Champions Emerge in Open, Women, and Youth Categories at the 4th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners

October 14, 2024 L K

After several thrilling final matches, the 4th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners has come to an exciting conclusion, with the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, and India 1 emerging victorious in the Open, Women’s, and Youth categories, respectively. Each section was filled with drama and determination as teams from over 50 countries battled for the top spots. Here’s a closer look at the journey these champions took to claim their titles.

Open Section

In the Open category, 115 teams were divided into regional groups, playing round-robin matches. The top two from each group progressed to a combined quarter-final and semi-final stage. Eventually, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and El Salvador advanced to the finals.

The final was packed with tension, especially after El Salvador won the first round with a decisive 3.5-0.5 victory. However, UAE mounted a comeback, winning the second round 2.5-1.5, leading to a dramatic two-set blitz play-off. After a close contest, the match concluded with an Armageddon tiebreaker, where the UAE player, with the black pieces, capitalized on a critical error from El Salvador to secure victory and the title

Women’s Section

In the Women’s section, eight teams reached the quarter-finals. Mongolia, the defending champions, once again dominated, defeating teams such as Romania and El Salvador. The final was a close contest in the first round, with a 2-2 draw. However, Mongolia outclassed El Salvador in the second round, winning 3-1 to retain their crown.

In the third-place match, Romania overcame India 1 to take the bronze medal

Youth Section

The Youth section, featuring players between 14-18 years old, moved swiftly with India 1 and Ecuador reaching the finals. After a 2-2 draw in the first round, India 1 delivered a commanding performance in the second round, winning 3.5-0.5 to claim the title. In the battle for third place, India 3 dominated Serbia, winning both rounds 4-0

A Celebration of Chess and Transformation

This year’s championship not only highlighted the competitive spirit but also underscored chess’s power to transform lives. As part of FIDE’s “Chess for Freedom” initiative, the event brought together incarcerated individuals from around the world, showcasing how chess can serve as a tool for personal growth, mental discipline, and rehabilitation

Dainis Mikelsons, a former inmate and past participant, shared how chess brought calm and focus amidst the chaotic environment of prison life, affirming the profound emotional and psychological benefits of the game. His story is a testament to the transformative impact of chess both on and off the board

The 4th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners once again demonstrated how chess transcends boundaries and challenges, fostering international solidarity and personal development.

Please see the video broadcast with game comments and interesting guests:

8th October: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNe4BRw6K2M

10th October: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VswPkDJksKA