Kosovo* Championship: Nderim Saraçi and Arlinda Aliu take titles
Nderim Saraçi and Arlinda Aliu emerged as the winners of the Kosovo* Chess Championship 2023. The competitions in open and women sections, Swiss tournaments with classical time control, took place at the premises of the Hotel “AFA” in Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) from December 22-30, 2023. The rating favorite IM Nderim Saraci dominated the open category clinching his tenth national title with a perfect 9/9 score. Nderim won triple crown, coming out on top in the rapid (8/9) and blitz (13/13) events. Muhamet Asllani finished second on 7.5/9 and took silver; CM Korab Saraci tied for third place with IM Bedri Sadiki and Arsim Kelmendi and won bronze thanks to a superior Buchholz. Final standings open: 1 IM Saraci, Nderim 2461 9 2 Asllani, Muhamet 2202 7½ 3 CM Saraci, Korab 2196 6 4 IM Sadiku, Bedri 2133 6 5 Kelmendi, Arsim 2061 6 6 Rama, Rame 1948 5½ 7 Aliu, Besnik 1947 5½ 8 Aliti, Rrahman 1952 5 9 FM Hamiti, Gani 2129 5 10 Boshnjakaj, Hysen 0 5 Complete standings In the women’s competition, Arlinda Aliu defended her title of Kosovo women’s champion with the final round victory over Lorenda Saraçi. Arlinda collected 6.5/7, winning six games and drawing with Jona Reçica. It is Arlinda Aliu’s fourth national title. Final standings women: 1 Aliu, Arlinda 1759 6½ 2 WCM Saraci, Rinesa 1595 6 3 Recica, Jona 1348 5½ 4 WCM Saraci, Ndriqona 1401 5 5 Saraci, Nita 1507 4 6 Elshani, Erisa 4 7 Hoxha, Donjete 3 8 Saraci, Lorenda 3 9 Salihu, Donika 2 10 Bunjaku, Mejreme 2 Complete standings Official website: shahu-rks.com *All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
Davidson Gabriel and Rose Berline Seine win Haitian Championship
Davidson Gabriel and Rose Berline Seine are the new champions of Haiti. At the very end of 2023, the Haitian Chess Federation organized its National Chess Championship in the open and women’s sections. Two round-robin tournaments took place from December 22-29 at Quisqueya University, bringing together 24 of the best national players. Davidson Gabriel had an excellent start in the open event with four victories and taking the lead, but in Round 5, he lost to one of his main rivals and the rating favourite FM Angelo Etienne and then drew his next game. Unfazed, Davidson finished strong, winning five straight games and clinched the title with an excellent score of 9.5/11. Angelo Etienne could not keep up with Davidson, and after losing to Wyclef Victor allowed his opponent to leapfrog him at the finish and take silver with 8.5/11. Angelo had to settle for bronze netting 8/11. Final standings Open The women’s event became a close race between Rose Berline Seine, Merisena Cadeau and Davena Jonet. Heading into the final round, Davena was a half-point ahead of her main competitors, but she lost to Sara Daphka Mathieu. Meanwhile, Rose Berline and Merisena won their games and tied for first place, scoring an impressive 9.5/11. The title went to Rose Berline as the winner of their direct encounter. Merisena Cadeau took silver, and Davena Jonet won bronze. Final standings Women Photos: Federation Haitienne des Echecs Facebook
FIDE announces the first-ever World Cup for youngsters
In a landmark move, the inaugural FIDE World Cup for young chess players will take place from June 22 to July 3, 2024, in Batumi, Georgia This new event aims to redefine the youth chess landscape with a revamped system and offer more opportunities for young chess players. The tournament will be held in three age groups – under 8, under 10 and under 12 – in two categories, Open and Girls, with 48 participants in each. The competition will unfold in two stages, starting with a seven-round Swiss System featuring two groups of 24 players each. The subsequent stage will witness players in the same position from each group facing off against one another, elevating the intensity and excitement of the matches. The organizes will cover accommodation and flight costs for top qualifying players. Heads of delegations with more than four players will be provided with a full board and accommodation. Federations should refer to the invitation letter for all the details regarding eligibility for the event and support. Federations are urged to confirm their participation by February 1, 2024, based on the 2023 World Cadets Chess Championship results. The registration deadline for this prestigious event is April 22, 2024. The organizers are committed to delivering excellent playing conditions, with the players staying in the same hotel where the event will be taking place. On a rest day, participants can take part in several activities. These include a Delegation Coaches Blitz Tournament with a substantial prize fund of 4,000 Euros, the Chess Composition World Cup under 8, 10, 12, engaging cultural programs, and a football match between FIDE and Georgian Chess Federation. The event will feature special prizes for top achievers across six playing categories. Each category’s top three players will receive awards, including Cups, Medals, Diplomas, and gadgets such as MacBook Air 2022, iPhone 15, or an iPad (depending on placement). In addition to these grand prizes, the first three winners of each age category and gender will receive free full board accommodation for the World Cadets Championship later in the same year, while every participant will be awarded a certificate acknowledging their participation. “We are tremendously excited about this inaugural event, marking the very first time the World Cup is dedicated to young talents. We expect that the tournament will attract global public interest and raise global awareness of chess. Our foremost commitment is to ensure a memorable and enriching experience for players and their families in Georgia. FIDE’s dedicated efforts toward promoting and nurturing chess among children remain a cornerstone of our mission, and we are steadfast in our resolve to advance this cause,” said Akaki Iashvili, Chair of FIDE’s Events Commission and the President of the Georgian Chess Federation. More information about the event can be found here: wcc2024.fide.com/ as well as in the invitation letter sent to the federations. Invitation letter and regulations (pdf) Photo: Mark Livshitz
