Sardinia Chess Festival: Great First Edition

Daniel Dardha secures title in the main event, Alexandra Botez shines in Open B The inaugural edition of the Sardinia World Chess Festival, organized by EmmediSport together with Unichess under the technical guidance of GM-IO Roberto Mogranzini, took place on the beautiful island of Sardinia (ITA) in Orosei at the IT Marina beach resort from April 27 to May 4. The Open A tournament, a part of the FIDE Circuit, saw a surprising finish. Four players – Daniel Dardha (BEL), Jorden van Foreest (NED), Kirill Shevchenko (ROU), and Volodar Murzin – scored final-round victories and finished with 7/9. In the end, GM Daniel Dardha of Belgium claimed the title thanks to superior tiebreaks. President Italian Chess Federation Luigi Maggi, GM Daniel Dardha, GM Kirill Shevchenko, Mayor of Orosei Elisa Farris, President Sardinia Chess Federation Danilo Mallò, GM IO Roberto Mogranzini Open A – complete standings A renowned streamer chess player with a massive global following of over 5 million fans, Alexandra Botez dominated the field in Open B with an impressive score of 8.5 out of 9 points, taking clear first place. Open B – complete standings Adding to the international flair, Sun Hanyu of China emerged victorious in the Open C tournament, marking a triumphant debut on the global stage. Open C – complete standings With 296 players representing over 40 nations participating, the Sardinia Chess Festival stands as a testament to its widespread appeal and position as a premier event in the chess calendar. The festival became possible thanks to the support of the Sardegna Scacchi Committee of the Italian Chess Federation led by President Danilo Mallo and the support of the Sardinian Region Tourism Department and the Orosei Municipality. Special thanks go to the event sponsors: It Marina Beach, Geasar Spa, Le Due Torri, Loc Srls, Smeralda Holding, and media partner ChessBaseIndia. #FIDE100 celebration During the event, the FIDE centenary (FIDE100) was celebrated with its motto displayed in the gaming hall. Deputy FIDE chair Dana Reizniece-Ozola visited the event, gave a heartfelt speech, and performed the first ceremonial move. Several events were held to celebrate FIDE’s 100th anniversary, from the black-and-white dinner to the five-a-side football match between tournament participants to the 960 chess evening. Deputy FIDE chair Dana Reizniece-Ozola and GM-IO Roberto Mogranzini Photos: Niklesh Jain / ChessBase India

Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz: Day 1 Recap

Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz, sponsored by the Superbet Foundation, kicked off in Warsaw on May 8, with ten players battling for $175,000 in prizes. The event features four full-tour players and six wildcard players including five-time World Champion & World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen (Norway), Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland), Wei Yi (China), Arjun Erigaisi (India), Vincent Keymer (Germany) and Kirill Shevchenko (Romania).  After the first day of action, we have a surprise leader, the lowest-rated player in the event, Kirill Shevchenko, who won all his three games and took an early lead with a perfect score.  Magnus Carlsen and the current world #5 Nodirbek Abdusattorov are tied for second place, each scoring 4/6. The Candidates 2024 winner, Gukesh D, had a bad start, losing two games and making a single draw.  Round 1 The event started with exciting action, with Abdusattorov and Shevchenko defeating Giri and Gukesh D, respectively. The games Carlsen – Erigaisi, Keymer – Wei Yi and Praggnanandhaa – Duda were drawn.  Nodirbek Abdusattorov sacrificed a piece for two kingside pawns against Anish Giri to launch a crushing attack. The game saw a truly spectacular finish. Nodirbek Abdusattorov – Anish Giri 46. f7!!  Rxc2 47. g6!! allowing the opponent to capture the queen with check 47… Rxd2+ 48. Bg2 Rxg2+ 49. Rxg2 and Anish resigned as in view of 49…Bf6 50. g7+ Bxg7 51. Bxg7# 1-0 Gukesh D had a substantial advantage throughout his game with Shevchenko, but with just seconds on his clock he went for an erroneous combination. Gukesh D – Kirill Shevchenko After 34. Qe2! White would have been clearly better. The Challenger opted for the spectacular 34. Qd3?? but it turned to be a mirage as after 34…Rxd3 35. Re8+ Kg7 36. h6+ Nxh6, there is no checkmate. 0-1 Round 2 Shevchenko won his second straight game making good use of Praggnanandhaa’s opening mistake.  Kirill Shevchenko – Praggnanandhaa R Black has just played 9… Bg4?? Kirill quickly spotted 10. Nxe5! dxe5 11. Bb4! (not 11. Bxb7?)  11… c5 12. Bxc5 Qc7 13. Bxf8 Kxf8 14. dxe5 Ne8 and emerged with a took and tree pawns for two minor pieces Shevchenko’s conversion was not the best, but eventually, White’s advanced passers decided the game in his favor.  Magnus Carlsen scored his first victory in the tournament against Wei Yi. Wei Yi – Magnus Carlsen Black is slighly better but Wei could have put a stubborn resistance with 26. h4 with the idea of 26…g4 27. Nxe5+ fxe5 28. Qxe5. Instead, he played 26. Qa7? and after 26… Ke6! 27. Rxd7 Rxd7 28. Qxa5 g4 29. Ng1 Qf4+ 30. Kh1 Qxf2 31. Qb6 32. Rb1 Qxb6 33. Rxb6 Rd1 Magnus got a won endgame | 0-1, 42 moves Jan-Krzysztof Duda had sufficient compensation for a sacrificed exchange against Vincent Keymer, but one mistake on move 39 cost him the game.  The only draw in this round was recorded in the encounter Anish Giri – Arjun Erigaisi Round 3 Shevchenko scored his third consecutive victory after Keymer ignored Black’s threat in a slightly inferior position.  Vincent Keymer – Kirill Shevchenko Vincent played 41.Rhc1? allowing 41…f4! Most likely the young German hoped for 42. Rc8 but it failed to 42…Rdd8 43. Rxd8 Bxd8! Shevchenko won a piece for two pawns and slowly but surely converted his extra material.  Praggnanandhaa correctly sacrificed an exchange against Abdusattorov and got powerful compensation. Praggnanandhaa R – Nodirbek Abdusattorov 21. Rxf6! gxf6, but instead of 22. Qf5 followed by 23. Ne4, the young Indian played 22. Ne4 immediately, allowing Nodirbek to avoid the worst after 22… Re6 23. Nh4 f5 24. Nxf5 Rd8 25. Re3 Rd4 26. Qe2 Rxe4 Still White had a superior position and eventually won a pawn. Nodirbek had drawing chances in the subsequent queen endgame but cracked on move 67 allowing White’s king to penetrate his camp and capitulated 10 moves later.  The games Erigaisi – Wei Yi, Carlsen – Duda and Gukesh – Giri were drawn.  Check out Day 1 Recap Video by IM Kostya Kavutskiy Day 2 of the Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz continues Thursday, May 9, with live commentary from GM Yasser Seirawan, IM Jovanka Houska, and IM Nazi Paikidze starting at 6:00 AM CDT. Photos: courtesy of Grand Chess Tour Official website: grandchesstour.org/tours/2024/

