Caruana, Sindarov, Lagno, and Assaubayeva steal the spotlight at Cap St Georges
With impressive wins over Wei Yi and R Praggnanandhaa, both Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov surged ahead of the field, staking an early claim in the tournament race. On 2.5 out of 3 points, they already lead by a full point over the rest, a significant margin, even though eleven rounds remain. The round marked a sharp contrast to the previous day’s quiet play, which saw eight draws. This time, the players delivered fighting chess filled with dynamic opportunities and high-level execution. In the women’s event, Kateryna Lagno scored a crucial victory over Tan Zhongyi in a chaotic encounter, propelling her into the tournament lead. She is joined at the top by Bibisara Assaubayeva, who defeated Zhu Jiner using an aggressive opening approach. This afternoon’s action unfolded at the luxurious Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, providing a stunning backdrop for high-stakes chess. Two ceremonial first moves added a touch of prestige to the round. Michael Khodarkovsky (FIDE Vice President) had the honour of opening the game for Fabiano Caruana in his clash against Wei Yi. Meanwhile, Dana Reizniece (Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board) made the symbolic first move in the matchup between R Vaishali and Anna Muzychuk. While the clashes between Matthias Bluebaum vs Andrey Esipenko and Hikaru Nakamura vs Anish Giri remained completely balanced – both played with astonishing accuracy levels of 98–99% – the real fireworks in the FIDE Candidates Tournament came from the other two boards. A decisive miniature at this level is an exceptionally rare occurrence, but today Fabiano Caruana delivered exactly that, surging into the tournament lead with a crushing victory over Wei Yi. Opting for a highly ambitious and risky opening, Wei Yi sacrificed two full pawns in exchange for rapid development and attacking chances. Caruana, however, rose to the challenge and accepted the complications. Reflecting on the critical moments after the game, Caruana admitted: “I was tricked with the move order, I got something I didn’t want and then I had to decide between different lines. I knew that the plan Qa4–Ng5 existed but I couldn’t remember many details. The pawn sacrifices were unexpected, but I had to go for it.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89bYobRC8K4 However, Wei Yi admitted that things had already gone wrong early on: “I was out of the book after Qb5, but then I played terribly and blundered a piece.” Black was already under significant pressure, but the move 17…Ne5? turned a difficult position into a lost one (better was 17…Nf6 although, after 18.d4! Black’s position is no fun). After 18.Nxe5 Rxe5 19.Nd1!, White’s idea becomes crystal clear: there is simply no way to save the trapped bishop on h3. Faced with inevitable material loss and a collapsing position, Wei Yi had no choice but to resign. The other standout performer of the day was Javokhir Sindarov, who secured a crucial victory with the black pieces against Praggnanandhaa. Their encounter quickly spiralled into chaos, as Sindarov sacrificed a piece in the opening for two pawns and long-term initiative. While the soundness of the idea may be debatable, it created a highly complex and double-edged position that proved difficult for both players to navigate. Explaining his decision, Sindarov noted: “If I don’t take the pawn on b4 then I would be in trouble, so I thought it was the best option and that I would find something afterwards.” Despite the imbalance, Praggnanandhaa demonstrated remarkable resilience and managed to keep the position under control, at least until the clock became a factor. As time trouble set in, Sindarov seized his moment, capitalizing on the mounting pressure to convert the game and claim the full point. In the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, the games between Vaishali and Anna Muzychuk, as well as Aleksandra Goryachkina versus Divya Deshmukh, both ended in draws, but the nature of those draws could not have been more different. The Vaishali – Muzychuk encounter was a model of precision: highly accurate, deeply technical, and virtually error-free from start to finish. By contrast, the game between Goryachkina and Divya was a dramatic struggle. After more than fifty moves of relentless pressure in a typical Goryachkina grind, Aleksandra managed to secure an extra pawn and transition into a theoretically winning rook endgame. However, she ultimately erred and failed unable to convert her advantage, allowing Divya Deshmukh to escape “by the skin of her teeth.” The result served as yet another reminder of the old chess adage that “all rook endings are drawn.” It is worth noting that, in the final phase of