#Tournaments – International Chess Federation

Frederik Svane wins Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026 as Faustino Oro secures historic grandmaster title

editor_d — Sun, 10 May 2026 19:42:25 +0000

The third edition of the Sardinia World Chess Festival has come to a successful close, once again confirming its place among the strongest open tournaments in Italy. The event was proudly hosted by the Club Hotel Marina Beach in Orosei, offering an exceptional setting that combined high-level chess with the beauty of Sardinia.

Svane triumphs after tight finish

Germany’s Frederik Svane claimed victory in Open A with an impressive score of 7½/9. In a dramatic final round he scored a crucial victory over Murali Karthikeyan of India, clinching clear first place.

Behind him, the battle for the podium was extremely close. Haik Martirosyan, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Mamikon Gharibyan all finished on 7/9, sharing second place. The final order was decided by tiebreaks, with Martirosyan taking second place, Nepomniachtchi third, and Gharibyan fourth.

Historic milestone for Faustino Oro

One of the defining moments of the tournament came from Faustino Oro, who achieved his final Grandmaster norm, becoming the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history.

In the final round, Oro faced Ian Nepomniachtchi on the top board. Having already secured the required performance of 6/9, Oro only needed the game to take place for the norm to be valid. Nepomniachtchi’s participation ensured this crucial requirement, allowing Oro to complete his historic achievement regardless of the game result.

Closing ceremony and distinguished guests

The closing ceremony was a festive conclusion to the event, celebrating the winners across all sections.

Prizes were awarded in the presence of:

GM Roberto Mogranzini, organizer and tournament director
Danilo Mallò, President of the Sardinian Regional Chess Committee
Gerhard Bertagnolli, Chief Arbiter of the tournament

Their presence underlined the strong cooperation between organizers and regional chess authorities, contributing to the success of the festival.

A unique chess experience in Sardinia

Beyond the competition, players enjoyed the outstanding conditions offered by the Club Hotel Marina Beach, combining high-level chess with the beauty of Sardinia – its beaches, hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere.

This unique blend of sport and location continues to make the Sardinia World Chess Festival a special event on the international calendar.

Looking ahead

At the closing ceremony, organizers officially announced the next edition of the Sardinia World Chess Festival to take place from May 2 to May 9, 2027, and invited players from around the world to return for another unforgettable experience.

With record participation, a stronger field than ever, and historic achievements, the 2026 edition has set a new benchmark for the festival – leaving players and fans already looking forward to next year.

All final standings can be found on the official results pages:

Open A:
https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1251111.aspx?lan=1&art=4&fed=ARG&flag=30&SNode=S0

Open B:
https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1407196.aspx?lan=1&art=4&fed=ARG&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0

Open C:
https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1407197.aspx?lan=1&art=0&fed=ARG&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0

Photos: KNZO Photography

Magnus Carlsen wins TePe Sigeman 2026

editor_d — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:12:38 +0000

Magnus Carlsen claimed victory at the TePe Sigeman & Co. Chess Tournament 2026, defeating Arjun Erigaisi in a dramatic blitz tiebreaker.

The 2026 edition of the tournament held in Malmö, Sweden, featured a stellar eight-player round-robin lineup, with the world’s No. 1 (Magnus Carlsen), No. 4 (Nodirbek Abdusattorov), No. 11 (Arjun Erigaisi), and No. 16 (Jorden Van Foreest) in action.

Erigaisi opened with two draws but seized the lead after victories over Nils Grandelius (Round 3) and Jorden van Foreest (Round 5). Carlsen got off to a good start but suffered a setback in Round 4, losing a seesaw battle to Van Foreest. Given the short tournament distance, Magnus had to score as many points as possible in the remaining rounds, and the world No. 1 delivered.

Heading into the final round, Erigaisi was a half-point ahead of Carlsen and faced Andy Woodward, while Magnus took on Turkish prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. Erigaisi’s risky approach in the opening quickly backfired, and he had to fight hard to salvage a draw, while Carlsen caught up with him by grinding down Erdogmus.

