FIDE Grand Prix Berlin: Nakamura and So face off in final
Hikaru Nakamura and Wesley So won their matches and will meet in the final of the third stage of the FIDE Grand Prix in Berlin organised by World Chess. Both Americans defeated their opponents, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Amin Tabatabaei, by a 2:0 score. Wesley So will have White pieces in the first game of the final match on the 2nd of April. Hikaru Nakamura – Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 2:0 Hikaru Nakamura chose to play one of his favourite openings in the fast chess Nimzovich-Larsen attack. He uses this system pretty often in bullet chess and knows the positions quite well. However, Shakhriyar got a very strong initiative on the kingside and refused to repeat the moves, feeling he had good winning chances. Hikaru managed to complicate the position by creating a strong counterplay on the queenside. The Azeri GM didn’t find the precise way to continue his attack and made a few inaccurate moves in time trouble. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov lost the first game and had to win on demand to stay in the match. “I think the first game was a match, basically. It was too complicated; I tried to be too creative… I think Shakh had good chances to win that game, but we were low on time. After Rh4 and Rg4, which was probably not a mistake, his rook is suddenly got trapped, and there were no easy moves, and it was just too hard to play. I was a little bit lucky,” said Hikaru after the match. In the second game the English Opening was played. The match situation required Shakhriyar to go for a kill, and he decided to go for the line that he would not choose in different circumstances. He exchanged two pieces for a rook and two pawns, hoping to get some chances. According to Hikaru, he was expecting Shakhriyar to play that line but felt confident about his position. After a couple of exchanges, Black managed to keep the pair of bishops on the board, which weaved a checkmating net around White’s king. Hikaru scored another victory and eliminated Shakhriyar from the Grand Prix Berlin. Wesley So – Amin Tabatabaei 2:0 In the first game of the match, Amin Tabatabaei got a sharp position against Wesley So right in the opening, using a fresh idea suggested by one of his seconds American Grandmaster Hans Niemann. GM Anish Giri, who was commenting on the tiebreaks today, remembered Amin playing 2.Nc3 regularly online but was surprised to see him choosing this line today in the official competition. It was a surprise to Wesley too, who admitted he was in huge trouble after the opening. The Iranian Grandmaster didn’t find the best plan in the position, and Wesley So managed to gradually activate his pieces and advance central pawns. In an equal position, White lost his d6-pawn after missing a tactical trick and Wesley confidently converted his advantage into a full point. The second game had a similar scenario as Amin was well-prepared in the opening again and got an advantage with Black. He got a strong attack on the kingside, and when the dust settled, the Iranian GM emerged with three pawns and a bishop for a rook and decisive advantage. Wesley So was defending actively and managed to create a dangerous passer on the a-file that decided the game. Thus, the American GM punched his ticked to the final. After the game, Wesley So spoke about his opponent in the final, Hikaru Nakamura: “He is very determined and it seems like he is getting back to this old 2800 level form, so it’s going to be a very tough match. Also, the way that he beat Shakhriyar today was very convincing, I must say.” The FIDE Grand Prix Series is brought to you by World Chess. Leading partners supporting the FIDE Grand Prix Series 2022 include: Kaspersky as the Official Cybersecurity Partner; Algorand as the Official Blockchain Partner; Prytek as the Technology Transfer Partner; FIDE Online Arena as the official Partner. Photo: Official Photo FIDE Grand Prix Berlin Press kit and Niki Riga
FIDE signs contract with AICF for the 2022 Chess Olympiad
A FIDE delegation headed by its President Arkady Dvorkovich has paid a three-day visit to India. The purpose of the trip was to inspect the proposed venue for the 44th Chess Olympiad, discuss the road map for the event, and sign the contract with the All India Chess Federation (AICF). The FIDE President also held a round of meetings with all the relevant authorities whose support has made this event possible. AICF President Sanjay Kapoor and Tournament Director and AICF Secretary Bharat Chauhan, along with District Collector, AR Rahul Nadh, escorted the FIDE delegation to the venue for the upcoming Olympiad in Chennai on March 31. All the operational aspects of the Olympiad were discussed in detail between the FIDE representatives and the local organizing committee. Later that day, Dvorkovich met with Siva. V. Meyyanathan, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Government of Tamil Nadu, and Dr R Anandakumar IAS, Member Secretary Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. Today, April 1, during a public act hosted in Delhi, the