Latest news with #Oro
New Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Cool' & gaining popularity: How chess became a content machine
To a lot of people, chess remains a very serious pursuit. But it's also at odds with how the game, over the last few years at least, has become 'cool'. It's snackable, memeable and there's content to be had in a lot of ways. You open Insta and there's a chessfluencer giving you a breakdown on how to do a Fool's Mate (one of the quickest ways to checkmate). At the ongoing event in Stavanger for example, there's a four-member social media team, including one from ChessBase India. As soon as PSG posted the image of Gukesh trying to process what had just happened, the team felt extra happy. Because the game — even at the elite level — doesn't lend itself automatically to sponsors and generous funding from corporates, tournament organisers love getting eyeballs like these. Srinath Narayanan, one of the brains behind the nascent Chennai Grand Masters meet, in an interaction with The New Indian Express a few days ago, had mentioned that there could be an inherent bias towards inviting GMs with bigger social media footprints if their profiles are similar. "For example, if you are looking to invite a player rated 2675 or thereabouts to your event and you have only one slot, you may go towards the player with x number of social media followers." Whether by chance or design, chess is also catching on to the trend of hyping up the many young players. Take the case of 11-year-old Faustino Oro, an Argentine prodigy. An International Master, Oro is nicknamed as chessi. A few days ago, Oro faced off against the legendary Viswanathan Anand in a two-game showdown in Italy. Ever since the pandemic began, a lot of stakeholders have pumped in money into one-off events like these because they know this is now content (Hans Niemann played Anish Giri in a similar standalone encounter several days ago). "Though I play less these days," Anand tells The New Indian Express, "these kind of events are nice. You get to go to Italy... the glamour clearly attracted me there, Andrea Bocelli (musician) is playing there. When I get there, I was like 'what the hell if I lose, nobody will let me forget it'. It's not like I never have second thoughts... you have noticed that I don't play that many serious events." Not just Anand, who is, at best, a semi-retired pro. Even some of the players inside the Top-10 play exhibition matches like this because there is a demand for these events. Wherever there's demand, there's supply. It's just basic economics in this context. hugely successful 'Title Tuesday' is also a direct product of games, at least in part, being driven by content. It existed as a corner on the website as a monthly game in 2014. After the pandemic, it's played every Tuesday with over 900 players and a proper prize fund. On a dark, grim and wet Tuesday afternoon, Lokesh Natoo, a chessfluencer with over a lakh subscribers across his social media channels, rushes out with his phone to capture the likes of Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura entering the building, walk down a flight of steps and go inside the playing hall. He spends some 10 minutes editing it, putting in some BGM before uploading it as a reel. As of Thursday, that video has given him over eight million impressions. Content, he says.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Viswanathan Anand wins ‘Clash of Generations' exhibition match after beating Faustino Oro 2-0 in Tuscany
The one-of-a-kind 'Clash of Generations' exhibition game played between five-time World Champion, India's Viswanathan Anand and 'Messi of chess' Argentina's 11-year-old prodigy Faustino Oro was concluded on Monday in Tuscany, Italy. Anand defeated Oro 2-0 to sweep in what was largely a one-sided match. Although Oro displayed maturity and calmness far beyond his age, the Argentine was no match for a semi-retired Anand. In what was tipped as 'a meeting between the past and the future of chess,' Anand was pitted against Oro, one of the most promising stars on the circuit. The youngest-ever International Master in chess history, the Argentinian prodigy became one of only three players to achieve the title before turning 11. Anand had the white pieces in the first game, and it took him 57 moves to force resignation from Oro in the Morphy Defense of the Ruy López Opening, where he had three extra pawns. In the second game, Anand had the black pieces in the French Defense game. By the 48th move, he had an active rook for Oro's passive knight, where the Argentine resigned. The match was played in rapid time control of 10+3. On Monday, in a unique opening ceremony, both Anand and Oro were brought to the match venue in a specially designed horse-drawn carriage. After the exhibition one-on-one match, both players played in a simul (simultaneous) exhibition game, with each facing 10 invited guests. Both Anand and Oro ended up winning all the simul games. The exhibition game was organised by Unichess and conceived by Grandmaster Roberto Mogranzini and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who is also a chess lover. The exhibition game is part of the Pietrasanta and Versilia Chess Roads project, which took place at Italy's La Versiliana. The event sees a unique exhibition from June 2 to 15 called Chess Roads, which features 40 rare and original chess sets from Asia and Europe. The exhibition event will see chess pieces in ivory, wood, and bronze, ranging from the late 1700s to the present. On Sunday, the Chess Roads Festival began in Pietrasanta with a grand and cultural procession with players and guests arriving at Villa La Versiliana in traditional horse-drawn carriages. The parade then passed through Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Viswanathan Anand Defeats Faustino Oro 20 In The Clash Of Generations Match
