Chess

[MosJan]

https://zartonkmedia.com/2024/09/20/armenias-mens-chess-team-named-team-of-the-century-by-fide/

 

Armenia’s Men’s Chess Team Named “Team Of The Century” By FIDE

September 20, 2024

Armenia’s men’s chess team has been recognized as the “Team of the Century” by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The prestigious award was presented during a gala on September 19 at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, marking the 100th anniversary of FIDE’s foundation.

The Armenian team, known for its exceptional achievements, is a three-time winner of the World Chess Olympiad (2006, 2008, 2012) and has also secured gold medals at the European and World Team Championships (1999, 2011). This recognition as “Team of the Century” highlights the team’s consistent excellence and significant contributions to the chess world.

In addition to Armenia’s honor, former world champion Magnus Carlsen was recognized as the best chess player of the century, and Judit Polgar was named the best female chess player. Armenian Chess Federation First Vice President Smbat Lputian also received an award for promoting chess globally.

The gala, dedicated to celebrating FIDE’s centenary, honored individuals, groups, and organizations that have made remarkable impacts on the game of chess. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and FIDE Vice President Mahir Mammedov welcomed attendees, reflecting on the federation’s history and achievements over the last century. Mammedov noted, “The first century of FIDE’s life has been full of remarkable events, great personalities, and memorable matches. For this, we must thank the founders of FIDE!”

While the former USSR would have been the undisputed leader based on the number of Olympiad medals, the jury decided to honor a currently existing country. Armenia, with its three Olympiad victories, was chosen over other contenders, including China, which has won two gold medals in the last decade.

Armen Gevorgyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Chess Federation, accepted the award on behalf of the team. Currently, after eight rounds of matches at the Budapest Olympiad, Armenia’s men’s team stands in fourteenth place.

 

[MosJan]

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Sports13:06, 20 September 2024

FIDE 100 Awards: Armenian men’s chess team recognized as Best Team of the Century

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1200304?fbclid=IwY2xjawFehnJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfp1i3lH6cMPG7ErkBngB8zSj1BnP0u6fuiLYXLQo-k1LyoQ45RSEHVnww_aem_OpLd6gGT2Ior9qdsAwKp6w

 

 

[MosJan]

Sofia Baghramyan wins World Cadet Chess Solving ChampionshipThe World Cadet Chess Solving Championship was held in Montesilvano, Italy, on the sidelines of the World Cadet Chess Championship 2024, with Armenian chess player Sofia Baghramyan becoming the winner in the U8 Girls category.

 

https://alphanews.am/en/sofia-baghramyan-wins-world-cadet-chess-solving-championship/#:~:text=Sofia Baghramyan wins World Cadet Chess Solving Championship,-November 28 2024&text=The World Cadet Chess Solving,in the U8 Girls category.

[MosJan]

https://www.thearmenianreport.com/post/armenian-teen-chess-players-celebrate-success-in-europe

 

Armenian Teen Chess Players Celebrate Success in Europe

• 3 days ago

 

 

 

The Armenian chess community is celebrating a proud moment as two young players from Armenia achieved outstanding victories at the European Youth Chess Championships.

[MosJan]

Levon Aronian Makes History, Defeats No. 1 Carlsen to Become South Africa Grand Slam Champion & First Ever to Win Consecutive Freestyle Titles

Armenian chess grandmaster Levon Aronian became the South Africa Grand Slam champion by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen 1.5 to 0.5 in a decisive two-game match at the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Final, making history as the first player to win two Grand Slam titles back to back and completing a dominant run through one of the year’s most competitive elite events.

The final took place at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Cape Town, South Africa, where eight of the world’s top players competed in rapid and knockout rounds across four days as part of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. Aronian, who now represents the United States, continued to showcase the strength and depth of Armenian chess on the global stage.

Aronian delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament. In the quarterfinals he defeated American Hans Niemann 3 to 1, then advanced to the final after overcoming German grandmaster Vincent Keymer by the same 3 to 1 score in the semifinals. His victory in Cape Town follows his earlier win on the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Las Vegas, making this his second Tour leg victory of the year. Aronian constantly proves that age is a mere number for him. He earned $200,000 for his first-place finish.

Former world champion Carlsen reached the championship match after a strong run of his own. He defeated American Fabiano Caruana 3 to 1 in the quarterfinals, then beat Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov 2.5 to 1.5 in the semifinals. Despite this, he was unable to stop Aronian in the Grand Slam Final.

Aronian’s play in the championship match was decisive. In Game 1 he played a strong game with the White pieces, gaining a clear advantage out of the opening phase and winning convincingly. In Game 2 he secured a solid draw with the Black pieces, managing the position with precision and securing both the match and the tournament.

The final standings for the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Final were: 1st Levon Aronian, 2nd Magnus Carlsen, 3rd Vincent Keymer, 4th Javokhir Sindarov, 5th Fabiano Caruana, 6th Arjun Erigaisi, 7th Hans Niemann, 8th Parham Maghsoodloo. Aronian also secured second place in the overall season standings.

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Final is part of a global series of Chess960 events that has drawn elite competitors throughout the year. The event offered a $750,000 prize pool, reflecting the international scale and rising prestige of the freestyle format.

Armenians around the world congratulate Levon Aronian for an absolutely amazing performance, winning two consecutive Grand Slams and capturing the South Africa Grand Slam title.

[MosJan]