FIDE Council approves changes to FIDE Circuit 2025 Regulations
FIDE Council has approved several changes to the FIDE Circuit 2025 Regulations based on feedback from the 2024 Circuit. These changes are designed to create a more balanced and competitive system for awarding FIDE Circuit points, ensuring that players are fairly rewarded for their performance in high-quality tournaments. The key updates are: 1. Changes to the Number of Players Eligible for Circuit Points in Round-Robin Tournaments For tournaments with fewer than 10 participants, points will still be awarded to the top 3 finishers. In round-robin tournaments with 10–12 participants, points will be awarded to the top 4 finishers. For tournaments with more than 12 participants, the top 5 finishers will receive points. Why? This change aims to better reflect the value of longer tournaments by awarding points to more players, ensuring that larger tournaments are rewarded fairly. 2. Eligibility of Double Round-Robin Super Tournaments Double round-robin tournaments with at least 6 participants and an average rating of 2700 Elo points will also be eligible for Circuit points. Why? This change acknowledges the importance of prestigious super tournaments, which often feature top-level players and are key events in the FIDE calendar. 3. Reduction of Points for Tournaments with Multiple Rounds in One Day Tournaments with two rounds in one day will have a reduced total of Circuit points. Why? The idea is to reduce points for shorter tournaments, where the compressed schedule might not reflect the same level of effort as longer events. Regulations for FIDE Circuit 2025 (PDF)
14-year-old Philip Selikem Amoako crowned Ghana champion
The 2024 Ghana National Chess Championship Finals, a 10-player round-robin tournament, took place from January 2 to 5, 2025, at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra. The top five highest-rated national players from the FIDE rating list were joined by the top five finishers from the first phase (Qualifiers), held from December 27 to 29, 2024. Sixth-seed 14-year-old Philip Selikem Amoako delivered an outstanding performance, completing the competition unbeaten with an impressive score of 7.5/9. The untitled teenager outperformed seasoned competitors, including International Master (IM) Francis Anquandah and Candidate Master (CM) Bernard Anhwere and became the youngest chess champion in Gana’s chess history. His victory highlights the growing prominence of youth in Ghana’s chess scene. Amoako’s triumph marks a historic milestone in Ghana’s chess history. He first gained national attention in 2021 when, at age 11, he secured a silver medal in the Under-12 Open Category at the African Youth Chess Championships, earning the conditional Candidate Master title and becoming the youngest Ghanaian to achieve the distinction at the time. Final standings 1 Amoako, Philip Selikem Yao 1866 7½ 2 CM Anhwere, Bernard 1892 6½ 3 IM Anquandah, Francis Eric 1935 6 4 CM Fomevor, Cephas Clinton 1874 6 5 Akpa, Prince 1829 4½ 6 CM Frempong-Smart, Daniel 1852 4½ 7 Jeshurun, Obiri Yeboah Pryce-Tandoh 1512 3 8 Maxwell, Kwasi Kporxah 1682 3 9 Sarkodee-Addo, Harry 1441 2½ 10 Ameku, David Selasi 1857 1½ Ghana Chess Association (GCA) President Philip Ameku praised Amoako’s achievement, stating, “Selikem’s achievement is a testament to the potential of young chess players in Ghana. His dedication and success serve as an inspiration to aspiring players nationwide.” The young champion expressed gratitude for the support from his family, coaches, and the chess community. “Winning the national championship is a dream come true. I hope my success encourages more young people to take up chess and pursue their passions,” he said. The Ghana Chess Association remains committed to nurturing young talent, aiming to elevate the country’s standing in international chess circles. Selikem’s historic win is a promising indicator of Ghana’s potential on the global stage. Text and photos: Maxwell Kwasi Kporxah