Cape Verdean Women’s Championship: Celia Rodriguez claims third title

III Cape Verdean Women’s Championship took place from May 2-5 at the Grémio Desportivo Amarante hall in S. Vicente. The round robin, with classical time control, stretched over four days and brought together eight players from five islands (Sal, Santiago Sul, Santo Antão, S. Nicolau and S. Vicente).  It was a highly competitive tournament with the fate of the championship decided in the very end. As the final round approached, the defending champion and rating favorite Célia Rodriguez (pictured below) was only a half-point ahead of Deise Pereira. Deise, showing her mettle, won her game and put additional pressure on the tournament leader. However, Célia rose to the challenge, defeating Erika Perez with the black pieces and securing her third national title. Deise Pereira, who debuted in an official chess competition, took silver (6/7) and earned the Women’s National Master’s norm. Jacira Almeida netted 4/7, winning bronze.  Notably, as many as four participants didn’t have a FIDE rating, with three scoring against players with an international rating. With more games against rated players in the future, they will get a FIDE rating. This is great news, given that the Cape Verdean Federation has only nine female players with FIDE Elo. Final standings: 1 WCM Rodriguez, Celia 1869 6½ 2   Pereira, Deise   6 3   Almeida, Jacira Laura 1606 4 4   Spinola, Divania 1575 3½ 5   Moreno, Akiane 1594 3 6   Oliveira, Mirian Nataly   2 7   Gomes, Samara   2 8   Pérez, Erika   1 Text and photos: Cape Verdean Chess Federation

Swiss Wednesday Women’s Series: March & April highlights

Over the last few months, the Swiss Queens Wednesday Series has quickly become an anticipated weekly event, with top woman players from around the world battling it out online in 3+1 blitz Swiss tournaments. Each tournament has a prize fund of USD $1,000 and is open to women with FIDE or Arena titles. FIDE is delighted to report on the series’ incredible progress and excitement, particularly during weeks 6 through 13.  Highlights by weeks Swiss Queens Wednesday #6 The competition reached new heights as many Grandmasters took part. The games were intense, and the leaderboard started to shift as former Women’s World Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk displayed an extraordinary performance, putting her at the forefront of the tournament for the first time. She was joined at the top by Nino Batsiashvili and Valentina Gunina, but Alexandra’s better tiebreak saw her clinch the first prize. Swiss Queens Wednesday #7 Rivalries took center stage as key matchups (and upsets!) provided exhilarating encounters, and some new names emerged, hinting at a change in the tournament dynamic. Former World Youth and World Junior Champion IM Polina Shuvalova finished first, a whole point ahead of the field!   Swiss Queens Wednesday #8 This week saw surprising games and upsets, which is typical for the blitz’s nature. The 2023 FIDE Women’s Blitz Champion, GM Valentina Gunina (a regular Swiss Wednesday competitor and previous winner), clinched first place despite losing her final game in round 11. Swiss Queens Wednesday #9 With more aggressive gameplay and bold sacrifices, Week 9 saw players willing to take bold risks. Several new contenders made notable breakthroughs, shaking up the leaderboard and intensifying the competition. Two-time Women’s World Blitz Chess Champion WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva dominated the field, taking first place with two points ahead of the runners-up Teodora Injac and Savitha Shri Baskar. Swiss Queens Wednesday #10 This week’s winner was a familiar face who recently cemented her place as a formidable fast chess opponent by winning the 2023 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship. IM Anastasia Bodnaruk shows no sign of slowing down! Swiss Queens Wednesday #11 – 13 Exceptional performances from underdogs brought unexpected twists, reinforcing the unpredictability and excitement of the Swiss Queens Wednesday series. However, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, AKA Chess Queen, displayed true dominance, placing first three consecutive weeks.  Notably, Alexandra played each weekly event from Toronto, where the FIDE Candidates Tournament was taking place. Although her capacity in Canada was as a spectator, perhaps the high-stakes atmosphere and thrilling chess games contributed to her excellent performances! Photo: Michal Walusza The Swiss Queens Wednesday series represents the spirit of women’s chess, providing an inclusive platform for both seasoned and emerging players. FIDE expresses gratitude to all participants, organizers, and partners for fostering a competitive and supportive environment that advances the global women’s chess community. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t miss the upcoming weeks of the Swiss Queens Wednesday series!  For more information, visit the FIDE Online Arena website.