the game, Goryachkina was also under significant time pressure. The two winners of the day in the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament were Kateryna Lagno and Bibisara Assaubayeva, who now share the lead. The encounter between Tan Zhongyi and Lagno was a wildly chaotic battle, with the advantage swinging multiple times. True to the old saying “whoever makes the penultimate mistake wins” it was Lagno who held her nerve at the critical moment and delivered a stunning finish. After 42.Qxd5? (better was42.Qxh5 giving up the queen but emerging slightly better) a brilliant, must-see combination followed. Lagno played 42…Nf4!, and after 43.exf4 Rh6+ 44.Kg3 Qd3+!, and White’s position collapsed. The key point is that White cannot interpose with the knight on f3 due to the hanging queen on d5. In the game, 45.Qf3 was tried, but it runs into the spectacular decisive blow 45…g4!! blow. After 46.Qxd3 Rh3#, it is checkmate. Reflecting on the dramatic turnaround, Lagno admitted in the press conference: “I was so disappointed that I even wanted to resign, but then I decided to fight on at least to move forty. However, I do have to improve my time management though.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDk7S0JaVpY The game between Zhu Jiner and Bibisara Assaubayeva was yet another highly complex and tactical battle, one that, in truth, could have gone either way. Assaubayeva once again demonstrated her strength as a counter-attacker. The moment she sensed an opportunity to turn the tables and target Zhu Jiner’s king, she launched a direct and energetic
FIDE reminds organizers and arbiters of updated Play-Off and Tie-Break Regulations effective March 1, 2026
FIDE wishes to remind organizers, arbiters, players, and manufacturers of Tournament Handler Programs (THPs) that the updated Play-Off and Tie-Break Regulations (C.07) came into effect on March 1, 2026. The revised regulations are intended to improve clarity, fairness and consistency in the application of tie-break systems across a wide range of tournament formats.Among the key updates is the introduction of Standard Points, making it possible to apply the traditional 1, ½, 0 scoring framework in events that use alternative scoring systems. The revised text also introduces additional tie-breaks, providing further options at the end of tie-break sequences and reducing the need to determine final standings by drawing lots. Further refinements include clarifications to Buchholz, additional provisions for team knockout tie-breaks, and revised treatment of unplayed games in Buchholz and Sonneborn-Berger calculations. These changes are intended to promote fairer outcomes and greater consistency in practice. The updated regulations also improve the handling of unplayed rounds in Rating-Based Tie-Breaks and Type B Tie-Breaks, while supporting the needs of a growing variety of tournament formats, including team and hybrid events. These updates form part of FIDE’s continuing efforts to ensure that its regulations remain clear, practical and suited to modern competitive chess. For any inquiries or further information, please contact Hendrik du Toit at secretary.tec@fide.com.
FIDE reminds organizers and arbiters of updated Swiss Rules effective February 1, 2026
FIDE wishes to remind organizers, arbiters, players and Swiss pairing software providers that the updated FIDE Swiss Rules came into effect on February 1, 2026. The revised provisions are now reflected in the FIDE Handbook and apply to all relevant tournaments and pairing procedures conducted under FIDE regulations. The update incorporates important amendments to the Basic Rules for Swiss Systems (C.04.1) and the FIDE (Dutch) System (C.04.3), together with related adjustments to the broader Swiss Rules framework. These changes were introduced to improve clarity, simplify application, and strengthen consistency in the implementation of Swiss pairing rules. Among the main developments are refinements to pairing procedures, clarifications regarding the handling of byes, and structural improvements intended to support arbiters and endorsed pairing software in the correct application of the rules. FIDE also draws attention to related regulatory changes that came into effect on March 1, 2026, including updates to C.02. Chess Equipment Technical Specifications, Rules, and Regulations and 07. Play-Off and Tie-Break Regulations. Organizers and arbiters are encouraged to consult these updated texts alongside the revised Swiss Rules to ensure full compliance with the current FIDE Handbook. These updates form part of FIDE’s continuing work to maintain clear, practical and modern regulations for tournament administration and fair competition. For any inquiries or further information, please contact Hendrik du Toit at secretary.tec@fide.com.
