Category Archives: News

Talented Tuesdays Podcast: Matthew Sadler on finding his chess voice

In the latest episode of the English Chess Federation’s Talented Tuesdays podcast, GM Matthew Sadler reflects on a formative game from his junior years that helped shape his chess identity. Discussing the challenges of finding a personal style, studying openings in the pre-digital era and balancing competitive chess with professional life, Sadler touches on his […]

A legend visits Salzgitter: Vasyl Ivanchuk shines in 31-board simul

A world star up close: Ukrainian legendary grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk created an extraordinary chess celebration in Salzgitter-Bad. In a simultaneous exhibition at the Salzgitter-Bad grammar school, he faced 31 opponents at once – pupils, teachers and club players. The former world number two scored wins on all 31 boards. | Photos: Carolin Köpp

Early surprises mark opening rounds of Agzamov Memorial in Uzbekistan

The 19th Agzamov Memorial is under way in Tashkent, attracting over 300 players across two rating sections. Strong grandmasters such as Haik Martirosyan, Pouya Idani and S.L. Narayanan have begun with perfect scores, but early rounds have also produced notable upsets, with lower-seeded players joining the lead group. Held in honour of Uzbekistan’s first grandmaster, […]

Starting next week: Organisers confirm full field for Reykjavík Open

The Reykjavík Open returns from 25 to 31 March at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, once again bringing together a large international field for its traditional nine-round Swiss competition. Led by top seed Bogdan-Daniel Deac and featuring a mix of experienced contenders – such as Vasyl Ivanchuk – and young stars, the fully […]

Bled Chess Festival: Strong finish earns FM Zanas Nainys outright win

The international chess festival in the Slovenian resort town of Bled, staged for nearly a century, has concluded. Lithuania’s Zanas Nainys (pictured, right) emerged as the clear winner of the event, which catered especially for ambitious titled players, amateurs and rising juniors. A powerful finish saw him overtake Leon Mazi – who had defeated him […]

TePe Sigeman 2026 in May: Carlsen and Abdusattorov headline lineup

World number one Magnus Carlsen is set to return to classical tournament play at the TePe Sigeman Chess Tournament, scheduled for 1–7 May in Malmö. The Norwegian will face a compact but ambitious field that includes recent Tata Steel Masters winner Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Arjun Erigaisi and several leading young talents. Played as an eight-player round-robin, […]

Scottish 15-year-old Frederick Gordon crowned British Rapidplay Champion

Frederick Waldhausen Gordon of Scotland produced a striking late surge to win the 2026 British Rapidplay Championship in Peterborough, defeating top seed Gawain Maroroa Jones in the decisive final-round encounter. The two-day Swiss event attracted 228 participants, including seven grandmasters. Maroroa Jones and Shreyas Royal shared second place, while Trisha Kanyamarala, Harriet Hunt and Bodhana […]