Statement by the Fair Play Chair on the Carlsen-Niemann investigation
While the Carlsen-Niemann Investigatory Panel has been working very hard in the past few weeks, the investigation is not yet completed. This is due to the complexity of the matter at hand, which requires the Investigatory Panel to search for and analyze all relevant evidence, and also to consult with external experts where needed. The IP cannot disclose the content and interim outcome of its efforts; however, the Fair Play Commission wants to reassure all interested parties and the chess community that the IP is committed to its work and that constant progress is being made. The final report will be published as soon as technically possible.
Estonian Championship: Volodin and Sinitsina clinch titles
The 2022 Estonian Championship, held in two sections (open and women) took place in the Paul Keres Chess House in Tallin from December 10-18. The competition marked the centenary of the Estonian Chess Championship. The first edition, won by Paul Rinne, was played almost one hundred years ago in Tallinn, from December 26, 1922, to January 6, 1923. The open section, a 10-player round-robin with classical time control, saw a close race among the rating favourites GM Aleksandr Volodin, GM Kaido Kulaots and untitled Andrei Timoshin, who became the revelation of the tournament. Heading into the final round on 6.5/9, a half-point ahead of his main competitors, Volodin faced Timoshin with the black pieces, while Kulaots took on Nikita Rychagov with White. After Volodin drew with accurate defence, all eyes were on the game Kulaots – Rychagov. The tournament’s highest-rated player did not overcome Black’s resistance and had to settle for a draw. As a result, Alexandr Volodin finished clear first on 7/9 and clinched his third national title. Timoshin and Kaido tied for second place, with the former claiming silver thanks to a better Sonneborn-Berger. Timoshin completed an IM norm and picked up 71 rating points. Final standings: 1 GM Volodin, Aleksandr 2440 7 2 Timoshin, Andrei 2179 6½ 3 GM Kulaots, Kaido 2513 6½ 4 IM Seeman, Tarvo 2405 6 5 GM Kanep, Meelis 2412 5 6 IM Kiik, Kalle 2369 4 7 IM Sirosh, Ilja 2386 3½ 8 Rychagov, Nikita 2180 3 9 Medar, Marti 2069 2 10 Soot, Margus 2121 1½ The women’s championship brought together just five players competing in a round-robin format. The rating-favourite Anastassia Sinitsina dominated the field and conceded her opponents just a half-point. Sofia Blokhin finished a full point behind and took silver; Marina Levchenko came third. Final standings: 1 WFM Sinitsina, Anastassia 2175 3½ 2 WFM Blokhin, Sofia 2065 2½ 3 Levchenko, Marina 1625 2 4 Ivanova, Lidia 1482 2 5 Haapsal, Maria Ioanna 1386 0 Photo: ERR Official website: maleliit.ee/et/