In memory of Viktor Korchnoi on the 95th anniversary of his birth
Photo: Anefo / Rob Bogaerts Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi would have turned 95 today. He is one of those monumental figures one returns to time and again when writing about chess. What would most people know about Korchnoi nowadays? A strong player, an incredible fighter, a cranky guy. These traits can’t be argued, and they are well-known; I would like to offer nuances and details about a character that were more hidden from the world. First and foremost, Korchnoi’s attitude towards chess. It was strikingly different from the approach of the majority of his colleagues, even the greatest ones. Arguably, Korchnoi became the first one to make “Fighting to the last bullet” his chess motto. He kept this aggression burning throughout his long career and probably was the best chess player in history when it comes to fighting spirit and resilience. Korchnoi was one of the few (perhaps along with Geller, Polugaevsky, and Fischer) who toiled over chess incessantly. It helped him to permanently stay in shape. Quite funny was to hear the young players lament exhaustion after working with the seventy-year-old Korchnoi at a training camp. Photo source: http://gahetn.nl Viktor Lvovich (simply Viktor back then) grabbed material in a way that was later to be labeled “computer-like,” but still was ready to fend off his opponent’s attacks (please note, that despite his pawn-grabbing propensity, Korchnoi rarely came under a crushing attack). The word “dangerous” was not in his vocabulary. He neither guessed nor made rough estimations; he just diligently calculated numerous variations. This, incidentally, explains his overwhelming record against Tal. It was Korchnoi who, 40-50 years ago, long before Carlsen was born, became a great (probably the best in the world) master of a complex endgame. He was particularly strong in rook endings. Striving for a real fight and for opportunities to overtake the initiative over the chessboard throughout his career, Korchnoi frequently used difficult openings (French Defense, Pirc Defense). But he also had great opening intuition – in a letter, written in 1972 (published in the excellent book Russians vs. Fischer), Viktor Lvovich advised Spassky in preparation for his match with Fischer: “From the play-to-equalize standpoint, I suggest paying attention to the Petroff Defense and 3…Nf6 in the Ruy Lopez”. Nowadays these continuations (along with the Marshall counterattack and the Sveshnikov variation of the Sicilian Defense) are Black’s most solid response to 1.e4 – but back then both the Petroff Defense and the Berlin Variation of Ruy Lopez were on the fringes of opening theory! In fact, Korchnoi was the first and only one for decades to use the Open variation of the Ruy Lopez – currently, the majority of the best players have this line in their opening repertoire. Photo: Anefo / Croes, R.C. Korchnoi was never an easy man, and, drawing parallels to the present day, was a great master of trash-talking, so popular among the leading young chess players nowadays. On the other hand, “Viktor the Terrible” won over chess fans with his unfailing love of chess, ever-burning fighting spirit, and desire to give it all on the battlefield. Elegantly dressed, distinguished-looking, and always eloquent, but he could be different each time you met him – from prickly and caustic to charming or infectiously laughing. Korchnoi was invariably gallant in female society but often irritable and scathing with his colleagues. Ready to talk endlessly about chess and chess-related topics, he had tenacious memory. Viktor often quoted the classics of literature (Pushkin for example) and chess players of the past (“but Levenfisch said…”). At times Korchnoi was unexpectedly respectful and open with young colleagues outside the tournament hall, but one could see him nervous and at times aggressive during and immediately after a game. From Korchnoi’s personal archive, via ruchess Usually, Viktor showed mercy to his defeated opponents, but once he remarked immediately after the game we played, in which I intuitively sacrificed a piece in a position with a huge advantage, but was unfortunately left high and dry: “Do you think you’re Tal? Even Tal didn’t sacrifice me a piece without calculating variations. And you are not Tal.” He was admired by many, but it was hard to imagine a person who could tolerate the irascible Viktor Lvovich. Frau Petra managed it, although not without difficulty – perhaps because their life together was based on mutual respect. Today you cannot imagine married couples who address each other exclusively as “You”. Another reason might be that she went through a school of hard knocks and became just as tough a fighter herself. Korchnoi as a chess player was treated with fearful respect, but an even greater number of people found his behavior during/after a game unacceptable. Yet, the Greats are forgiven more sins than mere mortals. He was forgiven not only for his magnificent play but also for his dedication to chess, for that genuine commitment over the board. Karpov once said: “Chess is my life. But my life is not just chess”. Korchnoi could have easily discarded the second half of that quote. Photo: John Saunders Viktor Lvovich pushed every conceivable boundary, surpassing even Lasker. At 70 he won a super-tournament in