Both finished on 5/7, and the title was decided in a blitz tiebreaker. The first two games saw each player win with the Black pieces, setting the stage for a sudden-death Armageddon game, in which Carlsen had the black pieces but 30 seconds more on the clock. It culminated in a mutual time scramble as Erigaisi blundered his queen, handing Magnus the title.

Erdogmus and Abdusattorov scored 4 points each and tied for third place. Close behind was Jorden Van Foreest with 3½ points. Andy Woodward finished with 3 points, followed by Zhu Jiner with 2 points and Nils Grandelius with 1½ points.

Final standings

Photos: Peter Doggers

Official website: https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Sina Movahed triumphs at Baku Open 2026

editor_d — Thu, 07 May 2026 08:48:12 +0000

GM Sina Movahed of Iran, who turns 16 this month, emerged victorious at the Baku Open 2026, finishing with an impressive score of 8/9.

The 2026 edition of Baku Open, the event held since 2023, took place at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan from April 28 to May 6 and boasted a $50,000 prize fund. The festival featured three tournament sections (9-round Swiss): A (players rated 2250 and above), B (players rated 2249 and below), and C (players under 12) and brought together nearly 900 players from 13 countries.

The main event (Open A) was a fiercely contested tournament with as many as five players sharing the lead after Round 6. In the next round Chakraborty Mayank and Sina Movahed scored victories over Anand Pranav and Khagan Ahmad respectively and surged ahead. Round 8 saw the clash of co-leaders in which Movahed pulled off a crucial victory. Heading into the final round a full point ahead of five players on 6/8 (including the second seed Ruslan Ponomariov), Movahed prevailed over Pranav in a topsy-turvy battle and secured the title.

A large group finished on 6.5/9. Based on tiebreaks (average rating of opponents), the podium was completed by India’s Santhosh Parvathareddy Ajay and local IM Khazar Babazada.

Final standings (Groups A, B, and C)

The closing ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, Farid Gayibov; FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich; President of the European Chess Union, Zurab Azmaiparashvili; President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, Mahir Mamedov; President of the Turkish Chess Federation, Fethi Apaydın and other officials. As part of the ceremony, a video showcasing the most memorable moments of the festival over the past three years was shown.

In his address, Farid Gayibov emphasized Azerbaijan’s rich chess traditions and acknowledged the contribution of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation to the development of the sport. He also noted that sustained support from President Ilham Aliyev enables Azerbaijan to host world-class international competitions.

Fethi Apaydın, President of the Turkish Chess Federation, underscored the strong cooperation between Turkish and Azerbaijani sports authorities, stating that events like the Baku Open deepen the brotherly ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that Baku would remain one of the key centers on the global chess map.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, winners and top-finishers of the tournaments were awarded medals, diplomas, and commemorative gifts.

Photos: Azerbaijan Chess Federation

Sardinia World Chess Festival returns for third edition with strongest field yet

editor_d — Sun, 03 May 2026 08:41:59 +0000

The third edition of the Sardinia World Chess Festival is set to begin on May 3, 2026, bringing world-class chess to the stunning Mediterranean setting of Sardinia. Hosted at the Club Hotel Marina Beach in Orosei, the event continues its rapid ascent and now features its strongest field to date, cementing its status as one of the premier open tournaments in Italy.

Organized by EmmediSport ASD under the direction of International Organizer GM Roberto Mogranzini, the festival offers a prize fund of €50,100, and blends competition with a unique playing environment just steps away from one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches.

A strong field led by world-class Grandmasters

The 2026 edition is headlined by GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2729), marking a rare appearance for the former World Championship challenger in an open tournament – and potentially his first time competing in Italy in this format.

He is joined by top grandmasters including: Parham Maghsoodloo, Ivan Šarić, Murali Karthikeyan, Frederik Svane, Haik Martirosyan.

