Archives: News

Divya Deshmukh becomes third Women’s World Cup Champion, defeats Humpy Koneru

Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old International Master from Nagpur, Maharashtra, etched her name into chess history by defeating Grandmaster Humpy Koneru 1.5–0.5 in the tiebreaks to win the Women’s World Cup.

She now follows in the footsteps of GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2021) and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (2023) as the third-ever winner of this prestigious title.

In the two 15+10 rapid tiebreak games, Divya showed both resilience and composure. After missing a golden opportunity in the first game, which ended in a draw, she brought elite-level precision to the second. There, she equalised comfortably as Black, then seized control as Humpy slipped under time pressure—clinching the crown in emphatic fashion.

With this remarkable win, Divya Deshmukh is now not only the 2025 Women’s World Cup Champion, but also one of the most exciting young stars in the world of chess.

After the final game, an emotional Divya embraced her mother before giving a short interview: “It’s hard for me to speak now. Of course, this definitely means a lot, but there is a lot more to achieve, so I am hoping that this is just the start,” she said.

With this triumph, Divya not only secures the USD 50,000 first prize, but also automatically earns the Grandmaster (GM) title—the highest title in chess. In doing so, she becomes one of the very few players in history to achieve it by winning a major FIDE event rather than collecting the usual three GM norms and 2500 rating.

Reflecting on this, Divya shared:  “I still need time to process it. I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way, because before this I didn’t even have one norm, and now I’m a Grandmaster.”

Divya also qualifies for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, alongside the second and third-place finishers— GM Humpy Koneru and former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi.

From Divya Deshmukh becomes third Women’s World Cup Champion, defeats Humpy Koneru in tiebreak – International Chess Federation

Dhanushka Bandara and Esandi Newansa are Sri Lanka Champions

Dhanushka Bandara and Esandi Newansa became the National Chess Champions 2025 at the Sri Lanka National Men’s & Women’s Chess Championships 2025 concluded 28 July 2025 at the cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo. The Event was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from 18th to 28th July 2025 with a prize fund of Rs. 1,500,000/=. Mr. AHMU Aruna Bandara (center), the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affaires and Sports was the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony with Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya (left), the President of Chess Federation of Sri Lanka.

A total of 14 players in each section participated in this 13 round Round, Robin Chess event which is the strongest Chess event in the country. These 13 players were selected after conducting 3 events, 1st in District level Novices Chess Championship, then Provincial Level Major Division and final National level Premier Division event in 11 round Swiss System event.

Esandi won the Championship according to the tie breaker used.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings and to download games/

Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan Top Central Asian Youth

Uzbekistan children won six gold medals followed by Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan with two golds each in the Central Asia Youth Chess Championships held 20-29 July 2025 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 425 players from five countries participated, namely Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and host Kyrgyzstan.

         

WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii Awarded Honored Athlete of Mongolia

H.E Ukhnaa Khurelsukh (left), President of Mongolia, confers Honored Athlete of Mongolia Award to WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii, FIDE Delegate of the Mongolian Chess Federation and Member of the DIDE Global Strategy Commission.

Congratulations on Receiving the Title of Honored Athlete of Mongolia

As the 25th National Women’s Champion of Mongolia, a leader player at the 44th World Chess Olympiad, and 2010 World School Chess Champion, WGM Enkhtul Altan Uzlii has repeatedly raised Mongolia’s flag high on the international stage. She won the bronze medal at the 2011 World Youth U18 Championship and numerous other accolades.

Her work as Delegate of the Mongolian Chess Federation and active member of the FIDE Global Strategy Commission contributes to the growth and development of chess globally, especially within the Asian region.

 

China, Mongolia, Philippines Top Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher (center) with, to his left, Zone 3.5 President Abigail Tian Hong Wei and to his right Yuan Xiong, Deputy Director of the Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, and also the President of the Zhuhai Sports Federation. At right is Chief Arbiter K.K. Chan, president of Hong Kong Chess Federation.

Chinese children earned five gold medals followed by Mongolia and Philippines with two gold medals each in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship held 20-28 July 2025 in Zhuhai, China. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings and to download scoresheets.

Separate groups of Boys and girls under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 are playing Standard chess. Blitz chess is scheduled 28th July followed by Rapid chess on 29th July.

A record 461 players are participating from 14 countries, namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and host China.

Filipino Christian Gian Karlo Arca shines at 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship, Secures gold medal and direct IM title.