Vodafone Fiji Championship: Manoj Kumar and Cydel Terubea clinch titles
CM Manoj Kumar and provisional WCM Cydel Terubea secured the 2023 Vodafone Fiji National Open Champion and 2023 Vodafone Fiji National Women’s Champion titles after a 5-day run of intense chess. Both winners completed the tournaments unbeaten. CM Manoj Kumar piled up a whopping 8/9 to win his sixteenth national title, which has been unmatched since the sport started in Fiji in 1979. CM Ronald Terubea and student of the University of the South Pacific, Yash Krishen Maharaj, tied for second place, scoring 7/9, while CM Taione Sikivou and Provisional FIDE Master (FM) Rudr Ravi Prasad came fourth and fifth, netting 6.5/9. Provisional WCM Cydel Terubea sealed her Vodafone Fiji Women’s National Chess Championship title with style, winning all nine games against the best female chess players in Fiji. Provisional WCM Tanvi Radha Prasad of Jai Narayan College gave the champion a good run for her money and came second with 7.5/9. Women’s National Rapid Chess Champion Louisa Corpuz finished third with 6.5/9, the first-year student from The University of the South Pacific, Eshal Bari, chalked up 6/9 for the fourth position, and Makayla Sukhu of Suva Grammar High School, ended fifth with a solid 5/9. “The tournament was a true celebration of chess. It was really difficult to predict outcomes across 5-days of play,” states General Secretary Goru Arvind. “Our team is very thankful to Vodafone Fiji for giving a new dawn to the sport of chess with their unwavering support, which will continue into 2024.” Arnav Lal of Jai Narayan College displayed patience to secure the top position in the Secondary School’s Division with 5/9, edging second-placed Rajatha Weerasekara of Jai Narayan College (who also had the same score) thanks to better tiebreaks. Schoolmate Kinura Herath of Jai Narayan College came third with a score of 4.5/9. Yajas Sharma of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School displayed firepower in a performance that tallied 6.5/9 to top the Primary School’s Division. Lionel Vaurasi of Yat Sen Primary School and Paul Corpuz of Lautoka Zhong Hua Primary School tied for second position on 5/9, with the former taking silver thanks to better tiebreaks. Yajas Sharma also secured the Best Upset Award for a win against CM Goru Arvind and a solid draw with CM Taione Sikivou to double-up his win. Louis Corpuz of Gurukul Primary School took the second Best Upset Award for winning against veteran Prashil Prakash. “The biggest achievement for 2023 is seeing a lot of younger players from Primary and Secondary school improve in their level of chess,” adds Goru Arvind. “Looking at how the tournament shaped up, we will surely feature a number of new National reps in the upcoming 2024 World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. Exciting finish to the year with tremendous hope for the next one.” Joshua Sahayam of Holy Trinity Primary School won the Best Beginner Award (Open), and Fulori Masau of Dudley Intermediate Primary School bagged the Best Beginner Award (Female) for a respectful performance in their first Fiji Chess Federation tournament. The Lucky Draw Prize for early online registration via Google Forms was won by Visudda Dissanayake of Deenbandho Memorial Primary School. The tournament was successfully administered by Chief Arbiter WCM Gloria Sukhu and National Arbiter (NA) William Robert Raymond Bennion. All officials and players of the Fiji Chess Federation wish their followers and well-wishers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year before they resume with the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Blitz Chess Championship in late January. Text and photos: Fiji Chess Federation Facebook
New FIDE Rating and Title Regulations come into effect
The new FIDE Rating and Title Regulations were approved by the FIDE Council meeting on December 14, 2023. Early in 2023, the Qualifications Commission (QC) initiated a review of the FIDE rating regulations, inviting federations, officials and the public to contribute their thoughts and suggestions. The review was prompted by feedback from professional players and FIDE officials, highlighting a rating deflation resulting from prior changes in the rating system. A dedicated working group, comprising Aleksandr Moiseenko (GM), Pavel Tregubov (General Strategy Commission), Nick Faulks (QC), Vladimir Kukaev (Ratings Office) and Sabrina de San Vicente (QC), worked together with mathematician Jeff Sonas on reforming the existing rating system. Sonas is a professional database consultant and owner of Sonas Consulting, who has consulted FIDE’s