FIDE President officially signed the contract for India to organize the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022. The President of All India Chess Federation (AICF) and the Organizing Committee Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, Tournament Director Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, Principal Secretary Youth Welfare & Sports Development Department Government of Tamil Nadu, IAS Ms. Apoorva, Five-time World Chess Champion Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, Chairman of Gujarat State Co-operative Banks Mr. Ajay Patel and Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, IAS Dr. R Anandakumar were in attendance to receive the official hosting rights on behalf of India. The Government of Tamil Nadu and Honourable Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin along with the team at AICF carried out tremendous efforts to bring the FIDE 44th World Chess Olympiad 2022 to India. The prestigious competition, which has been organized since 1927, will be held in India for the first time and in Asia after 30 years. Speaking at the occasion, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said, “It’s an honour and privilege to be here and this is a historic moment as India will host the FIDE World Chess Olympiad for the first time. The place which produces more Grandmasters than any other country truly deserves to host the FIDE World Chess Olympiad. I can see a clear interest to host the best-ever FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Chennai.” Indian chess grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand, who was also present at the event in New Delhi, said, “I am delighted that the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad will take place in Chennai. I would like to thank the Tamil Nadu Government and especially Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin and everyone else who has played a part in bringing the competition to India. I would also like to thank FIDE and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. And also credit must be given to All India Chess Federation (AICF) for moving very fast and I am confident that the competition will be a great success.” The President of All India Chess Federation Dr. Sanjay Kapoor said, “Today I am overjoyed and as the President of AICF, I would like to share this joy with the people of India. The FIDE World Chess Olympiad has never been hosted in India, but in 2022, the long wait is finally over. It’s a matter of pride for the entire country to host this event. Going by the number of countries participating in the tournament, it will be the biggest sporting competition ever hosted in India.” The Tournament Director Bharat Singh Chauhan added, “This is a historic moment for the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and all of us. This is going to be the biggest sporting event hosted by India. We are expecting participants from 160-190 countries to take part in the competition. We are going to host this event with the support of all chess players.” After the public act, the AICF representatives and the FIDE President were invited to a private reception with the Honourable Chief Minister of the Tamil Nadu Government Thiru M.K. Stalin. Mr Stalin, who was the mayor of Chennai in the period from 2009 to 2011, and had previously been 1st Deputy Chief Minister from 2009 to 2011, has backed the project from the very beginning. Without his decisive support, bringing the Olympiad to Chennai wouldn’t have been possible. The 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad will take place from 28 July 2022 to 10 August 2022 in Chennai. This is the complete schedule: Day 1, July 28, 2022 – Technical meeting, Opening ceremony Day 2, July 29, 2022 – Round 1 Day 3, July 30, 2022 – Round 2 Day 4, July 31, 2022 – Round 3 Day 5, August 1, 2022 – Round 4 Day 6, August 2, 2022 – Round 5 Day 7, August 3, 2022 – Round 6 Day 8, August 4, 2022 – Free day Day 9, August 5, 2022 – Round 7 Day 10, August 6, 2022 – Round 8 Day 11, August 7, 2022 – Round 9 Day 12, August 8, 2022 – Round 10 Day 13, August 9, 2022 – Round 11, closing ceremony Day 14, August 10, 2022 – Departures Chennai will also host the FIDE Congress 2022. According to the FIDE Charter, the elections of the FIDE leadership should take place there. July 31, 2022 – Arrivals August 1, 2022 – FIDE Management Board meeting & FIDE Commissions’ meetingsAugust 2, 2022 – FIDE Commissions’ meetingsAugust 3, 2022 – FIDE Zonal Council meeting & FIDE Commissions’ meetings August 4, 2022 – Elections of Zonal Presidents & FIDE Commissions’ meetingsAugust 5, 2022 – FIDE Council meeting & Elected Zonal Council meetingAugust 6, 2022 – Continental electionsAugust 7, 2022 – FIDE General Assembly & ElectionsAugust 8, 2022 – FIDE General Assembly August 9, 2022 – Departures During the press conference that followed the signature of the contract, Arkady Dvorkovich announced his decision to run for a second term. He also announced that five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand will join his team. You can read a separate announcement here.
