Kasparov's Mother, Klara Shagenova, Passes at Age 83

 An interesting article with remembrances by Gary and Frederic Friedel can be found in the following Chessbase article.

https://en.chessbase.com/post/klara-shagenovna-1937-2020

Lichess.org Enables Use of the dgt eBoard

The increasingly popular free chess server, Lichess.org, has enabled use of the dgt eBoard.  To use the dgt eBoard one must download dgt's free LiveChess application and have it functioning during games when using the eBoard. 

Instructions for using the dgt eBoard on the Lichess.org server can be found here:

https://lichess.org/dgt

Free download of dgt LiveChess software can be found here;

http://www.digitalgametechnology.com/index.php/software-section/dgt-livechess

Covid-19 Hits the Russian Super Final at Mocow's Fabled Central Chess Club

 Mikhail Antipov withdrew from the event having tested positive for Covid-19. Did he infect others at the event?  Time will tell.  The more pressing question(s) must be directed to FIDE, the Russian Chess Federation and the sponsors of this event. 

As these photos from the event clearly show, Covid-19 pandemic protection measures were inadequate.  An indoor venue, plexiglass screens that do nothing to prevent the spread of aerosolized Covid-19 virus and unmasked players were, sadly, the norm. Why was this event held with such lax infection protection protocols?  

Photos below from Chessbase.com

Sputnik V Anyone?

 Photo Spraggettchess

 

The Russian Championships go forward over the board.  Covid protections in place?  Apparently not all are playing masked. Sputnik V given to elite Russian players?

Photo Chessbase

Are We Our Names?

 From New In Chess.  Did the dear Grandmaster get the idea to change his name from alleged online cheaters simply opening a a new playing account using a different handle? 

Candidate's Tournament Suspended Due to COVID-19 Infection of Leading Player

Of course other international sporting events, Judo IIRC, also cancelled without having their competitors travel to the same city. But, Putin's man who heads FIDE knew better. And what about Radjabov? FIDE needs to be disbanded and a new organization created that will work for the interests of chess and not those looking to make their living on the backs of the workers---the chess players.

Tragic as this health crisis is, the looming worldwide economic collapse may present opportunities to create a more sane and just world by the survivors. In the meantime, self-isolate and try to survive.

If Dvorkovitch has any common decency left, he and his oligarch friends will charter private jets to take all of the competitors, their support people and journalists back to their home countries.

https://en.chessbase.com/post/breaking-news-fide-stops-the-candidates-tournament

Candidates Pairning Set

FIDE Candidates Tournament 2020 pairings

Round 1 (March 17, 2020)
Radjabov – Caruana
Ding Liren - Wang Hao
Giri - Nepomniachtchi
Grischuk - Alekseenko

Round 02 (March 18, 2020)
Caruana – Alekseenko
Nepomniachtchi - Grischuk
Wang Hao - Giri
Radjabov – Ding Liren

Round 03 (March 19, 2020)
Ding Liren - Caruana
Giri - Radjabov
Grischuk - Wang Hao
Alekseenko - Nepomniachtchi

Round 04 (March 21, 2020)
Caruana - Nepomniachtchi
Wang Hao - Alekseenko
Radjabov - Grischuk
Ding Liren - Giri

Round 05 (March 22, 2020)
Giri - Caruana
Grischuk - Ding Liren
Alekseenko – Radjabov
Nepomniachtchi - Wang Hao

Round 06 (March 23, 2020)
Grischuk - Caruana
Alekseenko - Giri
Nepomniachtchi - Ding Liren
Wang Hao - Radjabov

Round 07 (March 25, 2020)
Caruana - Wang
Hao Radjabov - Nepomniachtchi
Ding Liren - Alekseenko
Giri - Grischuk

Round 08 (March 26, 2020)

Caruana - Radjabov
Wang Hao - Ding Liren
Nepomniachtchi - Giri
Alekseenko - Grischuk

 

Round 09 (March 27, 2020)

Alekseenko - Caruana
Grischuk - Nepomniachtchi
Giri - Wang Hao
Ding Liren - Radjabov

Round 10  (March 29, 2020)
Caruana - Ding Liren
Radjabov - Giri
Wang Hao - Grischuk
Nepomniachtchi - Alekseenko

Round 11 (March 30, 2020)
Nepomniachtchi - Caruana
Alekseenko - Wang Hao
Grischuk - Radjabov
Giri - Ding Liren

Round 12 (March 31, 2020)
Caruana - Giri
Ding Liren - Grischuk
Radjabov - Alekseenko
Wang Hao - Nepomniachtchi 

Round 13 (April 02, 2020)
Wang Hao - Caruana
Nepomniachtchi - Radjabov
Alekseenko - Ding Liren
Grischuk - Giri

Round 14 (April 03, 2020)
Caruana - Grischuk
Giri - Alekseenko
Ding Liren - Nepomniachtchi
Radjabov - Wang Hao

 

World Championship to Dubai?

Likely so. Unfortunately So will not be there.
https://en.chessbase.com/post/world-championship-almost-certain-to-take-place-in-dubai