Qualifications Commission on issues regarding the Elo rating system since 2009. The proposed concept was shared with the public in July of 2023, seeking feedback and suggestions for improving FIDE ratings. Over 150 comments were received, all of which have been analyzed and reviewed by Jeff Sonas (see Compression and Calculation Improvements: Supplemental Report by Jeff Sonas). Following a thorough review of the received suggestions and proposals, the QC came forward with a set of new regulations regarding ratings. The recommendations included the following: 1. A one-off change to Standard Ratings for rated players: For players with a standard rating lower than 2000 points, an increase will be applied following the formula (0.40) x (2000 – Rating). Players with a standard rating of 2000 or more will retain their current rating. 2. Changes in the rating floor: An increase in the rating floor from 1000 to 1400. 3. Changes in the initial rating: a. Unrated players achieving a plus score against rated opponents will have their initial rating calculated based on the performance rating derived from their percentage score, not by simply multiplying the plus score by (K/2). The maximum initial rating attainable via this method will not exceed 2200. b. Modification of the initial ratings formula for unrated players to include two hypothetical opponents rated 1800, with the result of these two games considered as a draw. 4. The 400-points rule: A difference in rating of more than 400 points shall be counted for rating purposes as though it were a difference of 400 points, with no restrictions on how many times it can be applied during a single tournament, thus restoring it to the pre-2022 state. The QC proposal recommended applying these same changes to both Standard and Rapid & Blitz Ratings Regulations. The proposals were deliberated and approved by the FIDE Council meeting on December 14, 2023. The new FIDE Title Regulations are effective from January 1, 2024. The new FIDE Rating Regulations come into force from March 1, 2024. FIDE Title Regulations FIDE Title Regulations effective from 1 January 2024 Table for Direct Titles effective from 1 January 2024 FIDE rating Regulations FIDE Rating Regulations effective from 1 March 2024 FIDE Rapid and Blitz Rating Regulations effective from 1 March 2024
FIDE100 celebrations start with lecture on Folke Rogard
In 2024, the International Chess Federation will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As part of the celebrations throughout the year 2024, FIDE, chess organisers and national federations are planning numerous activities, including chess festivals, exhibitions, tournaments, and others under the umbrella of #FIDE100. Some are historical, and others focus more on today’s chess and how our game should develop in the future. One of the first was the lecture about the former FIDE president Folke Rogard, which took place at the Rilton Cup 2023-24 at Scandic Continental on December 30. Almost 30 spectators – in addition to some attending on Zoom – listened to Henrik Malm Lindberg and Arne Johansson, who spoke about the life and achievements of Folke Rogard. Rogard (1899-1973) was a celebrity lawyer who took on several high-profile legal cases and often appeared on the front pages of Swedish newspapers. In addition to his professional activities, chess was a passion which he pursued, especially in his student years. After a break from chess during the early years of his career, he made his return in connection with the 1937 Chess Olympiad in Stockholm. Folke Rogard was asked to be responsible for the players’ and leaders’ accommodation and activities outside the tournament. He did this so brilliantly that FIDE wanted to give him international assignments. After World War II, the tension between the US and Soviet superpowers was high, both in the real and chess world, and FIDE realised that it needed a president from a neutral country with diplomatic qualities. The choice fell on Folke Rogard. During the difficult years 1949 – 1970, the so-called “Cold War”, he led the organisation. During the lecture, Malm Lindberg gave a detailed account of all the difficult situations Rogard faced trying to reconcile two superpowers. For the audience, it was like an intricate thriller as they learnt about all the situations Rogard had to deal with. He put a lot of time and effort into getting China in, and perhaps he realised the potential in the country. After two unsuccessful attempts, including an elephant incursion by the Belgian Pierre Dierman, he succeeded in getting the People’s Republic of China to join in the summer of 1966. But around this time, the Cultural Revolution began in China, which had devastating consequences for sports and cultural exchange with the outside world. China became an extremely passive member, and three years later, in 1960, the China Chess Association announced that China was withdrawing from the International Chess Federation. Then, it took six years before China rejoined after the Cultural Revolution was over. FIDE encourages all the organisers and federations to plan their events under the umbrella of #FIDE100. To have your activities included in the program of the FIDE 100-year celebration and to get the #FIDE100 logo kit, please send a brief information about your event (title, place, dates, format, expected number of participants, organiser, draft regulations, and other relevant information) to fide100@fide.com.
