GM Alireza Firouzja had overtaken GM Wesley So at the are living score record after scoring 5/5 in a sequence of 3 fits in opposition to veterans in his house chess membership of Chartres. Alas for the 20-year-old, he had another sport to play, and a draw from a misplaced place in opposition to GM Sergey Fedorchuk noticed him drop at the back of So once more within the race to qualify for the FIDE Applicants Chess Event 2024 in Toronto, Canada. Is it over, or is there some other twist to come back?
The Applicants Race Descends Into Chaos
The Applicants match is an eight-player match subsequent April that can make a decision who faces reigning Chess International Champion Ding Liren within the subsequent global championship fit. The primary six puts have been determined with out controversy, excluding that global number-one Magnus Carlsen has mentioned he’ll no longer take the spot he won for profitable the FIDE International Cup, leaving an opportunity of an entire life for GM Nijat Abasov.
# | Participant | FED | Ranking | Age | Certified Through | |
1 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | FIDE | 2771 | 33 | International Championship Runner-Up | |
2 | Praggnanandhaa R | India | 2740 | 18 | International Cup Runner-Up | |
3 | Fabiano Caruana | United States | 2794 | 31 | International Cup third | |
4 | Nijat Abasov | Azerbaijan | 2641 | 28 | International Cup 4th | |
5 | Vidit Gujrathi | India | 2737 | 29 | Grand Swiss Winner | |
6 | Hikaru Nakamura | United States | 2788 | 36 | Grand Swiss Runner-Up |
The general two spots, then again, have observed a thrilling race that has from time to time descended into natural farce as we now have reached the end line. The most efficient abstract in one symbol is the meme posted by way of GM Fabiano Caruana or his podcast co-host GM Cristian Chirila from the C-Squared Podcast account.
Please don’t kill me guys %.twitter.com/PYNoXwZgnD
— C-Squared Podcast (@CSQpod) December 20, 2023
It is humorous as a result of it is (nearly) true. Caruana has an enormous lead in the rest two tactics to qualify—by the use of the FIDE Circuit or by way of score—however does not want them, as he certified by the use of the International Cup.
The FIDE Circuit spot, in keeping with a participant’s 5 best possible leads to 2023, had gave the look to be GM Anish Giri‘s, particularly after GM Gukesh Dommaraju did not win the London Chess Vintage, however then a brand new match gave the impression—the Chennai Grand Masters. That used to be unapologetically billed as an opportunity for Gukesh and GM Arjun Erigaisi to qualify for the Applicants, which served because the “catalyst” for the organizers to satisfy a long-term dream of organizing a super-tournament in India.
The challenge succeeded, with the 2 gamers tying for first, taking Gukesh forward of Giri within the race.
Gukesh is within the lead for the #FIDECircuit price tag to the #FIDECandidates. Because of his win within the Chennai Grand Masters, the younger Indian Grandmaster surpassed Anish Giri by way of 3.05 issues.
Not anything is made up our minds but for the price tag to Toronto, because the FIDE International Speedy and Blitz… %.twitter.com/ROcmP355q5
— World Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 22, 2023
There generally is a overdue twist within the International Speedy and Blitz Championships in Samarkand, Uzbekistan that runs December 26-30, however it will take a heroic feat to switch the established order. Giri wishes to complete first to 3rd within the Speedy, or handiest sole first within the Blitz, to overhaul Gukesh. For Arjun, handiest profitable the Speedy will do.
![](https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/images_users/tiny_mce/Colin_McGourty/phplM1XkT.jpg)
That suggests we will be expecting Gukesh to turn out to be the 3rd Indian participant within the 2024 Applicants, whilst the general score spot, in large part predictably, has resulted in chaos. For earlier qualification cycles to the Applicants, the spot used to be in keeping with the common score over a calendar yr, which had some huge drawbacks: it very much larger the importance of your score and effects early within the yr, and it inspired no longer taking part in close to the tip when you have been well-placed.
Nonetheless, the ones drawbacks seem small in comparison to the verdict to take handiest the January 2024 score into consideration, which has left a bunch of gamers shut sufficient that it will really feel reckless to not make some try to achieve the ones issues, by some means.
So emerged from the Sinquefield Cup with a lead, however GM Leinier Dominguez, just a level at the back of, activate to Spain to play the Chessable Sunway Sitges open. The tension and score peril of taking part in a lot lower-rated gamers advised, then again, and Dominguez withdrew on the midway level after losing score issues.
Used to be So secure? No longer but! Firouzja, who have been upper rated all yr till a nasty Sinquefield Cup, determined to make a overdue bid for the Applicants.
