Oncological Chess shines at International Congress in Menorca
The II Congress of Chess, Education and Health – a vital meeting of chess minds, health professionals and dedicators to education – took place in Menorca, Spain from March 22-24. Under the direction of Pep Suarez, renowned psychologist, chess educator, and trainer, this event brought a distinguished international panel of speakers interested in educational and therapeutic chess to the island of Menorca. The Congress has marked a starting point for initiating collaborations between individuals from different parts of the world, joining efforts and energies to turn our beloved game into a social, inclusive, and healthy tool. The highlight of the event was the presentation of an innovative approach: Oncological Chess. FIDE Commission for Women’s Commission Chess always encourages members to bring new initiatives to have more women and girls of all ages around the world and pay attention to social and inclusive ideas. The Commission invited WOM Susana Goncalves, president of Chess2All, a non-profit association in Portugal, to officially present a stunning pilot project in Portugal shared in the meeting of June 2023, embracing women affected by breast cancer and childhood cancer moms. With the “Queens Rise” program, the opening lecture shined with Franck Droin on behalf of the “Health Social Disability” Commission of the French Chess Federation, followed by its partner Chess2all, represented by Vice President Tânia Chéu. Ongoing experiments in France (Paris) and Portugal (Porto) are already showing encouraging first results. Oncological Chess, an intelligent fusion of chess strategy and oncological therapy, has captured the attention of health enthusiasts and experts alike. It is internationally aimed at evaluating how the game of chess can participate in “Supportive Care” to limit cognitive disorders linked to chemotherapy. All chess federations were invited to join forces with French Chess Federation and Portuguese Chess Federation. Franck Droin, leader of the global team project, explained the importance of the program and the involvement of more partners. To share experiences, Tânia Chéu explained how Chess2All developed a pilot in Portugal by an interdisciplinary team of chess and oncology specialists with the assistance of League Against Cancer. To close the presentation, the passionate WOM Susana Gonçalves came up on stage to present PROJECT 2C – Moms & kids with Cancer, one of the most important social innovation projects of Chess2All. Its main goal is to promote cognition, emotional well-being, and socialization in cancer patients. The project presents magic moves with chess, used as a tool to entertain, and is dedicated to children hospitalised in an oncological hospital with their moms. “This pilot project was developed last year in Portugal with the help of other experts and volunteers. I thank all to have the courage enough for joining the team and contributing and sharing the knowledge, time and energy to create this project so now we can share it with other brave countries who have the courage to take it on and take it on as a pilot and spread it,” said WOM Susana Gonçalves very proud it is moving forward, hoping next year to delivery as a pilot project in different countries members of FIDE WOM. The innovative approach immediately sparked interest among congress participants. The event marked an exciting turning point at the intersection of chess and medicine, promising new possibilities for the well-being of oncology patients worldwide. Our warmest thanks go to Pep Suarez and his excellent team for providing a professional and social environment for all speakers and participants. As the International Chess Congress ends in Menorca, it is clear that Oncological Chess is not just a bold move on the board but also a movement of hope and healing for those facing the battle against cancer. BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES!
FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 to feature the Iconic World Chess Sets
The Iconic World Chess Sets will be used at the FIDE Candidates Tournament and the Championship Match; FIDE Continues Collaboration with World Chess on the Chess Sets for 2024-2025. Toronto, March 29 — The tradition that has lasted since 2012 continues as the major FIDE events, including the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 and the 2024 Championship Match, will exclusively use the iconic World Chess Championship sets. The sets, designed by Pentagram for World Chess, have become synonymous with the pinnacle of chess competition, adorning the stages of the FIDE Championship Matches, the Candidates Tournaments, and other prestigious events for over a decade. This partnership extends through 2025, ensuring these remarkable sets remain integral to the chess world’s most elite competitions. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, the World Chess Championship sets have earned a place as one of the most sought-after chess sets globally. Manufactured by World Chess, they epitomize the perfect blend of form and function, capturing the essence of chess at its highest level. All Championship Matches and Candidates Tournaments since 2012 have used the same chess design, which was initially developed with input from Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik, among others. “The chess board and pieces are often the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of chess. The evolution of design and craftsmanship in chess sets throughout history has elevated them to the status of art. These visual components play an important role in shaping the game’s image and promotion. We are delighted that the tradition of specially designing chess sets for top events has emerged, and we look forward to its continuation,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. “Chess is a collection of traditions, almost like a religious act: a handshake, recording a move, a dress code… I am happy that World Chess, together with FIDE, has built another tradition — a special set for special events. Now, it’s all about the games!” says Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess. World Chess manufactures different variants of its iconic design, ranging from premium redwood options to high-quality plastic sets for club play. Available for purchase online and in select elite stores around the world, including the prestigious Harrods in London, the World Chess Championship sets offer enthusiasts the opportunity to bring home a piece of chess history. Ahead of the highly anticipated FIDE Candidates Tournament in April 2024 and the prestigious FIDE World Championship Match in November 2024, World Chess is thrilled to unveil a special limited edition chess set. Crafted from ebony wood and housed in a classic World Chess black box adorned with iconic symbols representing the FIDE Championship Cycle, this set boasts a solid black wooden chess board with a smooth finish, perfect for championship-level matches. Each board features a metal plaque displaying the edition number and a commemorative inscription honoring the legacy of the World Chess Championship. About World Chess World Chess Plc (LSE: CHSS) is a London-based chess gaming and entertainment company and Fédération Internationale des Échecs (‘FIDE’) official commercial partner. World Chess organized the FIDE Championship Matches in the USA, and the UK, and revolutionized the sport by signing the biggest media partnerships in history. World Chess develops Armageddon, the chess league for prime-time television. World Chess also runs FIDE Online Arena, the exclusive official chess gaming platform. More at worldchess.com.
Across the board: Fostering unity and empowerment in Africa through chess
Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess and other FIDE officials continue their transformative journey across Africa. With visits to Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Botswana, and South Africa, the delegation is set to inspire communities with the values chess instills. Côte d’Ivoire became the country, spotlighting women’s empowerment and the educational potential of chess. The visit by Dana Reizniece-Ozola and Anastasia Sorokina, to Côte d’Ivoire, marked a significant step forward in the global chess community’s efforts to foster inclusivity and cognitive development through the game. During the visit, several important official meetings were held. FIDE delegation, together with the President of the Ivorian Chess Federation, Justin Brou, engaged in pivotal discussions with the Ministry of Sports and Living Environment of Côte d’Ivoire, including the Director of the Cabinet Mr. Alfred N’Guessan Yao, and Chief of Staff Mr. Kragbe, laying the groundwork for the support of multiple chess tournaments and initiatives. The key topics included integrating chess into the national educational curriculum, promoting women in chess, and government support for events in which players will represent Côte d’Ivoire, namely: – The Zonal 4.2 in Monrovia, Liberia (May 9 – 19) – The 10th international French-speaking chess meeting in Quebec, Canada (August 12 – 20) – The 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary (September 10 – 23) A highlight of the visit was the emphasis on women’s empowerment through chess. The delegation advocated for increased female participation at all levels, aiming to break stereotypes and encourage the development of women and girls in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond. The ministry pledged its support, recognizing the potential to elevate the nation’s sporting landscape. The next day, the “Chess Princess of Côte d’Ivoire” tournament was held at Nid De Cocody school in Abidjan for 18 participants. Though announced as a female event, several boys joined, reflecting progress made since last year’s visit and lectures “Chess is an equal game”. After the tournament, all participants enjoyed a simultaneous exhibition with FIDE WOM Chair, IM Anastasia Sorokina. Anastasia Sorokina also visited ISM ADONAI University where she delivered an inspirational talk for the students, “Chess is for everyone”, and met the CIV woman champion (2022 and 2023), Marie Yavo Tchetche. “It was a great honour and pleasure for us to meet Dana and Anastasia,” said the President of the Ivorian Chess Federation, Justin BROU. “I am sure that our cooperation will contribute to the development of chess in schools and women’s chess as well. All the members of my team are very grateful to FIDE for their support and partnership.”
FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championships 2024: Registration is open
FIDE and the Uzbekistan Chess Federation invite all FIDE member federations to participate in the World Junior U20 Rapid & Blitz Championships 2024. Each federation can register any number of players. The championships will be held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from August 1 (arrival) to August 8 (departure) 2024. The winners of the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024 and the first 10 players on the starting list (10 for the open list and 10 for the girls’ list) will receive free accommodation in a double or triple room and full board. FIDE member Federations should proceed with the registration of their participants. The official registration link is to be requested by official email. Email: wjrb@fide.com The registration deadline is June 1, 2024. Official website will be launched on May 1st: wjrb2024.fide.com Invitation letter and regulations (pdf) Photo: Ymblanter
FIDE World School Rapid and Blitz Championships 2024: Registration is open
FIDE and the Uzbekistan Chess Federation invite all FIDE member federations to participate in the World Schools Rapid & Blitz Championships 2024 in the U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17 categories. The championships will be held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The dates of Championships are from August 1 (arrival) to August 8 (departure) 2024. Participants must not have reached their 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th birthday before January 1st, 2024. FIDE member Federations should proceed with the registration of their participants. The registration link is to be requested by official email. Email: schoolsrapidblitz@fide.com The registration deadline is June 1, 2024. The official website will be launched on May 1: schoolsrapidblitz2024.fide.com/ Regulations and invitation letter (pdf) Photo: Guidecity
FIDE Candidates 2024: All set for the chess tournament of the year in Toronto
The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 is set to take place in Toronto, Canada, from April 3 to 23, 2024. This event marks a historic occasion as it is the first time the Candidates Tournament will be held in North America. Another first for the 2024 edition: the FIDE Candidates and FIDE Women’s Candidates are organized together under one roof on the same dates. What: FIDE Candidates Tournament Where: The Great Hall, Toronto, Canada When: April 3-23, 2024 Who: Caruana, Nakamura, Firouzja, Nepomniachtchi, Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vidit, Abasov, Goryachkina, Lei, Koneru, Lagno, Tan, Anna Muzychuk, Vaishali R, Salimova Why: The winner will challenge the World Champion for the title All info: candidates.fide.com Eight players in each tournament have gone through the excruciating qualification process to earn a chance at becoming a challenger for the world championship title and facing World Champion Ding Liren and Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun at the end of this year. In addition to the coveted first place, players will compete for a share of the prize funds of €500,000 in the Candidates Tournament and €250,000 in the Women’s Candidates Tournament. The lineups pique curiosity as several young talents enter the late stages of the world championship cycle for the first time. We are witnessing another generational shift in chess, and the only question that remains is whether the youngsters will make their mark this year or conquer the chess world in subsequent cycles. FIDE Candidates Tournament Participants: Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE, 2758) – qualified as the previous World Championship match runner-up. Praggnanandhaa R (India, 2747) – qualified as the 2023 World Cup runner-up. Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2804) – qualified as the third-place finisher at the 2023 World Cup. Nijat Abasov (Azerbaijan, 2632) – qualified as the fourth-place finisher at the 2023 World Cup after the winner, Magnus Carlsen, declined his right to participate. Vidit Gujrathi (India, 2747) – qualified as the 2023 Grand Swiss winner. Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2789) – qualified as the 2023 Grand Swiss runner-up. Alireza Firouzja (France, 2760) – qualified as the best by rating on January 1, 2024. Gukesh D (India, 2747) – qualified as the 2023 FIDE Circuit winner. FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament Participants: Lei Tingjie (China, 2550) – qualified as the previous World Championship match runner-up. Kateryna Lagno (FIDE, 2542) – qualified as the 2022−23 Women’s Grand Prix winner. Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE, 2553) – qualified as the 2022−23 Women’s Grand Prix runner-up. Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria, 2426) – qualified as the 2023 Women’s World Cup runner-up. Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine, 2520) – qualified as the third-place finisher at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Vaishali R (India, 2481) – qualified as the 2023 Women’s Grand Swiss winner. Tan Zhongyi (China, 2521) – qualified as the 2023 Women’s Grand Swiss runner-up. Humpy Koneru (India, 2546) – qualified as the best by rating on January 1, 2024. The rating spot became available as a replacement for the Women’s World Cup winner, since Goryachkina had already qualified through the WGP. As Ian Nepomniachtchi attempts to win his third consecutive Candidates Tournament, setting an unprecedented record, for youngsters like Praggnanandhaa (18) and Gukesh (17), as well as Vidit and Abasov, both in their late twenties, this will be their first Candidates event. Firouzja, the former world’s #2, despite being only 20 years old, already has one Candidates Tournament experience. Seasoned players Caruana (world’s #2) and Nakamura (world’s #3) are certainly two of the main favorites. For the first time, both do not need to cross the Atlantic to participate in the event, but instead, they can enjoy the home turf advantage. The women’s event marks the third Women’s Candidates since FIDE reformed the women’s world championship cycle in 2019. The fourth-highest-rated woman in chess history and the rating favorite of the tournament, Aleksandra Goryachkina, has already been a challenger for the World Championship in 2020. By the starting ranks, her closest rival seems to be Lei Tingjie, who lost the world championship match a year earlier. The two are currently rated world’s #3 and #4, closely followed by Koneru (#4) and Lagno (#5), the other two rating favorites of the tournament. Many sympathies will be with 22-year-old Vaishali R, the sister of Praggnanandhaa R. For both, this is their debut at the Candidates, marking the first time in history that a brother and sister participate in the final stage of the chess world championship qualification. Both events are double round-robin, meaning that each player will face seven of their rivals twice, once with white and once with black pieces. Fourteen rounds of the tournament will be played over three weeks, with four rest days. The first rest day, on April 8, will allow the participants and guests to witness the total solar eclipse, which will be visible across Toronto between 2:04 p.m. and 4:31 p.m., with the peak occurring at 3:19 p.m. FIDE and the Local Organizing Committee are committed to creating an unforgettable chess festival for enthusiasts from Toronto and beyond. Local chess clubs are preparing an extensive list of side events and activities, such as the Chess Olympiad torch relay, blitz and rapid tournaments, watch parties, chess documentary screenings, lectures, and masterclasses. Access to the main event, the venue of the Candidates Tournament, is by ticket. The most popular dates and times are already sold out. Local favorites GMs Eric Hansen and Aman Hambleton will host the fan zone situated at the tournament venue. The online broadcast of the event will, as usual, attract millions of views. The official FIDE show will feature GM Viswanathan Anand and GM Irina Krush as commentators. Shockingly, all this was on the verge of not happening due to the wait times for the players’ visas. On March 1, just a month before the tournament, FIDE issued a plea on social media, asking for the Canadian Government’s support in resolving an issue with visa application approvals. At that moment, most of the players, who had submitted their applications months earlier, had not received any updates on their status. Behind the scenes, FIDE, the Chess Federation of Canada,
Reykjavik Open 2024: Bogdan-Daniel Deac captures title