Biel finishing ahead Gelfand, Grischuk, Svidler, and others, and at 80 he put in a good performance in Gibraltar, defeating, among others, Caruana, who had already begun his meteoric rise… And yet Korchnoi’s best period is the 1970s. His epic duels with Karpov are still talked about. But there were so many other remarkable battles: the matches with Spassky, Petrosian, Polugaevsky… Even in the match against Kasparov (1983), for the most part, he was fighting on equal ground. We often talk about the most interesting unplayed matches – one of the most interesting for me would have been the Candidates final between Korchnoi and Fischer (1971). But Korchnoi lost to Petrosian in a very strange semi-final. The duel with the American genius did not take place. It is a pity because Viktor Lvovich was effective against Fischer; he controlled the proceedings in their
Chess Women’s Day Celebration 2026: Visible, connected, worldwide
Throughout the month of March, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess once again brings the global chess community together through the Chess Women’s Day Celebration, inviting federations, clubs, academies and organisers worldwide to celebrate women and girls in chess. Following the inspiring success of last year’s first global celebration, the 2026 edition continues under the theme “Visible, Connected, Worldwide.” The goal is simple yet powerful: to increase the visibility of women and girls in chess, strengthen connections between organisers and communities across continents, and highlight the many initiatives that promote equity and opportunity in the game. Throughout March, a wide variety of events – tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, lectures, workshops and community gatherings – take place across the world. Each of them contributes to a shared global effort to celebrate women in chess and inspire new generations of players. A strong start in Poland The celebration began before March, with a women’s event in Poland the XV Radzikowska Memorial, one of the strongest and most established women’s chess festivals in Europe. A highlight of the festival was the exciting Team Poland vs Team World match, where leading Polish players faced invited international stars. Alongside the main match, a rapid tournament for girls and women offered an opportunity for young players to compete and interact with elite players. The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess partnered with the organisers of the festival, supporting the best performing girls with special prizes and training sessions with top Polish women grandmasters. Women’s Chess Day and futures tournament at the Prague Chess Festival March kicked off in a perfect way at the Prague Chess Festival, where the Commission partnered with organisers to support the Futures Tournament, a round-robin event for talented young girls played alongside the prestigious Masters and Challengers sections. For the participants, this meant experiencing a world-class chess environment and sharing the stage with top players such as Gukesh Dommaraju, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Divya Deshmukh. This year’s Futures event had a very special ambassador – legendary Swedish grandmaster Pia Cramling, who met with the girls and their parents to share insights from her remarkable chess career. She also gave a simultaneous exhibition, creating a memorable moment for everyone involved. As part of Women’s Chess Day activities, Divya Deshmukh also took on the role of chess instructor, introducing the basics of the game to Czech actress Aňa Geislerová in a relaxed and engaging session. The Futures tournament was won by Kaja Rzadkowska (Poland), followed by Christina Jordan (Switzerland) in second place and Zuzana Stará (Czech Republic) in third. A major celebration in Kazakhstan Another highlight of the global celebrations took place on March 6 with the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2026, organised by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation – a long-standing and highly active partner in promoting chess development and women’s participation in the game. The event brought together players, organisers and guests in a vibrant festival atmosphere that beautifully celebrated both women and chess. With its elegant setting and engaging programme, the event truly reflected the spirit of the Chess Women’s Day Celebration. A special role in the organisation and development of women’s chess initiatives in Kazakhstan is played by Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and a member of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. Through her continued work and leadership, numerous initiatives promoting girls’ and women’s participation in chess continue to grow in the country. Queens’ Online Chess Festival connects players worldwide One of the largest initiatives of the celebration is the Queens’ Online Chess Festival, organised by the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess as part of the Chess4All FIDE WOM project. Running from March 1–29, 2026 and dedicated to International Women’s Day, the festival is free to join and open to women and girls of all ages and playing levels. Two parallel competitions are held throughout the month: Queens’ Women’s Open Tournament Unrated Princesses’ Tournament The festival began with the African continent on March 1 