By Marlon Bernardino
Filipino Christian Gian Karlo Arca (ELO 2410), a rising star from Mindanao, added another feather to his cap after winning the gold medal in the Under 18 Standard category of the 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 2025 held at the Zhuhai Holiday Resort in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China on July 28, 2025.
Needing only a draw in his final game to secure the gold medal in the U18 category, Arca went for a win. His goal was to become overall champion in the Under 18 Standard event category to earn him the International Master (IM) title.
The 16 -year old Filipino defeated Yihang Song of China in the last round to clinch the title. Arca finished undefeated with 8.0 points on seven wins and two draws in nine outings.
Arca defeated Hong Quan Vo of Vietnam in the first round, Yibai Ren of China in the second round, FIDE Master Khishigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia in the third round, FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu of the Philippines in the fourth round, Xiaozhi Wang of China in the fifth round, An Hoa Do of Vietnam in the seventh round and Song in the ninth and final round.
He split the points with Kailin Chen of China in the six round and Zhening Hu of China in the eight round.
FM Ulziikhishig took the silver medal with 6.5 points, a half point ahead of Do An Hoa, Hu Zhening and FM Cu each with 6.0 points.
The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), under the leadership of Chairman/President Cong. Prospero ‘Butch’ Pichay Jr. and CEO/Executive Director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by Chairman John Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio , Commissioner Ed Hayco, Commissioner Olivia ‘Bong’ Co and other PSC officials were recognized for their continued support of Arca and other Filipino athletes pursuing excellence in the global chess scene.-Marlon Bernardino-

 

10th Search for the Next Chess Master 2025 in Dumaguete City, Philippines

The 10th Search for the Next Chess Master (SNCM) 2025 unfolded on July 26th and 27th. This landmark event, now in its 10th edition, saw the Dumaguete City Chess Club and The Knights of Valencia Chess Club unite to host a FIDE-rated spectacle, reaffirming their commitment to nurturing grassroots talent in Negros Oriental.

The Market Place & OSCA Bldg buzzed with strategic energy, hosting a dual competition, a first in the region, designed to challenge and inspire. The Exclusive Invitational Round Robin gathered seasoned champions and the region’s brightest junior prodigies. Among them, Markley Partosa (photo above) from Dauin once again proved his mettle, clinching his third SNCM championship. His consistent growth and commanding performance left no doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with, a true testament to the tournament’s aim of fostering excellence.

 

Simultaneously, the Open Standard Swiss Challenge became a crucible for rising stars. Seven intense rounds offered a prime opportunity for emerging talents to test their skills. It was here that Lennox Samson, a student-athlete from the University of Cebu, made his mark. As a guest player, Samson showcased a formidable competitive spirit, securing the top spot and signalling his intent to climb the ranks in the Central Visayas region.

Beyond the trophies and prize money, the SNCM 2025 was a celebration of chess development. The event saw numerous players achieve significant ELO boosts, with several even qualifying for international standard ratings on the upcoming August 1st FIDE list. This speaks volumes about the growing strength and depth of chess talent in Negros Oriental. The tournament also served as a valuable platform for FIDE Arbiter norms, with FA Arnel Sapuan serving as Chief Arbiter, and NA Ringo Villagonzalo and NA Ramon Bunda III receiving FA1 certificates. At the heart of this thriving development is FA Alvin Alcala, not only the insightful author of the original tournament report and a recipient of an FA title himself in the last FIDE Council Meeting, but also a driving force whose application for the FIDE Associate Organizer (FAO) title promises to further legitimize and elevate the conduct of FIDE-rated events in the region to the next level, collectively contributing to the professional development within the local chess community especially in Negros Oriental.

The resounding success of the 10th SNCM 2025 was a collective effort, powered by the unwavering support of dedicated sponsors and the tireless work of the organizing committees. As the final pieces were put away, the spirit of strategic brilliance lingered, leaving participants and spectators alike inspired. The future of chess in Negros Oriental shines brighter than ever, fueled by events like the SNCM that continue to unearth and celebrate the next generation of masters.

Smart Moves Summit 2025 Where chess meets learning, August 4–5, 2025 Washington, D.C.

For the first time ever – the Smart Moves Summit, an international conference dedicated to the strategies, technologies, and communities shaping the future of school education.

Educational leaders, government officials, global experts, founders of major tech companies, researchers, philanthropists, and international sponsors of school chess initiatives will gather to discuss how we can empower children worldwide through chess, innovation, and cutting-edge learning approaches.

The Summit will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and the launch of new partnerships and initiatives that have the potential to impact millions of students across the globe.

Join us this August and be part of a global movement redefining how the next generation learns, thinks, and thrives.

Why Attend?

For Teachers & Educators

Bring the power of chess into your classroom with practical, research-backed tools. No prior chess experience is needed – just a desire to support students’ focus, creativity, and critical thinking.

For School Leaders & Administrators

Discover how chess can become a school-wide asset: improving academic outcomes, fostering a growth mindset, and increasing parent and student engagement.

For Researchers & Academics

Explore the latest findings at the intersection of chess and cognitive development. Connect with global peers and help bridge research and real-world practice.