Bogdan-Daniel Deac triumphed in the Reykjavik Open 2024. The top seed GM from Romania clinched the title thanks to a crucial final-round victory. The 2024 edition of Reykjavik Open, a nine-round Swiss tournament supported by the FIDE Aid Package, took place from March 14 to 21 in Iceland’s capital. The event attracted over 400 players and had a strong women’s presence, with six out of the top 50 women in the world participating. Similar to many previous editions, the Reykjavik Open 2024 was a very close race with at least two players sharing the first place most of the way (the only exception was the sole lead by Alisher Suleymenov after Round 7). Going to the final ninth round as many as six players – Bogdan-Daniel Deac (Romania), Paulius Pultinevicius (Lithuania), Praveen Balakrishnan (USA), Sebastien Maze (France), Alisher Suleymenov (Kazakhstan) and Gudmundur Kjartansson (Iceland) – were tied for the top position with 6.5/8 while seventeen players trailed this sextet by a half-point. Only Bogdan-Daniel Deac emerged victorious in the last-round leaders’ clashes, prevailing over Alisher Suleymenov with the black pieces on board 1, while the games Pultinevicius – Balakrishnan and Maze – Kjartansson (Sebastian had a decisive advantage but let the victory slip away) were drawn. As a result, Bogdan-Daniel finished clear first with 7.5/9, a half-point ahead of seven players on 7/9, with Sebastien Maze and Paulius Pultinevicius making the podium based on a superior Buchholz. Final standings: 1 GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac 2690 7½ 2 GM Sebastien Maze 2551 7 3 GM Paulius Pultinevicius 2575 7 4 GM Praveen Balakrishnan 2490 7 5 GM Vahap Sanal 2558 7 6 IM Matthew J Wadsworth 2450 7 7 GM Gudmundur Kjartansson 2465 7 8 GM Hedinn Steingrimsson 2477 7 9 GM Emre Can 2551 6½ 10 IM Jakub Seemann 2451 6½ Photos: Ómar Óskarsson and Hallfríður Sigurðardóttir Official website: reykjavikopen.com/
FIDE torch relay reaches Africa
After it set off from India, the Chess Torch relay – which will travel the world celebrating the first centenary of FIDE – has reached the African continent Accompanied by FIDE officials, including Tshepiso Lopang, the President of the African Chess Confederation and Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of FIDE’s Management Board, the torch arrived in Ghana’s capital, Accra. In Ghana, the inaugural leg of the celebration featured Reizniece-Ozola’s simultaneous chess game exhibition and enlightening lecture at the Senior Correctional Centre, which, despite the suggestion from its name, actually holds juveniles (under the age of 18) convicted of criminal or civil offences. The lecture was part of the “Chess for Freedom” project launched in 2021 and which has since then gained global attention and support. FIDE delegation also visited the final rounds of the African Individual Chess Championships 2024. 9-round Swiss events stretched from March 13-20 and were won by Bassem Amin (Egypt) and Jesse Nikki February (South Africa). A “Little Princess” girls’ chess tournament featured by the FIDE Commission for Women in Chess and a teachers training course by the FIDE Commission for Chess in Education was held. Reizniece-Ozola, together with the President of the Ghana Chess Association, Philip Elikem Ameku, met with senior chess, sports, and government officials of Ghana, including the Board Chairman of Ghana’s National Sports Authority, Seth Panwum, and the Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mawuko Afadzinu. Highlighting the transformative power of chess in education, Seth Panwum remarked, “We want to develop the best versions of our young ones, and we see that chess in education can play a great role in it. Athletic, smart people are the future.” Mawko Afadzinu, the Vice President of Ghana Olympic Committee emphasized the importance of the African Games where chess was featured as one of the sports. This year Ghana played host to the 13th edition of the African Games and the GOC has promised to provide full support to the Ghana Chess Federation’s attempt to host the African School Chess Championship 2024 in the premises of the games. Expressing gratitude for Ghana’s hospitality, Reizniece-Ozola asserted: “The inclusion of chess in the African Games is a testament to its growing prominence. Our aspiration for Olympic recognition remains steadfast, and commencing the African leg of the Chess Torch relay in Ghana is a momentous step toward realizing our vision.” As the evening settled, the torch flame rose at the center of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in downtown Accra, which honors the legacy of the first president of Ghana. The park also has a chess connection – as it was there where the first chess club in Accra started. With the sounds of trumpets and drums, the Chess Torch was placed in an open-top car and embarked on a procession to the Independence Arch, where chess fans and onlookers enjoyed an evening of music and