aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

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.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi highlights the traditional, silent atmosphere of the game, contrasting sharply with a recent event in Las Vegas where live audiences roared at every move. Players express concerns about distractions caused by spectators, questioning whether chess is truly ready for a live audience setting.

Indian chess player R Praggnanandhaa has achieved a milestone. He defeated D Gukesh at the Sinquefield Cup. Praggnanandhaa is now ranked World No. 3. He has a live rating of 2784.1 points. Only Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura are ahead of him. Praggnanandhaa shares the tournament lead with Levon Aronian. The Sinquefield Cup has a prize pool of USD 350,000.