For Policymakers & Public Sector Leaders

Understand how chess-based learning aligns with national education goals and 21st-century skill development. Learn from successful large-scale implementations around the world.

For EdTech Innovators & Startups

See how chess is driving innovation in digital education – and how it can power your next idea. Explore emerging technologies, tools, and partnerships shaping the future of learning.

https://tickets.fide.com

Watch video on the Smart Moves Summit.

Chess_2_10.07.mp4

 

Loreto Lacaron Wins IIEE Eastern Visayas Regional Conference

The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) held an open rapid chess tournament in EIC Convention Center Cebu on July 25, 2025 during its 24th IIEE Eastern Visayas Regional Conference (ECVRC). In photo are, from left, IIEE Cebu team captain Kaypee Aldous Cale (with cap), Tournament Director Edmar Quirante, 5 former IIEE National Presidents Lyndon Bague, Rodrigo Pecolera, Noel Fernandez, Allan Alvarez and Feliciano Padua III, National Arbiters Ed Vincent Lepalam and Kevin Yap.
Loreto Albert Lacaron captured the IIEE ECVR championship undefeated with 6 points in this 7-round swiss 15+3 time control. He won his match with 2nd placer Alberto Acabo who also had 6 points.
Taking 3rd to 5th place respectively were Jesse Tan, Kaypee Aldous Cale and Patrick Palconit who took the last prize money spot with better tie breaks against Arvin Loy-A Pamalaran and Dante Lendio.
The tournament was supervised by NA Kevin Yap and NA Ed Vincent Lepalam with tournament director Edmar Quirante. The successful event of the ECVRC was made possible by the IIEE Cebu Chapter President Marcelo Canitan and ECVR Governor Erwin Salvador.
Lacaron, Cale and Palconit will represent the region in the upcoming IIEE Golden Sports Inter-Island Qualifier on September 13, 2025 at Koten. They will be joined in this September event by the 3×3 ECVR Basketball Champion Bohol composed of Roland Gabo, Dennis Inlajusta, Adrian Apostol and Dave J. Pojadas who won versus Cebu, 22-14.

IM Chito bags IIEE Castle in the storm in Manila

Meanwhile, on the onslaught of Typhoons in Metro Manila, the IIEE Bayanihan conducted a mini-tournament dubbed as Castle in the Storm last July 24, 2025 at IIEE Building in Cubao. International Master Chito Garma captured the championship with perfect 6 wins against National Master Romeo Alcodia, Ayesha Guanzon, Jose Piff Caumban, Jerry Areque, Ronaldo Donasco and Jeremy Marticio who was the runner up of the Armageddon double knockout tournament.
Last July 5, 2025 the IIEE Metro Central Chapter (MCC) captured the Metro Manila Region championship 5×5 team chess tournament held also in IIEE Building. Metro East and Metro west placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. All five boards were topped by IIEE MCC players with Randy Turreda on board 1, Julian Paul Querubin on board 2, Dion Urbina on board 3, Ronald Donasco on board 4 and Evaristo Tizon on board 5. The reserved or board 6 was topped by Samuel Zantua of IIEE Metro West.
In the online chess, IIEE chessmaster is gunning to be on rank 10th in the World with another game in Bundesliga on Monday 2am via Lichess.
In the IIEE National Olympiad Season 7, after 4 rounds, the only unbeaten team are the IIEE Singapore and the Filipino Chess player League (FCPL) Qatar. They will face-off on round 5 in level 1 on August 1, 2025 together with Faeldonia Chess Philippines and Mapua.
IIEE Singapore, who won the PTC World Engineering Day Chess Tournament last March 2025, is the favorite with their players including among others, FM Julius Joseph De Ramos, FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Mark Jay Bacojo, FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FM Nelson Mariano III, CM Jayson Visca, AIM Mark Oliver S. Ingcad, Mark James Marcellana, Gerald Lumberio, Jeffrey Vegas, Adrian Esteva, Andres Bautista, Jeofrey Ampo Sr., Leonard Raymond Reyes and the Reyes brothers FM Narquingden, Narquingel, Mark Gerald and Chester Neil Reyes. FCPL Qatar has GM Darwin Laylo, FM David Elorta, NM Bob Jones Liwagon, AGM Rolenson Loyola, Bong Manaloto, Narciso Gumila Jr., AIM John Tia and AFM Don Henry Naperi, among others. Mapua is led by IM Idelfonso Datu together with IM Michael Concio Jr., Bren Sasot, Jhulo Goloran, Chin Lim, Kelly Rancap, Alexsis Enrico Jacinto, NM Rhobel Legaspi, Kevin Arquero, Don Tyrone Delos Santos, Sherwin Tiu, Jay Arcenal, Jon Pastorizo, Michael Angelo Palma and Norman Madariaga.
The Faeldonia team of Geodetic Engr. Ernie, with his sons Jasper and Jerick, and other reliable are Sohaile Amatonding Sr., Joel Obogne, Leo Miraña, Napoleon Piores, Mark Del Rosario and Alvin Ping. After round 5, the 20 teams will be down into sweet 16 teams who will play for another 5 rounds of elimination.
All of the above events were supported by IIEE Golden Sports Committee headed by Chairman Menandro Lim and Vice Ervin Fernandez with adviser Allan Alvarez, 2021 IIEE National President. Sponsors includes Hypertech, Emerald, Philflex, Koten, Switch, FELCO, Prisma, Weichai, FR3, Arizona Integrated Technology, Coulomb Energy, BMJE, T’sys Industrial Control, Pazifik Power and Pocari Sweat.-Marlon Bernardino-