Carlsen, Nakamura, Anand, and Amin set for epic showdown in Casablanca

World’s top Grandmaster will play rapid trying out the new Casablanca Chess Variant from 18-19 May, 2024 Casablanca Chess Variant: Bridging History and Innovation The chess world has walked a long way, evolving from the timeless brilliance of past masters to the dynamic landscape of modern play—replete with technology, online matches, engine variations, and meticulous opening preparation. In this digital age, some games unfold seamlessly, their moves orchestrated in advance, leaving little room for creativity at the board. To inspire the spirit of independent thought and strategic creativity, the Casablanca Stock Exchange introduces the groundbreaking Casablanca Chess Variant. The idea of this innovative format was suggested by Tarik Senhaji, CEO of Casablanca Stock Exchange. Unveiling the Casablanca Chess Variant • Starting Positions: The game commences from equal positions inspired by historical gems—some renowned, others less so. Will today’s masters follow the well-trodden paths of their predecessors, or will they choose a new direction? • Tournament Name: Casablanca Chess, organized by the Casablanca Stock Exchange with Casa Events & Animation and the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation • Elite Players: Representing four continents, four top players will play rapid games. Grandmasters Laurent Fressinet and Hicham Hamdouchi will choose and unveil surprise starting positions before each game. ◦ Magnus Carlsen: Widely considered the strongest chess player of all time, former World Chess Champion and current world #1, represents Europe. ◦ Hikaru Nakamura: A streaming sensation with millions of devoted fans, the world #3 player, defends the colors of North America. ◦ Viswanathan Anand: The legendary 5-time World Chess Champion, the trailblazer of Indian chess, represents Asia.  ◦ Bassem Amin: Africa’s strongest Grandmaster, numerous times continental champion, plays on home turf. Casablanca FIDE100 Casablanca Chess is being held in conjunction with the FIDE 100 celebrations as the International Chess Federation marks a century since its foundation.  This special edition promises to be exceptional, combining the passion for the game with the commemoration of a century of international chess history. This celebration will host the Torch ceremony, which travels around the world throughout the year. On this occasion, a significant event will be organized at the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, with several enriching activities for the general public, including a Simultaneous exhibition with 100 players. The series of FIDE100 events will also feature a photo exhibition, “Capture”, a project by photographer Stev Bonhage challenging the conventional perception of chess. From May 17-19, it will be displayed in Casablanca and from May 21-26, it will move to the country capital Rabat.” Capture” is sponsored by Freedom Holding Corp. – a U.S.-based financial services company that has been supporting chess events in recent years – as well as the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and France’s energy giant, TotalEnergies.

Pune, India to host three-day Chess for Freedom Conference

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and IndianOil Corporation are proud to organize the second in-person Chess for Freedom Conference from June 19-21, 2024, in Pune, India. This event will bring together experts from the global chess community to explore the use of chess as a rehabilitation tool for incarcerated individuals. “As we convene for the Chess for Freedom Conference, our mission extends beyond the chessboard. This gathering is crucial for spreading the transformative power of chess across numerous countries and prisons,” said Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chairperson of the FIDE Management Board. “By sharing experiences and methodologies, we not only enhance the scope of our initiatives but also provide vital support for newcomers who are integral to our community. These efforts are essential for developing a framework that empowers incarcerated individuals worldwide, fostering skills that pave the way for their successful reintegration into society.” FIDE warmly invites chess officials, representatives of national federations, members of penitentiary administrations, and policymakers from various countries to engage in discussions on innovative strategies for chess programs in prisons. The three-day conference will showcase the successful implementation of the Chess for Freedom project across different countries, feature case studies from national initiatives, and present real-life examples of forming prison chess teams competing in the intercontinental tournament. Attendees will also have an opportunity to visit an Indian correctional facility to observe these social programs firsthand. Event Schedule: ●June 19: Day 1 – Plenary session with various breakout topics. ●June 20: Day 2 – Plenary session with various breakout topics ●June 21: Visit to a Pune prison, including interactions with the prison administration and Chess in Prison program staff.  The detailed event schedule will be released soon. This conference will be broadcast live on FIDE’s YouTube channel, and participants can join via Zoom to pose questions directly to the speakers. Registration Information: To participate in the conference, please complete the following form: forms.gle/519uuACkmfpZorZC8 About the Chess for Freedom Program: Launched in May 2021 by FIDE and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (Chicago, USA), the Chess for Freedom program emphasizes the rights and opportunities for self-realization and development of incarcerated individuals. Chess not only provides quality recreation but also helps mitigate symptoms like depression, stress, and anxiety. By enhancing memory, logical thinking, concentration, and imagination, chess aids in the reintegration of individuals post-release. The program kicked off with an online conference and an exhibition tournament involving four countries. It has since grown to include the annual Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, which, in its third edition in October 2023, featured over 100 teams from 50 countries. The FIDE Social Commission also facilitates the Chess For Freedom Network, supporting ongoing or aspiring Chess in Prisons projects through peer access, best practice sharing, workshops, and seminars. Chess for Freedom Conference – Contact Information: Lasma KokorevichaSecretary of the FIDE Social CommissionEmail: sc.secretary@fide.comWhatsApp: +371 29 221 222 

