ChessBase

• Casto Abundo (1950-2025)

  FIDE has announced the passing of Casto Abundo, Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation, whose five decades of service left a lasting mark on the global chess community. A respected arbiter and organiser, he played key roles in major international events and helped strengthen the institutional framework for chess across Asia. His leadership, dedication and ability to unite federations are widely recognised, and his legacy will continue to guide future generations.

• Bundesliga: Baden-Baden win despite leaving top board vacant

  Fabiano Caruana is unavailable to play for Baden-Baden due to his commitment at the Freestyle Chess Finals in South Africa, and the same applies to Germany's number one, Vincent Keymer. Baden-Baden thus left Caruana's board vacant and still managed to beat Deggendorf – even though Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Baden-Baden) also lost his game. The former serial champions are now only 2½ board points behind the victorious Viernheim. After three rounds, they are the only two teams in the league not to have lost any match points. | Pictured: Matthias Bluebaum (Schachfreunde Deizisau) commentating his game | Photos: Hans-Joachim Vitz, Anna-Blume Giede, Jan Werner, Stefan Spiegel

• London Chess Classic: Five draws in round nine, Firouzja grabs second place

  All five games in the final round of the London Chess Classic ended drawn, leaving the standings unchanged following Nodirbek Abdusattorov's clear tournament victory with a round to spare. The Uzbek grandmaster finished with an outstanding 7½/9 and a 2932 performance rating, while Alireza Firouzja (pictured) secured second place despite missing a late winning chance against Nikolas Theodorou. Nikita Vitiugov completed the podium after a steady event that included two wins following an early setback. | Photo: John Saunders

• The inspiring story of Alojzije Jankovic, enthusiastic chess promoter

  On the rest day of the FIDE World Cup, on 20 November, I decided to interview GM Alojzije Jankovic. Every time I have met him, I have always been amazed by his warmth and infectious enthusiasm. A man who has worn many hats in the chess world, Jankovic carries the rare combination of passion, humility and purpose. A strong GM who once reached a 2593 rating, Jankovic is also a long-time television presenter in Croatia, Vice President of the European Chess Union, author, theoretician, trainer, commentator and researcher. Let's dive into his multi-faceted life.

• Hans Niemann becomes Diving Chess Champion in Cape Town

  Next Monday, the final of the Freestyle Grand Slam 2025 will begin in Grootenbosch (South Africa). To mark the opening, a diving chess competition was organised in Cape Town, which was won by Hans Niemann. Some participants of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam showed off their skills in a simultaneous match against local chess enthusiasts. | Photo: Stev Bonhage / Freestyle Chess

• London Chess Classic - Live!

  The XTX Markets London Chess Classic is a 10-player all-play-all tournament taking place from 26 November to 5 December at the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club. Four English players and six international representatives make up the lineup, which includes top seeds Alireza Firouzja and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. | Follow the games live with expert commentary starting at 17.00 CET (11.00 ET, 21.30 IST)

• Abdusattorov wins London Chess Classic with one round to spare

  Nodirbek Abdusattorov secured the London Chess Classic title with a round to spare after drawing his eighth-round game against Alireza Firouzja. Entering the day with a two-point lead built on six consecutive wins, the Uzbek grandmaster navigated a sharp position more accurately before choosing to force a perpetual check, confirming overall victory. It was the only draw of the round, with all other games ending decisively. | Photo: nodirbekchess.com

• President Cup: All five games end decisively in first round

  The fourth President Cup opened in Tashkent with a round marked by five decisive results, all in favour of the white pieces. With Uzbekistan's top grandmasters absent, the spotlight fell on emerging local talents and a strong group of international participants. The first day saw a couple of upsets, steady wins by some of the top seeds and a competitive start to the 10-player single round-robin. | Pictured: Shant Sargsyan from Armenia | Photo: Uzbek Chess Federation

• In Stockholm: First-ever Pia Cramling Cup and two seminars for women announced

  FIDE’s Commission for Women's Chess has announced the inaugural Pia Cramling Cup, a new rapid tournament for girls and women to be held during the Rilton Cup in Stockholm on 2 January 2026. Created in collaboration with Pia Cramling and the Stockholm Chess Federation, the event celebrates the former world number one's legacy while supporting emerging talent. Alongside the tournament, DGT and FIDE will offer technical training seminars aimed at expanding opportunities for women in chess.

• Pragg, Ivic and Ghasi share first place at London Chess Classic FIDE Open

  The main attraction of the XTX Markets London Chess Classic is the elite tournament, but the FIDE Open was also very strong, featuring numerous titled players. After nine rounds, three players finished on 7 points and shared first place: GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu of India (pictured), GM Velimir Ilic of Serbia and GM Ameet K. Ghasi of England. As there were no tiebreaks in the event, the three also shared the prize money for the top three places. | Photo: Yury Krylov / London Chess Classic