Smart Moves Summit 2025: Shaping the future of education through chess

FIDE and the International School Chess Federation invite you to the Smart Moves Summit 2025, a groundbreaking international gathering exploring how chess can transform education. From classrooms to communities, from policy to practice, this event on August 4–5 brings together visionary educators, policy leaders, EdTech innovators, and social entrepreneurs to share real-world strategies that are changing how we teach and learn.

This summit is more than a conference—it’s an investment in ideas, networking, and practical tools that can redefine education for generations to come.

Why attend?

– Get inspired by thought leaders who are already reshaping national education policies through chess

– Discover strategies that make classrooms more inclusive, equitable, and effective

– Learn from global models for funding and scaling school chess programs

– Network with changemakers from over 30 countries and across disciplines

– Take home practical solutions that can be applied in schools, nonprofits, or government initiatives

Spotlight on speakers: Meet the changemakers

Dana Reizniece-Ozola (Latvia)

Former Minister of Finance and current FIDE Deputy Chair, Dana blends government policy and chess activism like no one else. Her session will explore how governments can integrate chess into national curricula—a must for any policymaker, education consultant, or federation leader.

Why it’s worth it: Gain insights from someone who has implemented chess in both national governance and global programs supporting refugees and underserved youth.

Timur Turlov (Kazakhstan)

Entrepreneur, investor, and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Turlov has funded and launched one of the world’s most ambitious chess-in-schools programs. He’ll speak on how private sector leadership and public policy can align to create systemic change.

Why it’s worth it: Understand how business thinking can drive educational transformation and discover replicable models of success.

Robert Katende (Uganda)

Founder of the SOM Chess Academy and inspiration behind Disney’s Queen of Katwe, Katende has used chess to uplift children from the slums of Kampala. His talk will focus on social impact, youth empowerment, and chess as a tool for hope.

Why it’s worth it: Hear a first-hand story of transformation and gain ideas for launching purpose-driven programs with lasting community impact.

Jennifer Shahade (USA)

WGM, author, and podcast host, Shahade is a leading voice in gender equity and representation in chess. Her session will discuss creating inclusive chess spaces and using media to reshape narratives in education and sport.

Why it’s worth it: Learn how to amplify voices, improve representation, and use storytelling to inspire a new generation.

José Francisco “Pep” Suárez (Spain)

Psychologist and ECU education commission member, Suárez specializes in using chess to support cognitive development, mental health, and classroom engagement. His hands-on training programs for teachers are used across Europe.

Why it’s worth it: Discover practical, evidence-based methods for integrating chess into any school system—even with no prior chess experience.

Jenny Ingber (USA)

President of Chess in the Schools (NYC), Jenny has built a nonprofit that reaches thousands of underserved students annually with academic enrichment and chess instruction. She’ll speak on sustainable nonprofit models and outcomes-based program design.

Why it’s worth it: Perfect for NGO leaders and school district administrators looking to implement high-impact programs with measurable success.

Jerry Nash (USA)

Chair of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and architect of the global chess teacher training framework. He’ll lead sessions on educator certification, training systems, and implementation across diverse educational environments.

Why it’s worth it: Gain access to tested tools and frameworks that can help scale your chess-in-education efforts across schools or entire regions.

More speakers include:

  • Kenneth Regan – Anti-cheating expert and data scientist: learn how fairness and integrity are maintained in educational play
  • Michal Kanarkiewicz – Corporate strategist: how chess boosts executive functioning and decision-making
  • Anandita Oberoi – Counselor and researcher: using chess in therapeutic and gifted education
  • Tyron Davis III – Co-founder of The Gift of Chess: scaling global outreach through digital and real-world tools
  • Jeremy Kane, Rita Atkins, Arlecia Taylor, Zachary Saine, Tyler Schwartz, Elliot Neff, David Heiser, and others.

Reserve your place

This event is a must for anyone serious about using chess to impact education—whether you’re a teacher, policymaker, chess federation leader, or EdTech founder.

Get your tickets here: tickets.fide.com

Learn more at the official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/summit/