NICK BARNETT CHESS

ON THE DAY of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the 2nd of October, Ding Liren’s gift to his nation was a win against Teimour Radjabov in the 2019 Chess World Cup in Khanty-Minsiysk, Russia.

The latter played a well-known line of the English Opening, in which White sacrifices a pawn. The Chinese grandmaster got significant compensation and started an attack on the kingside, while the black pieces were blocked on the three back ranks. The decisive mistake of Black was probably moving his pawn from e6 to e5 — the white pieces flooded Black’s camp after that. With precise play, Ding Liren won on move 40.

Another Chinese national Yu Yangyi, was playing Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and offered the Petroff Defence. The players agreed to a draw after the 30th move.

The tournament ended on the 4th (after our publishing deadline) and you can see the results on www.fide.com.

***

FOR THOSE who enjoy or at least are curious about opening ceremonies, you can watch the 2019 World Cup Ceremony on YouTube. Chess offers such a plethora of symbolic opportunities that arts practitioners: directors, costume designers, choreographers, composers and digital artists can have a field day.

Since five out of ten World Cups have been in KhantyMansiysk, those directors should by now be practiced professionals.

Interestingly the title ‘2019 Chess World Cup’ above the performers was in English and most speeches (including that of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich) were translated into English. Several of the songs were in English too, and with a aspirational if not revolutionary theme!

Mr Dvorkovich announced that the FIDE Presidential Board approved a bid for the 2020 Candidates Tournament from Yekaterinburg and Russian Chess Federation.

***

THE VENUE of the World Cup is in Ugra Chess Academy, Khanty-Mansiysk. Housed in a building of dramatic design, (Guggenheim outside and cathedral inside) the Academy comprises two training halls, a specialized multi-purpose room containing 128 game tables and an adjustable spectator space as well as a computer room equipped with specialized software enabling the Chess Academy students to compete with counterparts from anywhere in the world.

***

THE 2019 National Club Chess Championships ended on the 29th September. It was played in the Western Province and reflects the current split in chess poliics:

In the A-Section the final top ten rankings after 6 Rounds were:

1 Steinitz; 2 MRLA; 3 Steinitz B; 4 Steinitz C; 5 African Chess Lounge A; 6 Randburg A; 7 Manyanani A; 8 University of Cape Town; 9 Blackjacks; 10 Kraaifontein A. For the rest of these results go to http://chess-results.com/ tnr474373.aspx? lan=1

***

For comment or news please write to thechessnik@gmail.com