Firouzja Plots Trail To Applicants, Controversy Ensues
The similar day after Dominguez withdrew, it grew to become out that Firouzja would get started an match in moderation crafted to present him a shot on the Applicants. Giri, who quipped he may play some video games in opposition to his spouse IM Sopiko Guramishvili, temporarily categorized Firouzja’s method “farming.”
Will the true farmer please get up.👨🌾 %.twitter.com/0udYZeYYjZ
— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) December 18, 2023
Firouzja’s native chess membership had arranged for him to play two-game fits in opposition to 3 gamers:
- 52-year-old GM Alexandre Dgebuadze, a former Georgian and four-time Belgium Champion, with a height score of 2563 and a present score of 2439
- 51-year-old French GM Andrei Shchekachev, with a height score of 2593 and present score of 2506
- 42-year-old Ukrainian GM Sergey Fedorchuk, with a height score 2674, and a score of 2640 in January 2023 which had plummeted to 2546 by way of December
There can be 90 mins for every sport, with a 30-second increment in keeping with transfer, and the revolution can be televized on Chartres TV. The one ranking that might do for Firouzja to complete forward of So used to be 6/6, except he stopped the fit after achieving 5/5.
A method or some other it used to be certain to be compelling viewing.
Alireza’s style lesson to chess gamers: Get dressed in line with your opponent’s stage.
In opposition to Fabi: a €500 Alexander McQueen sweater, simple to put on however aesthetically pleasurable.
In opposition to Dgebuadze: a €50 café coton sweater that appears like a pale Gryffindor quidditch outfit. %.twitter.com/LobWiK4VZH
— Yosha Iglesias (@IglesiasYosha) December 18, 2023
The fits had slightly began earlier than other folks have been complaining, led by way of So, who halfway in the course of the match close down his Twitter/X account after closely hinting that Firouzja’s fighters have been dropping on objective. FIDE additionally rushed to remark, highlighting that they may make a decision to not charge the video games.
Nowadays, on December 18, the mini-matches that includes GM Alireza Firouzja (Elo 2750) started in Chartres, France – his homeland. This eight-game match pits Firouzja in opposition to 3 veteran gamers with a mean score of 2497 Elo issues. Considerations have arisen in regards to the match’s possible objective: whether or not it used to be orchestrated to help Mr Firouzja in boosting his score for possible qualification into the Applicants Event 2024.
The World Chess Federation want to indicate that, in line with Clause 0.4 of its Ranking Laws, “FIDE reserves the precise to not charge a selected match”.
FIDE has already despatched an professional request to the organizers of the development. We can in moderation apply and examine all sides of the group of the above-mentioned match and the entire video games performed by way of its members earlier than deciding whether or not to charge it.
The World Chess Federation is devoted to addressing no longer simply this explicit case but additionally equivalent occurrences that can rise up. Discussions will probably be held to discover possible amendments to the FIDE Ranking Laws, aiming to stop such eventualities sooner or later.
FIDE reiterates its unwavering dedication to upholding truthful play and making sure equivalent alternatives for all chess gamers.
To mention that opened a can of worms can be a real understatement. In fact the match used to be designed to present Firouzja an opportunity on the Applicants, as used to be the development in Chennai, whilst numerous “norm” tournaments every yr pit bold younger title-seekers in opposition to veteran grandmasters. There used to be additionally the case of the present International Champion Ding. That used to be raised by way of the participant he gained the fit in opposition to, GM Ian Nepomniachtchi.
@fide_chess didn’t hassle to no less than factor an professional commentary concerning the Chinese language tournaments closing yr. Now benefit from the penalties. Serves it proper.
— Ian Nepomniachtchi (@lachesisq) December 20, 2023
Many identified that Ding hadn’t had to achieve score issues however simply had to play sufficient video games to be eligible together with his present score, however then again, the occasions that have been organized for him to play the video games and stay his score have been very abnormal.
A not unusual sentiment used to be that organizing such occasions used to be one thing that FIDE’s new qualification direction made inevitable, and no longer one thing accountable at the gamers.
Fide commentary is unnecessary. Blame the gadget, no longer the participant
— Jorden van Foreest (@jordenvforeest) December 18, 2023
The fast reaction by way of FIDE to solid aspersions on this explicit case drew anger from French grandmasters, particularly making an allowance for the present FIDE management had simply proven a complete loss of disgrace by way of going again on its election guarantees and giving incumbent President Arkady Dvorkovich the precise to face for an infinite choice of phrases.
