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Kanan Hajiyev wins Prague International Chess Festival 2025 H Blitz Rating Open

20/03/2025 -

FM Kanan Hajiyev (AZE) and GM Jergus Pechac (SVK) scored 9/11 each at Prague International Chess Festival 2025 H Blitz Rating Open. Kanan won the tournament due to better tie-break score. The top seed, Jergus had to settle for the second place. Four players - FM Patrik Stevik (SVK), FM Reyaansh Chakrabarty (AUS), IM Maxim Polyakov (UKR) and Aziz Umarbekov (KGZ) scored 8.5/11 each. They secured third to sixth place respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes were CZK 3000, 2000 and 1500 each. Check out some exciting games and moments from the tournament, along with an interview with the champion. Photos: Shahid Ahmed

ChessBase 18 and Mega 2025 are here

ChessBase 18 is an all-new program that helps you manage all your databases as an ambitious player. Mega Database 2025 has 11 million games with over 113,000 games annotated by masters. The cost of ChessBase 18 is Rs.4499/- and the cost of Mega Database 2025 is Rs.6499/- However, if you go for the combo the total amount comes to Rs.8999 (instead of 10,998/-) helping you save Rs. 1999/-.

ChessBase 18 + Mega 2025 Combo

Nicosia GP Round 5: Anna Muzychuk scores a hat-trick, emerges sole leader

20/03/2025 -

GM Anna Muzychuk (UKR) scored a hat-trick of wins to gain sole lead after the fifth round of FIDE Nicosia GP 2025. In the opening, Anna sacrificed a pawn. She was not sure if it was good. However, she had enough compensation for it. Eventually in time trouble, her opponent, IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE) made a one-move blunder and paid a heavy price for it. IM Divya Deshmukh drew with GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO). GM Harika Dronavalli misplayed in the opening and could not recover for the rest of the game against GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER). GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) is the sole pursuer at 3.5/5, followed by GM Aleksandra Goryachkina at 3/5. Today is the sole rest day. Round 6 starts tomorrow Friday from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz

GM Iniyan on ChessBase 18 - 3

19/03/2025 -

"ChessBase have truly outdone themselves with the new CB18," say strong GM Iniyan Panneerselvam. "It makes life so much easier for players and coaches alike, thanks to its fantastic new features! We all know how precious time is; and CB18 is designed to save you a ton of time when you need it most." Today he describes how the software works with Mega Database 2025. and which additionsl bonus features it provides. Check out the tutorial and grab ChessBase 18 if you haven't yet. For those who are already using ChessBase 18, check out Iniyan's tutorials to maximize the software and help your understanding of it. Photo: ChessBase

CircleChess launches the Community Partner Program for chess enthusiasts worldwide

19/03/2025 -

Do you love chess and want to share it with others? You can turn your passion into impact and earn from it with the new CircleChess Community Partner Program. Whether you are a parent, student, influencer, coach, or simply a chess enthusiast, this program allows you to inspire others. You can grow the game, earn rewards, and connect with a global chess community. As a partner, you will receive 1 week of free access to Caissa School of Chess, 1 month of Caissa,  and many more benefits. Check out the article to learn how you can become a CircleChess Community Partner! Photo: CircleChess

Nicosia GP Round 4: Harika crushes Badelka, Anna Muzychuk joins Jiner Zhu in the lead

19/03/2025 -

GM Harika Dronavalli crushed IM Olga Badelka (AUT) in the fourth round of FIDE Nicosia GP. Harika scored her first win of the event as she surprised her opponent with 2.a3 in the English Opening. She lost an exchange early in the game and could not recover. GM Anna Muzychuk (UKR) won her second consecutive game. This time, it was against IM Divya Deshmukh who made a tactical error in the endgame. Anna joined GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) in the lead 3/4. Harika is trailing the leaders by a half point with GM Aleksandra Goryachkina at 2.5/4 each. Round 5 starts today from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz

Masterclass with GM FST Srinath Narayanan starts tomorrow in Hyderabad

18/03/2025 -

The Masterclass with GM FST Srinath Narayanan starts tomorrow in Hyderabad. After receiving around 30 applications, we have handpicked 13 rising stars to embark on this transformative chess journey. There will be one-on-one feedback with GM Srinath, sessions on problem-solving, media training, off-the-board learning activities, and many more. Players from five different states will be participating in this masterclass. This event is made possible because of the support of Amitpal Singh and Maestro Chess Academy. Check out the article to meet the talented players.