FIDE January 2024 rating list: Firouzja and Koneru qualify for Candidates
December was mainly about the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships and the qualification spots for the Candidates, so there have been slight but no significant changes at the top. Fabiano Caruana, who had a great run in 2023, returned to 2800+ following his strong showing at the 2023 GCT Sinquefield Cup. Leinier Dominguez Perez, who also did an excellent job in Saint Louis, made his way into the top 10. Alireza Firouzja lost quite a few rating points in this competition but partly compensated for them by winning the 15eme Open International d’Echecs de Rouen. It allowed Alireza to preserve his sixth position in the rating list and qualify for the Candidates 2024. Humpy Koneru also made her way into the Candidates grabbing the rating spot as Hou Yifan did not play enough games in 2023. Biggest rating gains in top 100 Open and Women Niemann, Hans Moke USA 2692 (+25) Narayanan S L IND 2694 (+17) Aravindh, Chithambaram IND 2662 (+16) Socko, Monika POL 2410 (+14) Eljanov, Pavel UKR 2704 (+13) Sargsyan, Anna ARM 2377 (+13) Adams, Michael ENG 2674 (+13) Wei, Yi CHN 2740 (+11) Erigaisi Arjun IND 2738 (+11) Hans Moke Niemann won this nomination thanks to his stellar performance in the Tournament of Piece 2023, translating into 27.5 rating points. Sunilduth Lyna Narayanan (pictured below) emerged as the winner of a very strong open tournament, Sant Boi de Llobregat (Barcelona), and came close to the 2700 mark. The native of Kerala debuted in the top 50 open. His compatriot Chithambaram Aravindh achieved good results at the above-mentioned Sant Boi de Llobregat and X Chessable Sunway Sitges International Festival and earned 16 points. Arjun Erigaisi tied for first place in the Chennai Masters with Gukesh D and picked 11 points, but in terms of rating, Pavel Eljanov did even better, collecting 13 points and returning to the 2700+ elite group. Monica Socko delivered two good performances in the Poland vs Rest of the World match and Bundesliga that brought her 13 rating points. Ageless Michael Adams shone on his home turf in the London Chess Classic 2023. The English GM won the title and increased his rating by 13 points. The recently concluded World Rapid and Blitz Championship brought about substantial shifts in the Rapid and Blitz rating lists. Vladimir Fedoseev (+13 points), Yu Yangyi (+19), Arjun Erigaisi (+17), Daniel Dardha (+24), Pouya Idani (+29), Ivan Cheparinov (+20), Dmitry Andreikin (+15), Volodar Murzin (+39) and Bharath Subramaniyam (+52) significantly improved their positions in the Rapid Open. Daniil Dubov (+30), Aleksandar Indjic (+38), Daneshvar Bardiya (+44), Aravindh Chithambaram (+37), Volodar Murzin (+50), Alexander Rakhmanov (+55), Denis Makhnev (+54), Alexey Grebnev (+47) and Artem Uskov (+68) became the primary rating beneficiaries of the World Blitz Championship. Anastasia Bodnaruk created a major sensation at the WRB 2023. Being outside of the top 100 Women Rapid before the start, she won the women’s rapid event and earned 45 rating points. The biggest gains in the entire competition belong to young Sahithi Varshini (pictured below; +191 – Women Rapid) and Velpula Sarayu (+264 – Women Blitz). The laurels of the best overperformers by the sum of rapid and blitz tournaments go to Ediz Gurel (rapid +108; blitz +106), Mukhammadali Abdurakhmonov (rapid +94; blitz +142), Timur Yonal (rapid +162; blitz +53), Sergey Sklokin (rapid +176; blitz +58), Xeniya Balabayeva (rapid +139; blitz +108), Leya Garifullina (rapid + 48; blitz +106) Alua Nurmanova (rapid +47; blitz +113) and Rakshitta Ravi (rapid +158; blitz +40). Photos: Anna Shtourman, Anastasia Korolkova, Lennart Ootes, londonchessclassic.com, elllobregat.com/openchess
Kwabena Adu-Poku and Gertrude Banini win Ghanaian Championship 2023