GM Daniel Dardha, winner of the inaugural 2024 edition, returns to the tournament aiming to reclaim the title.

The field is further enriched by rising talents such as IM Faustino Oro, along with a strong Indian contingent, leading female players including GM Harika Dronavalli, and well-known chess content creators.

FIDE Circuit stakes add extra tension

Beyond the prize fund, the Sardinia World Chess Festival plays an important role in the FIDE Circuit, making it a battleground for players vying to qualify for the Candidates Tournament 2028.

With valuable circuit points at stake, every game carries additional weight, raising the stakes far beyond the prize money alone.

Prize fund

The total prize fund amounts to €50,100, with the top prizes in Open A as follows:

1st place: €10,000
2nd place: €6,000
3rd place: €4,000
4th place: €2,000
5th place: €1,500

In addition, numerous prizes are awarded across rating categories, as well as for the best female players, juniors, and veterans, ensuring opportunities for competitors at all levels.

Tournament format and schedule

The festival features three sections (Open A, B, and C), all played over nine rounds in Swiss format with a time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.

May 3: Round 1 (15:30)
May 4: Round 2 (15:30)
May 5: Round 3 (09:30), Round 4 (15:30)
May 6: Round 5 (15:30)
May 7: Excursion to Cala Goloritzé (09:00), Round 6 (15:30)
May 8: Round 7 (15:30)
May 9: Football match (10:00), Round 8 (15:30)
May 10: Round 9 (09:30), Closing Ceremony (15:30)

A unique chess experience

All games take place at the Club Hotel Marina Beach, a four-star venue offering full-board accommodation, sports facilities, and direct access to a private beach.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit Cala Goloritzé, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – combining elite chess with the natural beauty of Sardinia.

Supported by the region of Sardinia

The event is organized with the support of the Regione Autonoma della Sardegna – Department of Tourism, Handicrafts and Commerce, whose commitment to promoting sport, culture, and international tourism plays a key role in the continued growth of the Sardinia World Chess Festival.

Follow the tournament

The Sardinia World Chess Festival promises thrilling battles from the very first round. Updates on standings, key games, and highlights will be shared throughout the event.

Follow all the action live:

Live games: https://lichess.org/broadcast/sardinia-world-chess-festival-2026–open-a/round-1/eFzbzTyo
Or https://www.chess.com/events/sardinia-world-chess-festival-open-a/games

Standings & pairings: https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1251111.aspx?lan=1&art=0&flag=30&SNode=S0

Official website: https://sardinia-worldchess.it

Rising stars and Grandmasters meet at Pafos International Chess Open

editor_d — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:24:41 +0000

The 4th Pafos International Open Chess Tournament was officially opened this afternoon at the Attikon & Palia Ilektriki Multiculture Spaces in Pafos, Cyprus, by the mayor of the city, Angelos Onisiforou (pictured below).

Directed by Arkadios Koulaxidis, President of the Pafos Chess Club, and held under the supervision of International Arbiter Tania Karali, the event has attracted 185 players. Participants are divided into three groups and include six Grandmasters, one Women’s Grandmaster, and 20 other titled players representing 29 different countries.

The tournament runs from April 13 to April 19 and offers participants the possibility of taking byes in order to attend the final rounds of the FIDE Candidates Tournament, held just half an hour away. In fact, many participants arrived a few days early and have already taken the opportunity to meet their favourite elite players at the Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort.

Top seeds in the A-group include 2500+ rated Grandmasters Evgeny Postny (Israel; pictured below) and A. Ra Harikrishnan (India).

The field also features several prominent competitors, including China’s International Master Lu Miaoyi, currently ranked as the world’s No. 3 junior girl. Lu is the reigning Chinese Women’s National Champion and the fourth-youngest girl in chess history to achieve the International Master title. In an interview with FIDE presenter Charlize Van Zyl, she confirmed that she has been closely following the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament and is supporting Zhu Jiner.