Thomas Beerdsen wins Karel Janeček Open at Prague International Chess Festival 2025

18/03/2025 -

GM Thomas Beerdsen (NED) and GM Karen Grigoryan (ARM) scored an unbeaten 7.5/9 each at Karel Janeček Rating Open part of Prague International Chess Festival 2025. Thomas won the tournament due to better tie-breaks scores, Karen had to settle for second place. Eight players scored 7/9 each. Out of them, GM Evgenios Ioannidis (GRE) was placed third. The top three prizes were CZK 30000 + trophy, 20000 and 15000 each. GM Raja Rithvik R is the sole Indian to make a top ten finish. He scored 7/9 to be placed seventh. 45th Olympiad double Gold medalist, IM Vantika Agrawal is the top female finisher. She scored 6.5/9 to finish 18th overall and receive the Best Woman prize. Photo: Shahid Ahmed

Nicosia GP Round 3: Divya plays a solid draw against Goryachkina, Anna Muzychuk scores her first win

18/03/2025 -

IM Divya Deshmukh played a solid draw against the FIDE Women's World Cup 2023 champion, GM Aleksandra Goryachkina. The third round of FIDE Nicosia GP witnessed the solitary win by GM Anna Muzychuk (UKR) against GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO). Anna could have finished things slightly earlier if she had traded queens at the opportune moment. It would have resulted in a winning pawn endgame for her. Nevertheless, she eventually checkmated her opponent's king in the queen endgame. Anna is now at 2/3 along with IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE), a half point behind the sole leader, GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) 2.5/3. Round 4 starts today from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz

Petroleum Sports Promotion Board perfect at 22nd National Team Women 2025

17/03/2025 -

Petroleum Sports Promotion Board scored a perfect 14/14 to win 22nd National Team Chess Championship 2025 Women. PSPB actually won the tournament with a round to spare when Telangana A lost to them 0-4 in the penultimate round. The defending champions won the tournament for the second consecutive year with a 100% score. After skipping the previous edition, Airports Authority of India scored sole 11/14 to secure second place. Andhra Pradesh A scored 10/14 to finish third. The total prize fund of the tournament was ₹500000. Top three prizes were ₹125000, ₹100000 and ₹75000 each. Photo: All India Chess Federation

Laxman R R wins 4th ICC Rapid Rating Open 2025

17/03/2025 -

Seven players - GM Laxman R R, IM Ratnakaran K, Arpith S Bijoy, FM Aakash G, IM Hari Madhavan N B, IM Nitin S and Mani Bharathy scored 8/9 each at 4th ICC Rapid Rating Open 2025. Laxman won the tournament according to tie-breaks. The remaining six were placed second to seventh respectively. Apart from Aakash, the remaining seven were undefeated. The total prize fund of the tournament was ₹300000. The top three prizes were ₹25000, ₹20000 and ₹15000 along with a trophy each respectively. The one-day nine round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Indian Chess Consortium at Sri Venkatalakshmi Kalyana Mandapam in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on 23rd February 2025. This is Laxman's first tournament triumph of the year. Photo: IA Dr. Sathiesh G G