Arkady Dvorkovich will run for reelection
Today, on April 1, 2022, at a press conference held in Delhi, Arkady Dvorkovich announced his intentions to run for reelection as FIDE President for a second term. He also announced that five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand would join his team. “I am willing and determined to work with this team. It is a wonderful group led by Dvorkovich, and they have done a lot for the sport,” said the Indian legend. This is the President’s statement: “The past four years have been challenging for all of us, but I am proud to acknowledge that I personally, and the entire FIDE leadership team, have worked with full dedication for the benefit of chess all over the world. A lot has been done. The largest broadcasting contracts with the main platforms have been concluded, thus providing a stable basis for FIDE activities. With dedicated work, we have managed to create a stable financial basis, not being dependent on a sole narrow source of resources. New formats of work during the pandemics have been found, including the FIDE Online Olympiad. The World Championship Cycle tournaments have been successfully carried out. A new major cycle tournament Grand Swiss was established, thus making the qualification process much more democratic. I am happy that important steps have been taken to promote women’s chess. The World Championship cycle has been fine-tuned, and the prize fund notably increased. A tournament of Women Candidates has been approved, the Women’s Grand Prix series revived, and the Women’s Grand Swiss tournament established. The principle of gender equality has been encoded in our policies and electoral rules, and I am dedicated to continuing to close the gender gap in our sport. Extensive work is being done in the social sphere – major tournaments for people with disabilities are organized, and various chess programs for vulnerable groups like refugees, children with ASD, veterans and inmates are carried out. A motivational talent development program FIDE Chessable Academy has been launched, as well as training and Olympiad travelling support will be provided to the national teams of the less developed countries. Chess in education remains our priority with new training programmes and a certification system being developed. We continue consistent and transparent FIDE Development Fund’s support to important initiatives of Federations, Continents and Associated organizations. Chess development programs are being actively implemented around the world. However, there are even more important tasks ahead. In this situation, I consider it is my moral duty to confirm that I intend to run for the second Presidential term. I count on the support of the General Assembly and the chess society. Gens Una Sumus.” The President also confirmed that the campaign would start in May as per Electoral Regulations, but he highly appreciates that the team will be strengthened by the participation of the five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand. “We have discussed that Viswanathan will be a huge part of our team,” stated Mr Dvorkovich, emphasizing that “whoever wins, we will support chess, we will be involved in chess, that doesn’t depend on politics. It depends only on our will, our commitment and our love of chess.”
FIDE Grand Prix Berlin: Semifinals go to tiebreaks
In the second round of the semifinals of the third stage of the FIDE Grand Prix in Berlin organised by World Chess, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Hikaru Nakamura made a second draw and will continue fighting for a spot in the final on the tiebreak tomorrow. After a huge blunder by Wesley So, Amin Tabatabaei bounced back in the second game of the semifinal and took their match to the tiebreaker. With today’s half-point, Hikaru Nakamura has secured his overall victory in the 2022 FIDE Grand Prix Series. Even if he loses the tiebreak tomorrow, he still edges out Richard Rapport in the total number of points scored in classical games. Both matches will be decided on the tiebreaks tomorrow, with Hikaru Nakamura and Amin Tabatabaei starting their matches with white pieces. On the 1st of April, we will know the names of the finalists. Amin Tabatabaei tried to surprise Welsey So in the opening, and after an interesting move order, the Romanishin Variation in Nimzo-Indian Defense appeared on the board. Wesley, playing with Black, managed to exchange his side-pawn b5 for the central pawn on d5 and not only solved his opening problems but got a quite comfortable position. The critical moment of the game came on move 23. After spending only one minute on his clock, the American suddenly went for a piece sacrifice and completely missed a very strong reply 24.Rd1-d3! which effectively parried all Black’s threats and created his own ones. Amin Tabatabaei – Welsey So The key variation in the position is 24…Nf3 25.Rxf3 Bxf3 26.Qc3 with a double attack. “That’s basically a one-move blunder from Wesley So, which is very uncharacteristic of him,” said the commentator of the tournament GM Evgeny Miroshnichenko. “What happened was just crazy. I played 23.Rd1 and I completely blundered 23…Nh4 – I thought everything falls apart. And after 24.Rd3 it is so strange that White is completely winning,” shared Amin Tabatabaei after the game. “I was incredibly lucky at that moment.” “My opponent is a great player, fighting, very aggressive, very tactical. And yeah, I just blundered Rd3 – that’s all I can say about the game. Blunders happen,” said Wesley So. The game went into an ending with an extra pawn and the bishop pair advantage for White. Wesley decided not to check Amin’s technique and resigned on move 30. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov was quite satisfied with his position in one of the Queen’s Gambit Declined variations with 5. Bf4. By advancing his pawns on the queenside, White created certain threats, but Hikaru Nakamura found an interesting way to regroup his pieces and took control over the c-file. After White’s 25.a4, Hikaru probably could have put more pressure on his opponent by keeping the pawns on a-file on the board but went for a forced line, leading to massive exchanges. None of the opponents had real chances in the drawish ending, but they kept playing until the peace was finally signed on move 51. The FIDE Grand Prix Series is brought to you by World Chess. Leading partners supporting the FIDE Grand Prix Series 2022 include: Kaspersky as the Official Cybersecurity Partner; Algorand as the Official Blockchain Partner; Prytek as the Technology Transfer Partner; FIDE Online Arena as the official Partner. Photo: Official Photo FIDE Grand Prix Berlin Press kit and Niki Riga