ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Hikaru Nakamura's controversial act of throwing Gukesh Dommaraju's king piece into the crowd during an exhibition match has divided the chess community. While some, like Magnus Carlsen's coach Peter Heine Nielsen and organizer Levy Rozman, defended it as an entertainment-driven, pre-planned gesture, others like Vladimir Kramnik condemned it as vulgar and damaging to the game.

Facing Amin’s king’s pawn opening, Divya Deshmukh responded with the Sicilian Defence, steering the battle into the sharp Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack territory. The Egyptian pressed early, but as the game wore on, the momentum began shifting.

Indian Grand Master Divya Deshmukh is participating in the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament in Samarkand. Despite an opening round defeat by her mentor Abhimanyu Puranik, the 19-year-old rebounded with a draw against Alexander Donchenko. Divya emphasizes learning over winning, stating that losses against strong players provide valuable lessons.

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand will feature World Champion D Gukesh and Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, alongside a strong Indian contingent. Gukesh aims to maintain momentum, while Deshmukh seeks to test herself against top players. With Candidates spots and significant prize money at stake, the tournament promises intense competition and a showcase of India's chess talent.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky refuted Hikaru Nakamura's claims that the Candidates' rating qualification spot was designed for Magnus Carlsen's potential return. Sutovsky clarified that the rule has existed for years and now benefits top players like Nakamura. He emphasised the spot ensures the inclusion of the world's best, not specifically targeting Carlsen, whose return is deemed unlikely.

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup in 2025, marking its return to India after 23 years, reminiscent of the 2002 World Junior Championship where Levon Aronian emerged victorious. The event not only boosted Goa's tourism, particularly attracting Russian visitors, but also showcased the region's hospitality and organisational capabilities.

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, offering three Candidates Tournament spots and a $2 million prize pool. The event features chess giants like D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, and R Praggnanandhaa. India boasts a strong contingent of 21 players, including Viswanathan Anand, as the World Cup returns to India after 23 years.

Goa will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 31 to November 27, featuring 206 players competing for a $2 million prize and 3 qualifying spots for 2026 Candidates Tournament. This eight-round knockout event marks a significant moment for Indian chess, following recent triumphs like D Gukesh's World Championship and team victories at the Chess Olympiad.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi emphasises silence and concentration, contrasting sharply with the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, where spectators reacted boisterously to moves. Players expressed frustration with the distractions caused by the live audience, questioning whether chess is truly ready for such an environment.