and immediately showed impressive growth. This year alone, 114 African women players registered, marking the highest participation from the continent in the history of the event. With players continuing to join from across the world, the festival highlights how online chess can connect communities globally. The Commission also expresses its gratitude to Lichess for providing the playing platform. Partnerships, dialogue and new initiatives The celebration also includes cooperation with several international festivals and initiatives working to increase women’s participation in chess. One of them is the Budapest Spring Festival, where the entry fees for all women players were waived in both groups of the tournament, underlining a shared commitment to making high-level chess more accessible and inclusive. The festival also hosted a Women’s Chess Roundtable on March 4, creating space for discussion, exchange of ideas and inspiration among women in chess. The roundtable included participation from Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. Storytelling and social impact As part of the March programme, the Commission also cooperates with the FIDE Social Commission in supporting the Storytelling & Impact Content Masterclass, an initiative dedicated to creating meaningful visual storytelling for social and sports initiatives. The lecture is delivered by award-winning creative director Maxim Kolyshev, a Cannes Lions finalist and winner of more than 150 international awards. In this inspiring session, participants explore how powerful stories are created and how they can build communities and generate real social impact. Celebrating Women’s Day across continents On International Women’s Day, a special simultaneous exhibition will take place in Saint-Tropez, organised by the chess club Les Fous de la Vieille Tour. Participants will have a rare opportunity to face the 12th Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, whose remarkable career has inspired thousands of girls around the world. Partner events across Africa are also bringing women together through competition and celebration. In Malawi, an invitational women’s round-robin tournament will take place on March 8, while another women’s event is scheduled from March 26–30, demonstrating the country’s continued efforts to promote greater equity and participation in chess. Further
Vladimir Tukmakov celebrates his 80th birthday
A renowned Grandmaster, chess author, and successful coach, Vladimir Tukmakov celebrates his 80th birthday today. Born in 1946 in Odessa – a city famous for its rich chess traditions – Tukmakov displayed promise from a young age, becoming a true leader of the post-WWII generation of Soviet chess talents. He quickly established himself as an excellent team player. His career first blossomed when he contributed to, and later captained, the USSR team to consecutive victories in the World Student Team Championship from 1966 to 1972, earning nine gold medals along the way. Tukmakov earned the Grandmaster title in 1972 following strong performances in elite events. These included second-place finishes at the USSR Championships in Riga (1970), Baku (1972), and Moscow (1983), finishing behind Korchnoi, Tal, and Karpov, respectively. In his only Olympiad appearance in 1984, he secured team gold. He also represented the USSR at the European Team Chess Championships in 1973, 1983, and 1989, collecting an impressive five gold medals (three team, two individual). At the momentous USSR vs. Rest of the World match in London (1984), Tukmakov made a surprising but important contribution. Starting as a reserve for the Soviet team, he was twice asked to substitute for Smyslov on board 4 and once for Polugaevsky on board 3. He delivered a positive score against Ljubojević (one win, one draw) and Korchnoi (one draw). In international tournaments, his best results include 2nd place (behind Fischer) at Buenos Aires 1970; 2nd (behind Karpov) at Madrid 1973; shared 1st (with Jansa and Ivkov) at the IBM Amsterdam Tournament 1974; 1st at Decin 1977; shared 1st (with Sax) at Las Palmas 1978; 1st at Vilnius 1978 (ahead of Tigran Petrosian); and 1st at Malta 1980. Later, he finished 2nd (behind Yusupov) at Yerevan 1982 and 2nd (behind Miles) at Tilburg 1984. Tukmakov also won the strong Lugano Open in 1985 and the 30th Reggio Emilia Tournament in 1987/88. At the Amsterdam OHRA-B Open in 1990, he shared first place with Judit Polgár. Additionally, he won the Canadian Open Chess Championship in 1989 and 1994. Photo: Maria Emelianova After transitioning from active play in the late 1980s, Tukmakov became a highly successful coach. He headed the Ukrainian national team starting in 2004, leading it to gold medals at the Chess Olympiads in Calvià (2004) and Khanty-Mansiysk (2010), along with multiple European and world team medals. Recognized as FIDE Trainer of the Year in 2010 and recipient of the trainer’s “Oscar,” he has mentored top players including Anish Giri and Wesley So. In 2024, he received FIDE’s Best Trainer award as part of the FIDE 100 celebrations. Tukmakov has also authored bestselling chess books such as Profession: Chess Player (2010), Modern Chess Preparation (2012), and Risk and Bluff in Chess (2015), offering insights into professional chess strategy and psychology. We wish Vladimir Tukmakov many more years of highly productive and creative work!