Shameful insinuations by way of (endlessly?) @FIDE_chess CEO who is attempting accountable the gamers as an alternative of the silly rule he created. https://t.co/MUA8CxQ4h1
— Fressinet Laurent (@FressinetL) December 18, 2023
The escalation persisted as U.S. Chess Federation President Randy Bauer appealed to FIDE to not charge the development in France.
Now america Chess Federation appeals for Firouzja’s match in Chartres to not be counted against the Applicants race! https://t.co/5oLBjXv9Si %.twitter.com/a1seGIBUX5
— chess24.com (@chess24com) December 20, 2023
World Arbiter Chris Fowl made probably the most measured responses, stating that the French match used to be unremarkable a few of the occasions which can be ceaselessly licensed for score functions.
Whilst I might believe the sentiment, this seems like a valid FIDE rated match, which simply occurs to incorporate an overly prime rated participant. If this came about a couple of months in the past, no person would have batted an eyelid. You would need to return and undo score any equivalent occasions. https://t.co/i0lsWD1N3a
— Chris Fowl (@ChrisBirdIA) December 20, 2023
For lots of, then again, the chaos used to be a supply of a laugh.
Breaking Information 🚨🚨🚨 %.twitter.com/v5t2tKvvUT
— Greg Shahade (@GregShahade) December 18, 2023
I’m happy to record that a brand spanking new rule additionally specifies that any Candidate for the score spot must possess a framed autographed image of @anishgiri https://t.co/xIX7CGuP72
— MVL (@Vachier_Lagrave) December 18, 2023
Simply need the Applicants applicants to grasp I’m to be had for fits from the following day – Dec 31 st. My score is 2618, I’m previous and vulnerable.
— Jan Gustafsson (@GMJanGustafsson) December 18, 2023
Because the circus rolled on, and on, Firouzja had some chess to play in Chartres.
The Video games
Recreation 1: Firouzja 1-0 Dgebuadze
The video games that adopted in Chartres poured oil at the hearth of the talk, beginning with Dgebuadze staying devoted to a dangerous gadget of the French Protection that did not fill So with pleasure, particularly when Black used to be on the subject of misplaced on transfer 15. Giri, in the meantime, used to be nostalgic.
An beside the point a laugh reality: I made my first GM norm after beating GM Alexandre Dgebuadze within the closing spherical of Hilversum Open in 2008! %.twitter.com/SaiYg0o4ae
— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) December 18, 2023
It used to be an enchanting sport and has been analyzed by way of GM Rafael Leitao underneath.
Conspiracy theorists would have extra to paintings with within the upcoming video games.
Recreation 2: Dgebuadze 0-1 Firouzja
All of the debate about this sport targeted round an alternate sacrifice performed at a second when there used to be a tough, however no longer too difficult for a grandmaster, approach to stay the fabric stability.
It used to be one fit down, two to head.
Recreation 3: Firouzja 1-0 Shchekachev
A brand new day, a brand new opponent, and it used to be time to get critical.
Since you guys are questioning, Alireza wears an outsized golden silk blouse by way of Versace for his morning sport in opposition to Schekachev. %.twitter.com/Fs0ewT8f86
— Yosha Iglesias (@IglesiasYosha) December 20, 2023
This time there used to be no heading off controversy, since Shchekachev resigned ready that grew to become out to be equivalent.
Shchekachev resigned in opposition to Firouzja as the location become drawish. The commentator’s response is helpful as soon as once more. #alirezaFirouzja #chess #chess24 #gukesh #wesleyso #anishgiri %.twitter.com/ZHv0ZRTUpD
— Chess on twiter (@chessontwiter) December 20, 2023
Our resident knowledgeable Leitao once more takes a glance.
Recreation 4: Shchekachev 0-1 Firouzja
There have been two video games at the identical day, and shortly it used to be 4/4, with a Greek reward sacrifice that used to be renamed by way of a web-based commentator.
The French Present sacrifice
— Jinglai He 🇨🇦🍁 (@JinglaiHe) December 20, 2023
Leitao once more takes a better take a look at the sport.
Recreation 5: Fedorchuk 0-1 Firouzja
This used to be a large sport, since a win would take Firouzja forward of So at the are living score record. Fedorchuk additionally represented a better stage of problem, with the 42-year-old Ukrainian to not be underestimated.
Humorous that persons are calling Fedorchuk an « previous retired veteran ». He simply completed 14th in Eu fast forward of Navara as an example. The fellow is taking part in always and used to be 2637 closing yr. In point of fact don’t assume he’s puffed up… I might fairly play vs @PHChess in a fit ! https://t.co/GrGW0tKyip %.twitter.com/FjCZJofQ4B
— Fressinet Laurent (@FressinetL) December 18, 2023
Alas, he did not display that high quality within the first sport, with 32.Rb5?? an absolute howler, working into 32…Ne2+! and 33…Nc3, forking the 2 white rooks and profitable the sport.