The 2023 Ghana National Chess Championship Finals, two 10-player round-robin tournaments (Open and Ladies sections), were held over five days from December 26-30 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra. The top 5 highest rated players in both sections, as well as the top 5 finishers in the first Phase (Qualifiers), which was held from December 1 – 3, participated in the competitions. Open Section The top seed and defending champion, CM Kwabena Adu-Poku, put up a great performance, scoring 7/9 and winning his third straight national title. Multiple-time national Champion FM John Hasford finished in second place, half a point behind (6.5/9), and became the only participant to defeat the champion. Clinton Cephas Fomevor clinched the bronze with 5.5 points. IM Francis Anquandah and Bernard Anhwere and rising star Daniel Frempong-Smart tied for fourth place with the first two qualifying for the national chess team (the Golden Knights) thanks to better scores in direct encounters. Final standings Ladies Section It was a fairy tale ending in the ladies’ category as newcomer Gertrude Banini delivered a remarkable performance, netting 8 out of 9 points and emerging National Women’s Champion ahead of Zone 4.2 women’s Champion Maud Benson and 5-time National Women’s Champion WCM Tobi Felix. Zonal champion Maud finished half a point behind the champion to take second place, while the 5-time National champion Tobi clinched bronze with 6.5 points. Final standings The Golden Knights The top 5 players in both the open and ladies’ sections earn a spot on the Ghana National Chess Team (The Golden Knights) and get to represent Ghana at the 45th World Chess Olympiad and the 13th African Games. By Maxwell Kwasi Kporxah, Ghana Chess Association
FIDE Circuit: Gukesh qualifies for Candidates 2024
Dommaraju Gukesh qualified for the FIDE Candidates 2024 through FIDE Circuit. The 17-year-old native of Chennai preserved the second position in the standings after his main competitors, Anish Giri and Arjun Erigaisi did not manage to improve their score in the last point-heavy event of the year, the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Fabiano Caruana secured his landslide victory in the FIDE Circuit in early December, but the American GM punched his ticket to the Candidates 2024 back in the summer after taking third place in the FIDE World Cup. Born on May 29, 2006, Gikesh will be the second-youngest participant of Candidates, behind only Robert Fischer, who took part in the 1959 Candidates aged 16. Gikesh joined his compatriots Praggnanandhaa R (a World Cup finalist) and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (the winner of FIDE Grand Swiss), who qualified for the Candidates 2024 earlier this year. For the first time in history, three Indian players will compete in the Candidates. You can find the complete FIDE Circuit standings on wcc.fide.com/fide_circuit.phtml Photo: Stev Bonhage
Kenyan Championship 2023: Joseph Methu and Sasha Mongeli win titles
Joseph Methu and Sasha Mongeli emerged as the winners of the Kenya Championship, which just concluded at City Hall, Nairobi. A five-day hotly contested event attracted the finest players in the country, battling for the top prize on offer, a car. There are also cash prizes to 25 winners of various categories, including PWD. Methu, a scientist by profession, completed the tournament undefeated, scoring an impressive 8.5/9 points. Methu has been one of the top national players and, for some time, was the highest-rated player. However, the national champion title eluded him until his star rose this year. Elvis Likoko of Equity Bank came second ahead of defending champion Gohil Méhul of Nairobi Chess Club, all tied up with 8 points. Methu has an impressive record dating back to 2015, when he became the national rapid champion. He also won the Kenya Open National Tournament in 2018 A member of the KCB Chess Club since November 2014, Methu represented the club in Egypt during an inter-club championship held in 2017. The first Kenyan IM, he qualified for the national team three times to participate in the World Olympiad in 2016 in Baku, Azerbaijan, 2018 in Batumi and 2023 in Chennai, India. “When I started chess, I was crushed year in and year out. Only three players in Kenya recognized my potential: Mehul (a very dynamic player and possibly of IM strength), FM Steve(my training partner) and a very good friend, Andiwoh. I would like to thank these three guys for their help, plus my hard work. I train really hard, especially tactical-wise,” said Methu. Final standings Open In the ladies’ section, WFM Sasha Mongeli regained her title, winning all nine games. She finished a full point ahead of defending champion Joyce Nyaruai of KCB. Madelta Glenda of Equity Bank closed the podium with 6.5 points. Sasha, who plays for Nakuru Chess Club, was the champion in 2021 and is currently the highest-rated female player in Kenya. Final standings Women