Ghana Chess Association successfully elects new executive council members
Accra, Ghana – February 22, 2026 – On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Ghana Chess Association held a congress to elect a new executive council, as mandated by the association’s constitution. The elections were organised and supervised by a three-person electoral committee chaired by Mr. Ambrose Amexo. Voting took place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, after which the results were declared and the new executives were sworn in by a senior member of the Ghana Olympic Committee. The results were as follows: PRESIDENT Acheampong David: 14 (17.07%) Ashley Christiana Naa Merley: 68 (82.93%) VICE PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION) Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley (Yes): 77 (93.9%) Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley (No): 2 (2.44%) VICE PRESIDENT (TECHNICAL) Fomevor Clinton Cephas: 65 (79.27%) Tandoh Charles Raymond Appiah: 16 (19.51%) GENERAL SECRETARY Kporxah Maxwell Kwasi (Yes): 77 (93.9%) Kporxah Maxwell Kwasi (No): 3 (3.66%) FINANCIAL SECRETARY Mills-Pappoe Benjamin Adoayi (Yes): 73 (80.02%) Mills-Pappoe Benjamin Adoayi (No): 5 (6.1%) TREASURER Dzima Betty (Yes): 76 (92.68%) Dzima Betty (No): 3 (3.66%) ORGANISING SECRETARY Acheampong George Koomson: 62 (75.61%) Senyegah Paul: 18 (21.95%) PLAYERS’ REPRESENTATIVE Anhwere Bernard (Yes): 78 (95.12%) Anhwere Bernard (No): 1 (1.22%) YOUTH COORDINATOR Benson Maud (Yes): 76 (92.68%) Benson Maud (No): 2 (2.44%)
FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Togo
The Togolese Chess Federation (FTDE) welcomed FIDE Director for Chess Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, for an official visit aimed at promoting and structuring the game across Togo. The visit is part of FIDE’s ongoing efforts to support national federations in Africa and foster sustainable chess growth on the continent. During the visit, discussions focused on expanding the chess player base, structuring clubs, and enhancing coach training programs. The delegation and FTDE leadership shared strategies to create an environment conducive to discovering new talent and strengthening the organization of chess nationwide. As part of the program, the FTDE organized a conference on the educational value of chess, bringing together young players and key partners, including the National Social Security Fund. Nigel Short highlighted the role of chess in developing concentration, decision-making skills, and strategic thinking, while emphasizing that regular tournaments and fostering a love for the game are critical to nurturing emerging talent. FTDE President Me Ndjellé Abby Edah emphasized the federation’s commitment to democratizing chess starting from schools and broadening the licensed player base to boost Togo’s competitiveness at regional and international levels. Commenting on FIDE’s support for Africa and Togo, Tshepiso Lopang, President of the African Chess Confederation, said: “FIDE’s continued engagement and support provide our federations with the tools and guidance needed to grow chess from the grassroots to the elite level. Nigel Short’s visit to Togo exemplifies FIDE’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening chess infrastructure across the continent.” The visit also provided an opportunity to launch the Chess Popularization Program (PIVE), designed to promote chess among youth and integrate the game into educational and community settings. Supported by FIDE, the program aims to cultivate early interest in chess and expand participation across Togo. Photos: African Chess Confederation
Jan Timman (1951-2026)
FIDE and the entire chess community mourn the passing of Jan Timman, who died on February 18 at the age of 74. The nine-time Dutch champion, elite player from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, multiple-time Candidates participant, he will be remembered for his imaginative playing style, outstanding competitive achievements and rich literary legacy. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Timman learned chess around the age of eight and quickly showed exceptional talent. His first notable success came at the 1967 World Junior Championship in Jerusalem where, aged just 15, he won the bronze medal. Timman earned the International Master title in 1971 and he was awarded the Grandmaster title in 1974, becoming only the third Dutch player to achieve this honor after Max Euwe and Jan Hein Donner. The same year he won his first Dutch championship title. His rapid ascent continued with a string of excellent results in international tournaments. In Hastings 1973/74 he shared victory with Tal, Kuzmin, and Szabó; he then went on to win Sombor 1974 (jointly with Boris Gulko), Netanya 1975, Reykjavík 1976 (with Fridrik Olafsson), Amsterdam IBM 1978, Nikšić 1978 (with Gulko) and Vidmar Memorial 1979. At the peak of his career, Timman stood out as the best non-Soviet player earning the moniker “the best of the West”. By 1982 he was ranked second in the world, behind only Anatoly Karpov. In the 1980s Timman won a number of very strong tournaments, including Amsterdam IBM in 1981, Wijk aan Zee in 1981 and 1985, Linares in 1988, Euwe