Alireza Firouzja is profitable! %.twitter.com/QOZPu115c8
— chess24.com (@chess24com) December 21, 2023
It used to be challenge completed, but it surely additionally put Firouzja in an ungainly quandary.
With 5/5 Alireza Firouzja has now overtaken Wesley So at the are living score record and would these days take the Applicants spot on 1 January, if FIDE charge the development! He is because of play a last sport, then again, which can also be must-win if it occurs %.twitter.com/b3wAU8qa5x
— chess24.com (@chess24com) December 21, 2023
If Firouzja stopped the fit—in all probability claiming ill-health—he would finish the match, and most likely the yr, forward of So and qualify for the Applicants if, and it is a large if, FIDE rated the development. The withdrawal would most likely decrease the possibilities of that going down, however on the other hand, would FIDE need to possibility a lawsuit the place Firouzja would argue his proper to play?
An increasing number of most likely that the general applicants spot will probably be determined in a thrilling match in Lausanne, Switzerland!
That is the place the CAS sits. https://t.co/iiDJqr0lrw https://t.co/JJHIbVyMw9 %.twitter.com/aO0ieO94KY
— Chess Numbers India (@chess_insights) December 18, 2023
Giri felt a word utilized by Dominguez in pulling out of Sitges would possibly were re-employed.
Alireza needed to withdraw the day gone by and say that if he continues taking part in he’s merely risking an excessive amount of.
— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) December 22, 2023
As a substitute, Firouzja did the honorable factor and performed what used to be a must-win sport with the white items. The result used to be just right for the consideration of the match however used to be a little just like the restricted luck of a witch proving they are no longer a witch by way of drowning.
Recreation 6: Firouzja ½-½ Fedorchuk
When Fedorchuk performed the Sicilian it felt like up to now, so just right, however by way of transfer 12 queens have been exchanged, and Giri used to be quickly praising Fedorchuk’s play.
Moderately thrilling. Elegant play up to now by way of Fedorchuk, I do not see him dropping this sport. %.twitter.com/yqVR8p08uM
— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) December 22, 2023
The web waited for the tide to show and Firouzja someway to emerge with a profitable place… but it surely by no means came about. In truth, because the clocks ran down and neither participant had a lot time to assume, it used to be White who used to be in hassle as Firouzja attempted to make one thing occur.
As a substitute, he overpushed and used to be dropping, which might price 7.8 score issues and slam the Applicants door close. Then, then again, he presented a draw which, after some concept, Fedorchuk authorized.
Alireza Firouzja gives a draw simply in time to keep away from defeat, however the draw sees him fall underneath Wesley So once more within the Applicants race! Is it all over the place? https://t.co/qw9X12K6Ci #c24live %.twitter.com/PmnK6fM0so
— chess24.com (@chess24com) December 22, 2023
Firouzja’s debatable journey had led to failure—an insignificant 5.5/6—no less than for now.
![](https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/images_users/tiny_mce/Colin_McGourty/php2bPcev.jpg)
That leaves one query.
What Now?
With the Applicants qualification balanced on a knife-edge, will Firouzja prevent now and concede defeat? Many identified {that a} fourth Christmas fit is scheduled in Chartres, for Saturday, December 23.
Taking a look ahead to Fit 4! %.twitter.com/eispBQJAiV
— C-Squared Podcast (@CSQpod) December 22, 2023
It is unclear if that fit used to be at the start meant to function Firouzja, however for now the gamers are in reality because of be Fedorchuk, once more, taking up his 25-year-old compatriot IM Yuliia Osmak.
Merry Christmas, Wesley! https://t.co/bG50b6AxKv
— C-Squared Podcast (@CSQpod) December 22, 2023
Nonetheless, if for any explanation why both of the ones gamers have been not able to play, Firouzja would possibly make a keen substitute—he would overtake So once more with a 2/2 win.
In fact, not anything is preventing the three-time American Champion So from taking part in himself. Some abnormal tips were made!
Within the spirit of Christmas, @MVL, is it higher to present score issues than to obtain?! https://t.co/yoZOkJhvWr
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) December 21, 2023
For as soon as our chess Christmas isn’t just concerning the International Speedy and Blitz Championships, even though it is value noting that Firouzja is because of play in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on December 26. There may be handiest see you later he can proceed the Applicants fight.