World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships: Registration is open

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2024, organized by the International Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation in partnership with Freedom Holding, will be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, between August 1 and 6. The second edition of the Championships will consist of a 12-round Swiss tournament played over three days under rapid time control (August 2-4) and a one-day blitz championship (August 5). The event, with a prize fund of €350,000, is open to squads from all over the world. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President: “Following the success of the inaugural event last year in Dusseldorf, I am thrilled that we are now preparing for the second edition of this tournament, which is on its way of becoming a regular feature in the calendar of top global FIDE events. In our strive to diversify chess events and formats and increase opportunities for non-professional players, the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships – where many amateurs of different chess skills have a chance to take part – is an excellent example of that ambition. FIDE and the chess world are very fortunate to have the likes of Freedom Holding and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation helping organize and fund this event. In recent years both have done a lot to support and promote chess in Kazakhstan but also in Asia and globally, and we thank them for that.” Create your own team from your club members, members of different federations or your favourite chess players. Registration is open via the following link: worldrapidblitzteams.fide.com/registration Team composition: Each team shall be composed in accordance with the following requirements: A. At least six and not more than nine players, including at least: a. one female player, b. one player, other than the one indicated in the previous point, who never achieved FIDE Standard, Rapid or Blitz Rating of 2000 Elo points (or unrated) up to and including the July 2024 rating lists, B. A captain, who may also be one of the players. Teams are required to register at least six players meeting the requirements by 1 July 2024. Three more players may be added at any time until 12pm Lausanne time, 25 July 2024. Among those who have already confirmed their participation in the event the world’s top-rated chess player (and holder of the world titles in Rapid and Blitz) Magnus Carlsen. World #1 will strengthen WR Team, which won the inaugural edition, and is ready to defend their title and try to take the first team crown in the Blitz. Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of Kazakhstan Chess Federation: “Over the past few years, Freedom Holding Corp. has been a sponsor of the largest and most milestone events in the chess world, and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation has significantly enhanced its partnership with FIDE during this period. Investments have a positive impact on chess popularization in the world and human capital development. I believe that having one more spectacular chess event in our nation’s capital will help elevate the status of Kazakhstan in the chess world and further charge the already growing interest in chess among our people. As we prepare to welcome teams from across the world, we extend our gratitude to FIDE for their collaboration and bringing another chess spectacle to this part of the world.” Now that the registration for the event is officially open, FIDE is looking forward to the teams and players who will take part in a chess spectacle this summer in Astana. Regulations for the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship: handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/WRTC2024Regulations.pdf Registration form: worldrapidblitzteams.fide.com/registration Official website: worldrapidblitzteams.fide.com