Memorial 1987 (with Karpov) and 1989, and the 1989 World Cup tournament in Rotterdam. Other triumphs included Las Palmas 1981, Mar del Plata 1982, Bugojno 1984, and Sarajevo 1984 (shared with Korchnoi). Timman’s quest for the chess crown began in 1972, but he first qualified for the Candidates in 1985 after winning the Interzonal in Taxco. His pursuit culminated in the title match of the 1993 FIDE World Championship against Anatoly Karpov (organized by FIDE following the Kasparov–Short split), which Timman lost. Timman represented the Netherlands in 13 Chess Olympiads from 1972 to 2004, playing on the top board on 11 occasions. In 1976 he won the gold medal for the best individual performance on board one. Beyond competition, Timman made significant contributions as a chess writer and editor, including long-term roles with New in Chess magazine and authoring several acclaimed books such as The Art of Chess Analysis (1980), The Art of Attacking Chess (2014) and Timman’s Titans (2016). He was also a distinguished endgame study composer – one of the strongest practical players to excel in chess compositions. In October 2025, Jan Timman was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring contributions to chess. FIDE and global chess family extend their deepest condolences to Jan Timman’s family, friends and loved ones. Photo: Harry Gielen
Botswana concludes 2026 National Team Selection Finals in multi-phase championship
The Botswana Chess Federation has successfully concluded its 2026 National Team Selection Finals, culminating a championship defined by competitive integrity, and alignment with the governance standards of the African Chess Confederation and FIDE. Hosted at Yarona Country Lodge, the tournament brought together Botswana’s strongest players in both the Open and Women’s Sections for a demanding and meticulously organised selection process. A rigorous multi-phase qualification battle The championship featured a round-robin format, ensuring that each contender faced every other opponent in their respective section. Beyond its format, the tournament unfolded in several phases, each increasing in intensity. Sustaining performance across multiple phases required endurance, discipline, and elite-level focus. Open Section: Experience reaffirmed, youth rising In the Open Section, Mothudi Arnold Mogotsi emerged as tournament winner after a composed and strategically mature campaign. His performance marks a significant return to the pinnacle of Botswana chess. Joining him are Sebetlela Gaasite, CM Thuto Mpene, and CM Thuso Mosutha, each of whom demonstrated consistency and fighting spirit throughout the contest. The qualification of Gaasite and Mpene, in particular, reflects the continued success of Botswana’s youth development structures and signals a strong generational transition in national chess. The team is further strengthened by the automatic inclusion of the country’s highest-rated player, IM Providence Oatlhotse, whose international experience adds depth and leadership to the squad. Women’s Section: Stability and strategic growth In the Women’s Section, WIM Onkemetse Mendu Francis once again showcased her class and consistency, securing qualification through a strong performance. She will be joined by WCM Maya Otimile, WCM Amolemo Atlang Mosweu, and WCM Laone Phoebe Moshoboro, an ambitious trio whose qualification reflects the steady growth of women’s chess in Botswana. Their achievement marks a significant milestone not only in their individual careers, but also in the broader strengthening of the women’s competitive structure nationally. Completing the team is WFM Natalie Banda, the country’s highest-rated female player, whose presence ensures experience and rating strength across the boards. “The successful completion of the 2026 National Team Selection Championship signifies far more than the announcement of a national squad. It reflects the continued institutional growth of the Botswana Chess Federation, the strength of our transparent and merit-driven qualification framework, and the effectiveness of a clearly defined pathway from youth development to elite national representation. By integrating experienced masters with an ambitious new generation of talent, we are demonstrating both continuity and strategic foresight a model aligned with the development vision of the African Chess Confederation and FIDE. As we prepare for continental and global engagements, Botswana enters the 2026 cycle united, structurally stronger, and firmly focused on delivering competitive excellence on the international stage,” said Kutlwano “Jady” Tatolo President of Botswana Chess Federation Preparing for global and continental engagement The selected teams will represent Botswana at the prestigious Chess Olympiad 2026, to be staged in Uzbekistan. The Olympiad remains the foremost global team chess event, offering nations an opportunity to benchmark progress against the world’s elite while gaining invaluable competitive exposure. In addition, Botswana will host the African Individual Chess Championship 2026 in June. Hosting this flagship continental event underscores Botswana’s growing organisational capacity and its expanding role within African chess structures.