One of the youngest participants in the main event is Woman Candidate Master Aida Paunescu, the Women’s Cyprus National Champion, who has already represented her country at the Chess Olympiad Budapest 2024 and is set to do so again in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this September.

Organised by the Pafos Municipality and the Pafos Chess Club, under the supervision of the Cyprus Chess Federation, the tournament offers a total prize fund exceeding €5,000. The event is also an official side event of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026.

Pairings and results (chess-results)

Event photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fide/

Written by IM Michael A. Rahal (Cyprus)

Photos: Niki Riga

Haik Martirosyan wins 19th Agzamov Memorial

editor_d — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:39:11 +0000

GM Haik Martirosyan (Armenia) emerged as the winner of the 19th Agzamov Memorial, edging out GM Artem Uskov (FIDE) on tiebreaks. Only 0.5 Buchholz points separated the champion from the runner-up.

The 19th Agzamov Memorial, dedicated to the memory of Uzbekistan’s first Grandmaster, took place in Tashkent from March 17–26. The event boasting a total prize fund of USD 80,000 featured two 10-round Swiss tournaments – Open A and Open B – which together attracted nearly 330 participants, including 20 Grandmasters.

Open A was a fiercely contested event, with the winner decided only in the final round. Artem Uskov, who turned 16 during the event, took the sole lead in Round 5 with 4.5/5, but in the following round top seed Martirosyan caught up with him. In Round 7, local favorite GM Abdimalik Abdisalimov joined the duo for a three-way tie at the top. In Round 8, Martirosyan scored a crucial victory over Abdisalimov and surged ahead as Uskov drew with IM Bakhrom Bakhrillaev of Uzbekistan.

Going into the final round with a half-point lead over four rivals at 6.5/9, Martirosyan managed only a draw against Nikita Afanasiev (FIDE). Meanwhile, Uskov defeated second-seed GM Abhimanyu Puranik with the black pieces to tie for first place. Still, the title went to Martirosyan due to a hair-thin tiebreak advantage. Both players completed the tournament unbeaten.

As many as six players finished a half point behind, sharing third place, with Abdisalimov completing the podium.

Final standings – Open A

Sultai Chyngyz (Kyrgyztan) and Umar Isomov (Uzbekistan) tied for the first place in the Open B both scoring an impressive 8.5/10 with Chyngyz coming out on top thanks to superior Buchholz.

Final standings – Open B

Photos: Uzbekistan Chess Federation

Nodirbek Abdusattorov triumphs in Prague

editor_d — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:28:29 +0000

The 2026 edition of the Prague International Chess Festival 2026, featuring the Masters, Challengers and Futures tournaments, is now in the books.

The prestigious Masters tournament, a 10-player round-robin with classical time control, featured a formidable lineup and was fiercely contested event from start to finish. GM Jorden Van Foreest led most of the way scoring three straight victories in Rounds 3-5 (including a win over the World Champion Gukesh D), but never felt safe as his competitors stayed hard on his heels.

The race culminated in the penultimate eighth round: the Dutchman slipped in an equal endgame and lost to the last year’s winner Aravindh Chithambaram, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeated David Navara and surged ahead.

Going into the final round a half-point ahead of Van Foreest, Abdusattorov drew with Hans Niemann and secured the title with 6/9, as his main rival suffered second consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Parham Maghsoodloo. As a result, Maghsoodloo, Aravindh and Van Foreest tied for second place on 5/9, with the first two joining Abdusattrov on the podium due to superior tiebreaks.

Abdusattorov, the event’s only unbeaten player, claimed his second major title of 2026, gained 9 rating points and consolidated his leading position in the FIDE Circuit 2026 – 2027.

Final standings – Masters

To the delight of the home crowd IM Vaclav Finek (CZE) won the Challengers event. WCM Kaja Rzadkowska from Poland emerged victorious in the Futures tournament.