Nicosia GP Round 2: Divya Deshmukh shares the point with Mariya Muzychuk

17/03/2025 -

IM Divya Deshmukh drew with the 15th Women's World Champion, GM Mariya Muzychuk in Round 2 at FIDE Nicosia GP 2025. IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE) sacrificed her queen for GM Harika Dronavalli's rook and knight. However, it was virtually impossible for Harika to break through her opponent's fortress or make progress. Thus, the game ended in a draw. GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) scored the sole win of the round against GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER). The four pawns against bishop and two pawns seemed to be heading towards a draw until the Germany no.1 made a blunder which was one of the few ways she could lose and she did. Divya will battle against GM Aleksandra Goryachkina and Harika will be up against Jiner in the third round. Round 3 starts today from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz

New: Christian Bauer: The Art of Initiative - The Key to Opening Success

16/03/2025 -

The Key to Opening Success: Unlock your chess potential with this dynamic course focused on mastering the initiative. Whether you're looking to gain an advantage or counter an early attack, this video course will give you the tools to navigate the critical early stages of the game with confidence and precision. From bold opening pushes like g2-g4, to strategic pawn sacrifices, you‘ll explore how to dictate the pace of play while balancing aggression with solid fundamentals. Learn when to disrupt your opponent‘s plans, control the centre, and manage the delicate balance between gaining space and creating weaknesses. Now you can stream on any device and also study it in the ChessBase Book format with videos along with your usual option of download and install. Photo: ChessBase

Oliver Stork perfect at Prague International Chess Festival 2025 G1 Rapid Rating Open

16/03/2025 -

FM Oliver Stork (GER) scored a perfect 7/7 to win Prague International Chess Festival 2025 G1 Rapid Rating Open. He finished a staggering 1.5 points ahead of the rest. Isaac Spence (USA), Mark Ouaki (BEL) and CM Nazar Sokhor (UKR) scored 5.5/7 each. They secured second, third and fourth place respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes in G1 Rapid were CZK 3000, 2000 and 1500 each. Markus Schirmbeck (GER) won the G2 Rapid Rating (<2000) scoring an unbeaten 6.5/7. Sivanesan Subramanian (MAS) secured second place 6/7. Five players score 5/7 each. Out of them, Bohumil Pechoc (CZE) claimed third place due to better tie-break scores. The top three prizes in G2 Rapid were CZK 1000, 700 and 500 each. Photos: Shahid Ahmed

Nicosia GP Round 1: Divya Deshmukh draws with Harika Dronavalli

16/03/2025 -

IM Divya Deshmukh drew her first round game against GM Harika Dronavalli at FIDE Nicosia GP 2025. Harika opted for the Berlin Defence in the Ruy Lopez. The nature of this opening is drawish. Pieces got exchanged at regular intervals and the game was drawn after 50 moves. IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE) capitalized on her opportunity when her opponent, GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER) missed a tactical idea in the back rank. GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) outplayed IM Olga Badelka (AUT). Stavroula and Jiner are the only two victors of the round. Harika will face Stavroula in Round 2 and Divya will be up against GM Mariya Muzychuk (UKR). Round 2 starts today from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz

Vidit Gujrathi qualifies to the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour 2025 Paris

15/03/2025 -

Vidit Gujrathi defeated Richard Rapport in the Finals of Freestyle Grand Slam Tour 2025 Play-in to qualify to the Paris leg. He defeated the 17th world champion Ding Liren (CHN) by 1.5-0.5 in Round of 16. Then he won against compatriot Pranesh M by same score in the Quarterfinals. In the Semifinals, Vidit crushed M Amin Tabatabaei by winning it 2-0. In the Finals, Vidit won the match 1.5-0.5 to secure his place in the Paris leg which will take place from 7th to 14th April next month. The total prize fund for the play-in was US$ 50000. The top three prizes were US$ 10000, 9000 and 8000 each. Vidit joins Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, D Gukesh, Fabiano Caruana, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Alireza Firouzja, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hans Niemann, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Vincent Keymer. There will be four Indians for the upcoming Paris leg. Photo: Anmol Bhargav

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