FIDE ChessMom Initiative: Call for submissions

As Mother’s Day approaches in many countries in the month of May, FIDE is pleased to announce the start of the application process for the ChessMom project. The ChessMom pilot initiative by the Commission for Women’s Chess aims to support professional chess players who are mothers of infants under one year old. Specifically, through this initiative, all expenses related to an accompanying or caregiver person for ten female players traveling with their infants to the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary will be covered. We invite federations, clubs, and players themselves to send their applications, including information about a mother and a child, as well as a Letter of Concurrence from the National Federation, stating that a player is a part of the National Team by filling the following form: forms.gle/9UQUqpvqHCnhZAh88 For more information and confirmation, please contact the Project Leader, Francisco J Cruz Arce. E-mail:  fj_007@yahoo.com WhatApp: +1-787-587-3409 Olympiad Registration dates are from April 18 – June 10, 2024 Timeline for ChessMom Submissions May 06, 2024 – Submission Period starts May 29, 2024 – Submission Period closes May 30, 2024 – WOM ChessMom Project meeting June 01, 2024 – WOM announcement of selected Players Learn more about the ChessMom initiative here: fide.com/news/2892

FIDE Circuit: Abdusattorov leads after four months

FIDE Circuit is a relatively new path to qualify for the FIDE Candidates Tournament, introduced last year. The player achieving the highest results during 2024 in eligible tournaments will get a spot in the next Candidates. Each player must play in at least five eligible tournaments, including at least four with a standard time control. The final score is calculated as the sum of the player’s up to seven highest scores. Notable, Gukesh D, who qualified for the Candidates 2024 in Toronto through FIDE Circuit, eventually won the event and became the Challenger. The FIDE Circuit 2023 demonstrated that to qualify for the Candidates, one must score in the point-heavy tournaments, and the 2024 edition will continue this trend.  Similar to 2023, strong performances in the point-heavy events are key to qualifying through the Circuit this year. Let’s have a look at the FIDE Circuit 2024 first-trimester results.  The year kicked off with one of the most important events of the year, Tata Steel Chess. The winner of the Masters, Wei Yi, immediately grabbed the lead with 20.54 points, while Gukesh D, Anish Giri and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who tied with the Chinese GM for first place, also picked good points (14.22 each). Notably, Wei Yi hasn’t played in any more eligible tournaments and has dropped to 11th place. February saw Daniel Dardha win the Djerba International Chess Festival Masters, climbing to second position after adding points 8.6 points to his Tata Steel Challengers performance (10.3 points). Hans Niemann, sharing first place with Daniel, secured his initial Circuit points there. Photo: Djerba Chess Festival Facebook The third month of the year saw significant shifts in the leaderboard. Nodirbek Abdusattorov won the strong Prague International Chess Festival 2024 Masters, gaining 25 points and taking the lead, which he held till the end of April. Around this time, another point-heavy tournament took place in Shenzhen (China). It became a springboard for Bu Xiangzhi,  Yu Yangyi and Arjun Erigaisi, who tied for first place and joined the race. March also featured the Aeroflot Open, won by Amin Tabatabaei (+19.79 points), and the Grenke Chess Open, where the top finishers got quite a few points.  Photo: Michal Walusza The Candidates Tournament held in April became the leaderboard changer as the winner, Gukesh D, picked up 26.94 points. Coupled with 14.22 points earned in Tata Steel Masters in January, it propelled the young Indian to the top spot. However, his lead was short-lived. Arjun Erigaisi turned in two strong performances in the Menorca Open (1st place and 16.19 points) and the TePe Sideman & Co Chess Tournament (2nd place and 14 points) leapfrogging his compatriot. Photo: Mikael Svensson Still, it was not enough to reach the pole position as the winner of the latter tournament, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, added 16.21 points to his tally to overtake both Gukesh and Erigaisi and get back to the top of FIDE Circuit 2024.  Daniel Dardha’s victory at the Sardinia World Chess Festival (+14.07 points) pushed him to fourth, while the winner of the Tata Steel Challengers Leon Luke Mendonca (pictured below) lifted another trophy in the 2024 Spring Chess Classic (+13.74 points) and reached fifth. Photo: St-Louis Chess Club / Crystal Fuller With so many strong tournaments to come (suffice it to mention Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge, Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz in Warsaw and Norway Chess all to be played in May) the race for the top position remains wide open.  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.

