Magnus Carlsen Urges FIDE to Reject Russia and Belarus Reinstatement

Magnus Carlsen Urges FIDE to Reject Russia and Belarus Reinstatement

Chess legend Magnus Carlsen has vehemently opposed the potential reinstatement of Russia and Belarus into the International Chess Federation (FIDE) ahead of a crucial vote this weekend. The two countries were expelled from FIDE in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Carlsen, who was honored as the greatest player of all time at a FIDE gala in Budapest, used his platform to advocate against the readmission of Russia and Belarus. He cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need to maintain sanctions against the aggressor nations.

“In Garry’s honor, I’m sure he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federation, so that is what I will do as well,” Carlsen stated.

Garry Kasparov, a renowned Russian grandmaster and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, echoed Carlsen’s sentiments. “Indeed I would, and do!” Kasparov wrote on social media.

The proposed readmission of Russia and Belarus has sparked controversy within the chess community and beyond. Ukraine’s sports minister, Matviy Bidny, praised Carlsen’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia and Belarus while the war continues.

“Sanctions against Russia and Belarus should only be strengthened as long as the war continues, as dictatorial regimes are trying to legitimise the war against Ukraine by using sport and athletes,” Bidny said.

Carlsen, a five-time world chess champion, has consistently dominated the sport since 2013. His unwavering opposition to the readmission of Russia and Belarus underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for the chess community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

World Chess Championship: New Prize Fund and Tiebreak Format to Encourage Decisive Results

World Chess Championship: New Prize Fund and Tiebreak Format to Encourage Decisive Results

The upcoming World Chess Championship match between reigning champion Ding Liren and Indian prodigy D Gukesh has witnessed a significant change in prize fund distribution. In a bid to encourage decisive results and discourage draws, the global chess body FIDE has introduced a new format where players will be rewarded for each classical game they win.

Of the $2.5 million prize fund, $200,000 will be awarded for each classical game victory, with the remaining prize money split equally between the players. This move aims to incentivize aggressive play and reduce the number of drawn games, which have been prevalent in recent title matches.

In last year’s match between Ding and Ian Nepomniachtchi, 11 of the 14 classical games ended in draws. To address this issue, FIDE has also revised the tiebreak format. Instead of the previous four rapid games and two blitz games, the new format features four rapid games (15 minutes plus 10-second increment) followed by two more rapid games (10 minutes plus 5-second increment). If the scores remain tied, a two-minute blitz playoff (3 minutes plus 2-second increment) will be played.

This gradual decrease in time controls is intended to provide a more balanced and exciting tiebreak format. Both players have been consulted and have agreed to the new format.

While Gukesh excels in classical chess, Ding holds a higher ranking in rapid chess. However, Gukesh’s recent performance in the Candidates Tournament has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

The match will be a test of both players’ skills and resilience. Ding will be aiming to defend his title, while Gukesh will be looking to make history as the youngest World Chess Champion. The new prize fund distribution and tiebreak format are expected to add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the match.

Praggnanandhaa Stresses Need for Corporate Sponsors in Chess

Praggnanandhaa Stresses Need for Corporate Sponsors in Chess

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, who recently made history as the youngest player to compete in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, has emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsors in the sport. Despite the perception of chess as an inexpensive pursuit, Praggnanandhaa highlights the significant financial burden associated with training and competing at the highest levels.

Praggnanandhaa, who recently entered into a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Adani Group, expressed his gratitude for their support. He explained that chess training involves extensive travel, equipment, and coaching, making it a costly endeavor. The Adani Group’s sponsorship has alleviated the financial pressure on Praggnanandhaa and his family, allowing him to focus solely on his chess development.

The 18-year-old Grandmaster is currently participating in the Rapid and Blitz tournament in Poland, which marks the start of a packed schedule for him. He is set to compete in the Grand Chess Tour, including the Superbet Romania classical tournament, the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz, and the Sinquefield Cup. Praggnanandhaa is also excited to participate in the Norway Chess and the Real Masters in Switzerland.

Praggnanandhaa acknowledges that his success is not solely due to his talent but also to the unwavering support of his family and sponsors. He emphasizes the importance of corporate sponsors like the Adani Group in fostering the growth of sports and providing financial assistance to athletes.

To maintain his peak performance, Praggnanandhaa follows a rigorous physical and mental regimen. He engages in physical sports, such as badminton and beach volleyball, to keep his body and mind sharp. He also undergoes extensive chess training, including opening preparation and calculation exercises.

Praggnanandhaa’s journey serves as a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in chess. With the support of sponsors and a dedicated training regimen, he continues to push the boundaries of the sport and inspire young chess enthusiasts worldwide.

Visa Issues Threaten Toronto's Hosting of Prestigious Chess Tournament

Visa Issues Threaten Toronto’s Hosting of Prestigious Chess Tournament

The 2024 Candidates Tournament, a prestigious chess event organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is scheduled to take place in Toronto from April 3 to 23. However, the tournament’s location remains uncertain due to visa issues affecting several participants.

Five Indian players have received visa approvals for the tournament: Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, and Gukesh D in the Open category, and Vaishali Rameshbabu and Koneru Humpy in the Women’s category. However, three players and an official from other countries are still awaiting their visas.

Vladimir Drkulec, president of the Chess Federation of Canada, confirmed that all Indian participants have received their visas and will be able to participate in the tournament. However, he emphasized that the tournament will be moved to Spain if all players from other countries do not receive their visas by Friday.

“We are down to ten visas still needing approval. There are no Indians on that list,” Drkulec said. “But it won’t do any good if we don’t get all the players approved from other countries as the tournament will move to Spain.”

FIDE has issued an urgent appeal to Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, to resolve the visa issue. FIDE director general Emil Sutovsky has stated that the tournament will not be postponed or players replaced due to visa issues.

This will be the first time the Candidates Tournament, which has been held for nearly 70 years, will be held in North America. The tournament features 16 of the world’s top chess players, including Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World Champion.

2024 Candidates Chess Tournament Faces Relocation Due to Visa Issues

2024 Candidates Chess Tournament Faces Relocation Due to Visa Issues

The 2024 Candidates chess tournament, scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, from April 3 to 23, faces an uncertain future due to unresolved visa issues for players and participants. The tournament, which determines the challengers for the world champion title in both the open and women’s categories, is at risk of being moved out of Canada if the visa problems are not resolved by Friday.

Vladimir Drkulec, president of the Chess Federation of Canada, expressed concern over the situation, stating that “if we cannot resolve these issues by Friday, the tournament will be moved to Spain.” He emphasized the need for “political will” to address the issue and expressed cautious optimism that a resolution could be reached before the deadline.

The tournament faces uncertainty as many players, including India’s teen sensation R Praggnanandhaa, have not received their visas. As many as 40 participants, including 16 players, are yet to secure visas. Vidit Gujrathi, Gukesh D, and Vaishali Rameshbabu, Praggnanandhaa’s sister, are among those who have not been issued visas.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) made an urgent appeal last Friday, expressing concern about the lack of visa updates for players who submitted their applications months ago. The appeal, posted on social media, tagged Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, and his department.

Drkulec stated that the federation has contacted multiple members of parliament and government ministers, receiving positive responses from their staff. FIDE director general Emil Sutovsky emphasized that the tournament will not be postponed or players replaced due to visa issues.

This will be the first time the nearly 70-year-old tournament is being held in North America and will feature 16 of the world’s best players. The tournament is a significant event in the chess world, and its relocation would be a major disappointment for the Canadian chess community and fans worldwide.

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