Final standings – Challengers and Futures

Photos: Prague International Chess Festival

Official website: https://praguechessfestival.com/en/2026

From local vision to European stage: The New Zagreb Classic’s remarkable rise

editor_d — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:58:19 +0000

Launched two years ago the New Zagreb Classic has grown into one of the biggest open tournaments in Europe. Here’s what makes it special.

When, in 2024, a group of four people, colloquially known as Chess Dads, set out to build an international tournament from scratch, their main motivation was giving their children, talented players from SK Novi Zagreb, a taste of chess on the “big stage”: a well-organized, ‘proper’ competition where they could face not only peers but also adults at comparable skill levels – something that previously required traveling outside Zagreb and Croatia.

They envisioned a tournament where everyone – regardless of their age, gender, nationality or rating – would feel welcome and valued. They called it the New Zagreb Classic, reflecting not only their club’s name but also their aspiration to set new standards while respecting the local rich tradition.

Two years later, the New Zagreb Classic 2026, held from January 30 to February 1 in one of the city’s best hotels, the Sheraton, brought together 506 players from 36 federations compete on the chess board. That makes it not only the biggest Open tournament with classic time control (90+30) in Croatia, but now also one of top 10 in Europe by participation.

The compact format proved a big hit: players were divided into five rating‑based sections of approximately 100 participants each, with all five rounds condensed into a single weekend (Friday afternoon through Sunday evening). This structure made the event accessible to players who could not take extended time away from work or school.

The New Zagreb Classic 2026 had it all – from beginners and pure enthusiasts to FIDE Masters, International Masters and even Grandmasters. Rather than aiming for elite players, the organizers made an extra effort to attract Croatia’s strongest cadets, talents from neighboring countries, and promising juniors from across Europe. These young players provided some of the tournament’s most memorable moments.

Samuel Bro Jacobsen, a player from Denmark (born in 2014), scored the biggest upset in the top-tier group, defeating the Croatian-French veteran GM Darko Anic, while CM Andras Ilko-Toth (also born in 2014) of Hungary held Avinash Ramesh, a strong, up-and-coming Indian IM, to a draw and completed the event unbeaten. Ilko-Toth tied on points with 14-year-old Erik Golubovic, Croatia’s youngest FIDE Master, who came fifth in the final ranking as the highest-placed among these stars of the future.

IM Vladyslav Larkin of Ukraine won the Open A tournament, ahead of FM Vinko Malada (Croatia) and FM Nicolas Perossa (Italy). WFM Elizaveta Dorokhina, competing under FIDE flag, was the top-scoring female player, followed by WFM Barbara Skuhala and WFM Petra Kejzar, both from Slovenia.

Every group and every player had their own unique story – be it a breakthrough achievement, a crushing disappointment or just pure joy of play. The tournament’s growing significance in the local chess community was evident in the roughly 30 unrated adults who chose the New Zagreb Classic for their competitive debuts – many playing in their first official tournament or returning to competitive chess after years away.

And probably the most heartening sight came after the final round: players of vastly different ages, backgrounds, and strengths mingled freely and, while awaiting the awards ceremony, spontaneously launched into friendly blitz games.

It is exactly this kind of diversity and the instant bond chess can provide that embody the ‘Gens una sumus’ motto and make the New Zagreb Classic truly special.

Complete results (chess-results)

Official tournament website: newzgclassic.com/

Winners crowned at Muscat Nights International Chess Championship 2026

editor_d — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:35:03 +0000

The Muscat Nights International Chess Championship 2026 concluded in Muscat, Oman. Running from January 14–24, 2026, the competition has grown into one of the most significant FIDE-rated international chess events in the Middle East. Organized by the Oman Chess Committee and hosted at the Al Amal Club Hall, the championship attracted a broad global field and delivered a strong competitive standard across two categories – Over 2000 (Open A) and Under 2000 (Open B). Both competitions were 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control. The event also featured a highly competitive blitz tournament.