FIDE World School Chess Championship crosses midpoint

For the first time in Peruvian sports history, the World School Chess Championship is taking place in Peru. After five exciting rounds of play, the participants from 26 countries (Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela and Zimbabwe) are enjoying the day off. The Peruvian state, represented by its president Dina Boluarte and her council of ministers, declared the World School Chess Championship the top priority, which transcends to the benefit of all the participants.   So far, the World School Championship has been very good for the host players, as they are leading in most categories. Bat-Amgalan, Batsaikhan (Mongolia) vs. Manchanda, Advik (United States) (pictured above) drew their game, while Iman Nabiyev of Kazakhstan won his game, scored 5 points, and became the leader in the U09 category. Iman is one of many players to score 5/5. Here is the list of participants from all categories with a perfect score: Az-Erdene, Nyamdavaa (Mongolia U07 FEM)Nabiyev, imán (Kazajistan U09 ABS)Vinales Gonzalez, Enzo Mathias (Paraguay U11 ABS)Arana Bello, Bruno Josef (Perú U11 ABS)Mandujano, Alagon Ghaydaa Ceneth (Perú U 11 FEM)Torres Ccahuay, Dayana Nievevska (Peru U15 FEM)WIM Bravo Mallco, Kate Azumi (Perú U17 FEM)Caceres Benitez, Arturo Eduardo (Paraguay U 15 ABS)Garzon Zapatanga, Christopher Leonel (Ecuador U 17 ABS) Table 1 of the U11 Women’s category in Round 5: Alagon Ghaydaa Ceneth Mandujano (Peru) vs Dana Katherine Tuk Martin (México) In the U11 category open tournament, Enzo Vinales (Paraguay) and Bruno Arana (Peru) both netted 5/5, making it the only competition with joint leaders with a perfect score.  The leaders will clash in Round 6. The Pan American champion and South American School champion, Daniel Gallegos, is a full point behind the leaders. There is a huge group of players with 4.5 points in all categories: Sulca Cerron, Diego Peter (Peru U 07 ABS)Holguin Segovia, David Luis (Peru U 07 ABS)Mamani Choque, Adler Esau (Bolivia U 07 ABS)Palma Franco, Alma Camila (Ecuador U 09 FEM)Nandinjiguur, Chinzorig (Mongolia U 09 FEM)Valenzuela Reinoso, Safrys (Perú U 09 FEM)Diaz Guerrero, Jesus Daniel (Mexico U 13 ABS)Garzon Camelo, Andres Santiago (Colombia U 13 ABS)Martinez Flores, Matias (Mexicano U 13 ABS)Munoz Ramos, Christopher (Chile U 13 ABS)Galkotuwa, K A R G W D R B G (Sir Lanka U 13 ABS)Herrera Jimenez, Mateo (Colombia U 13 ABS)Guo, Felix(USA U 13 ABS)Palomino Quispe, Mateo Henry (Perú U 13 ABS)Yang, Maxwell (USA U13 ABS)WCM Altynbek, Aiaru ( Kazajistán U13 FEM)Silva Honores, Luciana Victoria (Perú U13 FEM)Casqui Lopez, Pamela Grace (Perú U 13 FEM)WCM Buyankhishig, Batpelden (Mongolia U13 FEM) The U13 category stands out, with as many as nine players tied for first place. U17 Open: Tupac Russell Montesinos Parisaca (Peru) vs Christopher Leonel Garzon Zapatanga (Colombia) Written by AN Rodolfo Valentino Cabrera Huaman Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar Official website: fidewsccperu2024.com/