tactic on move 28.  Ponomariov beat the Spanish Calzetta, showing his recovery after the bad results of the first day. Paehtz and Salimova drew with the ‘New London’. Adams could not prevail over Iturrizaga despite having a bishop pair. On this day, a special activity was organised, such as a visit to the Library of the University of Salamanca, so that the privileged attendees could see the Lucena incunabulum, on which the rules of modern chess are based. A marvel which, according to urban legends, was one of the first ‘modern’ witnesses to the world champion Boris Spassky on his visit to Salamanca in 1991, and one of those who emphasised the importance of preserving it and giving it the space it deserves in the history of the city of Salamanca.    Before Saturday’s final day, there were three definite candidates for the title: the sole leader, Kiriil Alekseenko, Ruslan Ponomariov and the Spanish-Venezuelan Eduardo Iturrizaga, both trailing Kirill by a half-point. The key games of the day were, in the sixth round, Alekseenko-Iturrizaga and Ponomariov-Paehtz. And in the seventh and final round, Muzychuk-Ponomariov, Iturrizaga-Salimova and Adams-Alekseenko were scheduled. Kirill Alekseenko, residing in Valencia (he already speaks a little Spanish), had the most difficult opponents ahead of him.  But he settled his duel with his direct rival Iturrizaga with considerable aplomb in a Caro-Kann defence variant of the advance, where he had the advantage of space and better pieces. But Eduardo counter-attacked on the queenside, and in a few moves, everything became very complicated. Kirill rose to the challenge and scored a very important victory. Meanwhile, Adams made quick work of Paehtz to stay within striking distance from the leader.  Facing Muzychink with the black pieces in the final seventh round, Ponomariov played with great originality, trying to create attacking chances on the queenside. Eventually, it paid off, as Anna lost her thread in a better position and capitulated on move 45. This result forced Alekseenko to press hard against Adams because, in the case of a draw, Ponomariov won the tie-break due to his victory in the direct encounter. Michael was a little worse off in the opening, as Kirill emerged with an extra pawn. However, it wasn’t easy because the Englishman had some compensation and later on managed to complicate the game with a c5-break, almost forcing the d5-advance. Trying to win at any cost Alekseenko took it too far, making the crucial mistake on move 43 that cost him the game and the title.     Final standings: 1 GM Ponomariov, Ruslan UKR 2646 5½ 2 GM Alekseenko, Kirill AUT 2677 5 3 GM Iturrizaga Bonelli, Eduardo ESP 2590 4½ 4 GM Adams, Michael ENG 2676 3½ 5 GM Paehtz, Elisabeth GER 2457 3½ 6 IM Salimova, Nurgyul BUL 2436 3 7 GM Muzychuk, Mariya UKR 2510 2½ 8 WGM Calzetta Ruiz, Monica ESP 2242 0½ Official website: salamancachess.com Photos: official website

Call for Bids: FIDE World Championships 2025

FIDE Events Commission announces the procedure “Call for Bids FIDE World Championships 2025” and invites FIDE member Federations to participate. The deadline for submitting bids is July 1, 2024, 15:00 CET. There are competitions on the list: World Junior U20 Chess Championships World Youth U16 Olympiad World Schools Team Chess Championships World Disabled Chess Championships Dear bidders, You can find more details about the procedure, including the Bid Form and Its Annex and bid and Deposit Fees, HERE.