The 2026 edition continued the strong legacy of previous years, seeing expansion in both participation and international diversity. The championship featured 270 players representing 36 countries, including more than 10 GMs and over 10 IMs. The strong presence of titled players provided valuable competitive exposure for regional and emerging players.

The competition in Oman was widely recognized for its organizational quality, competitive excitement, and its contribution to the local and international chess ecosystem.

Final standings – Open A

Final standings – Open B

Final standings – Blitz

Indian players delivered particularly strong results, sweeping top honors across two categories and once again proving the strength of their national chess development programs.

As part of the accompanying programs of the Muscat Nights Chess Championship, the Oman Chess Committee organized a cultural sightseeing tour for the participating players, which included visits to several prominent tourist and cultural landmarks in Muscat Governorate, such as Mutrah Souq, Al Alam Palace Square, the National Museum, and the Royal Opera House Muscat. This initiative was aimed to introduce participants to the Sultanate of Oman’s rich cultural and historical heritage, while enhancing their overall experience beyond the competitive atmosphere of the tournament.

In addition, the Committee organized friendly football matches for the players at the outdoor artificial pitch of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, following the conclusion of the daily competitive rounds. These recreational activities were designed to strengthen bonds of friendship, encourage interaction, and promote camaraderie among players from different countries.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov wins Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026

editor_d — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 23:08:52 +0000

Nodirbek Abdusattorov emerged victorious at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026. After thirteen rounds of top-level chess in Wijk aan Zee, the Uzbek grandmaster claimed the Tata Steel Masters title on his fourth attempt.

The 88th edition of the tournament, often referred to as the “Wimbledon of chess”, was held from January 16 to February 1 and once again brought together the world’s best players, emerging talents and hundreds of amateur chess players under one roof.

A thrilling final weekend

The battle for first place remained open until the very last round. Going into the final 13^th round, no fewer than five players were still in contention for the Masters title: Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, Hans Niemann, Vincent Keymer and Jorden van Foreest.

Abdusattorov had come agonizingly close to winning the tournament in the previous three editions, each time staying among the leaders until the final weekend. In 2026, he finally converted that consistency into overall victory, adding his name to the tournament’s long list of champions.

Reaction from the tournament director

Tournament director Jeroen van den Berg praised the winner’s performance:

“What a great achievement by Nodirbek Abdusattorov. He played at a very high and stable level throughout the tournament. In recent years he was always very close, and now he has rightfully won the title. I congratulate him warmly and of course invite him to return next year to defend his crown in Wijk aan Zee.”

Andy Woodward wins the Challengers

In the Tata Steel Challengers, Andy Woodward emerged victorious after a closely contested tournament. With his win, Woodward earns an invitation to compete in the Tata Steel Masters 2027, continuing the tournament’s long-standing tradition of promotion from the Challengers group.

Vasyl Ivanchuk and Aydin Suleymanli both remained in the race for the Challengers title until the final round!

Global reach and new highlights

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026 once again attracted a worldwide audience. Games from De Moriaan were followed live by hundreds of thousands of viewers each day, with peak viewing numbers reaching close to one million.

New this year was the Tata Steel Chess Rapid Tournament at Hotel Hoge Duin, adding an extra dimension to the event’s already extensive program. Alongside the Masters and Challengers, the tournament also featured numerous amateur tournaments, the Tata Steel Chess Festival for families and children, and live commentary at Café de Zon.

Looking ahead

After the final games concluded, the prize ceremony took place in De Moriaan, bringing the 88th edition of the tournament to a close.

The 89th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament will be held from 15 to 31 January 2027 in Wijk aan Zee. Once again, world-class grandmasters, rising talents and amateur players will come together for two weeks of chess at the highest level.

Text and photos: tatasteelchess.com/

Official website: tatasteelchess.com/