chess. The festivities culminated at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, where African chess champions, Egyptian Grandmaster Bassem Amin and Women International Master from South Africa Jesse February, ceremoniously passed the torch to Tshepiso Lopang, President of the African Chess Confederation, who ignited the cauldron, symbolizing the enduring flame of chess in Africa. With the chess flame reaching Africa, the “Mother Continent”, the relay continues, moving to Europe. On April 07 the torch ceremony will be held in Bern, Switzerland. Celebrations will be held on Bundesplatz, the social heart of the city and will also feature simultaneous exhibition games with top chess players, presentation of a postal stamp dedicated to the 100th anniversary of FIDE and Gala Dinner with FIDE100 awards. Photos: Niki Riga
Levon Aronian and Alice Lee win American Cup 2024
UPDATE March 22, 2024 After winning the final championship match against Irina Krush yesterday, Alice Lee forced the Grand Final match, which consisted of four rapid games and a blitz tiebreaker if necessary. The winner took the first prize and the title. Irina won the first game but Alice bounced back in the second one leveling the score. Krush won the third rapid game in a fine positional style and needed just a draw with white in the fourth rapid encounter to win the title. However, she blundered a pawn early in the opening and Alice won on demand to equalize again forcing a blitz (3+2) tiebreaker. The youngster gradually outmanoeuvred Irina with the black pieces in the first blitz game and took the lead for the first time in this match. Going into the second blitz game, Krush was in a must-win situation, and she chose the King-Indian Defence. Irina reached a winning position in a very complicated battle but slipped up in a critical moment and resigned. 14-year-old Alice won the blitz tiebreaker by 2-0 and became the 2024 American Cup Champion, claiming the first major title in her career. Levon Aronian emerged victorious at the 2024 edition of the American Cup after beating Wesley So in the final. After three draws in two classical and one rapid game in the open section, it all came down to the last rapid game in which Wesley So had white. Levon grabbed the initiative in a sharp line of the Nimzo-Indian, but Wesley defended well and reached equality only to make an inexplicable blunder on the move 34. After the natural 34. Kf2 White could have held things together. Wesley, however, played 34. Qc5+?? but after 34…Rd6! 35. Rh5 Qxd2 36. Rxh3 b6 Levon won the game and clinched the title. Coming into the final day of the competition with a one-point lead, Alice Lee needed to win one of the games as the player from the Elimination bracket. Irina Krush engineered a dangerous activity with her knights on the black side of Benoni but missed a hidden opportunity to increase pressure and allowed White to maintain balance. Moreover, a few moves down the road, Alice regrouped her pieces and infiltrated with her queen to Black’s queenside. Irina sacrificed her queen, hoping for a fortress, but Alice destroyed it with precise moves to win the game. With this win, Alice Lee earned herself a final elimination playoff match against Irina, which will be played on Day 10. Photos: Courtesy of Saint Louis Chess Club, Crystal Fuller and Lennart Ootes Official website: uschesschamps.com/2024-american-cup/overview
FIDE WCCC 2024 starts with two qualifiers
The second 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship kicked off last week with two online qualifiers on lichess.org. The first blitz qualifier (5+2) featured four teams playing three double rounds. Impact Capital, led by GM Andrey Esipenko, emerged victorious with an impressive 17.5/24 points, finishing a clear 2.5 points ahead of Microsoft Team A. ABB Bank secured third place with 14.5 points. Qualifier 1 final standings The second qualifier, a rapid (10+2) tournament, brought together four teams, playing three rounds. Golomt Bank of Mongolia won all three matches and came out on top, scoring 9/12. PROBIT Sp. z o.o. lost to the winners but won two other matches to finish one point behind. Nanjing Spark Chess Technology Co.Ltd. netted 7/12 and took third place. Qualifier 2 final standings All eight teams advanced to the Online Knockout stage. The next two qualifiers will take place this weekend on March 23 (blitz) and March 24 (rapid) Full qualifiers schedule Registration is still open on the 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship official website.