In the historic "Clash of Generations" match held at La Versiliana in the beautiful city of Pietrasanta, Italy, India's five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand defeated Argentina's 11-year-old prodigy Faustino Oro 2-0. While the match was largely one-sided, Oro displayed composure and focus beyond his age, and in the future, this match will certainly hold historical importance. Anand won the first game with the white pieces and the second with black. In both games, Anand played quickly and maintained pressure on Oro throughout. The opening ceremony was unique, as both players were brought to the match venue in a specially designed horse-drawn carriage. Prior to the match, the grand opening of the Chess Roads Festival included an exhibition of 40 rare and precious chess boards, inaugurated by Anand, Oro, world-famous musician Andrea Bocelli, and Paola Rovellini, President of the La Versiliana Foundation. Following the match, both players participated in a simultaneous exhibition game, where Anand and Oro each faced 10 invited guests. They both won all of their games, creating a lasting impression on the audience. This historic event will certainly be remembered among the most special in chess history. Players arrive in royal style by horse-drawn carriage - A regal start to the Chess Festival On June 1, 2025, the Chess Roads Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy, began with a grand and cultural procession. Players and distinguished guests arrived at Villa La Versiliana in traditional horse-drawn carriages. This parade passed through Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta, giving the event historical and cultural depth. The unique welcome highlighted that this was not just a sports event, but a celebration of art, tradition, and history. The sight of players arriving in royal style gave the game of chess a noble and intellectual touch, reflecting both the grandeur of the event and the rich cultural heritage of Italy. Inauguration of the Chess Roads - The Exhibition Just before the match, a grand exhibition of 40 rare and historic chess boards was inaugurated. The exhibition was jointly opened by five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, 11-year-old Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro, world-famous musician Andrea Bocelli, and Paola Rovellini, President of the La Versiliana Foundation. Among the distinguished guests were FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Kazakhstan Chess Federation President Timur Turlov, Italian Chess Federation President Luigi Maggi, Pietrasanta Mayor Alberto Stefano Giovannetti, and GM Roberto Mogranzini, President of Unichess. The exhibition was more than just a chess display; it was a celebration of the game's historical, cultural, and artistic legacy, with rare chess sets from Asia and Europe spanning from the 1700s to the present. Anand takes the lead with first game victory After the inauguration, the highly anticipated match began. As Anand noted afterward, this match wasn't about rating differences, as in today's chess world, rating gaps are difficult to measure. Both Anand and Oro played the match with great professionalism. Anand, playing white, opened with the Ruy Lopez. Until move 15, the game was balanced. Then, a misstep by Oro with his knight allowed Anand to exchange dark-squared bishops. As Oro moved the pawn in front of his kingside rook, Anand began building pressure. Even though the position remained level for some time, Anand's advancing flank pawns increased the pressure. On move 40, Oro made a major mistake with his knight, and Anand converted the resulting endgame smoothly, winning in 57 moves and taking a 1-0 lead. Anand clearly outperformed Oro in the middlegame and endgame. FIDE President inaugurates second game The second game was ceremonially opened by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who made the first move on behalf of Oro. Oro opened with the king pawn, and Anand responded with the French Defence. For Oro, a win was necessary to equalize the match, while Anand only needed a draw to secure overall victory. Once again, the opening of the kingside f-file allowed Anand to create pressure. By move 30, Anand's queen and rook were already active on Oro's kingside, while Oro was trying to generate counterplay on Anand's queenside. However, the pawn-locked center limited piece maneuverability. On move 37, Oro made a major error, and Anand comfortably converted his advantage, securing the second game in 48 moves and winning the historic match 2-0. Anand's win was not unexpected, as the gap between the two players is currently significant. This was evident throughout the match. For Oro, however, sharing the stage with a five-time World Champion was a major opportunity that will surely help him establish himself in the competitive chess world. Facing Anand must have brought pressure, but Oro managed his emotions well, reflecting his confidence. After the second game, Anand and Oro spent time analyzing the match together. For young Oro, this must have been a fan moment. Anand and Oro play simul with 20 special guests After the main match, Anand and Oro took part in a special simultaneous exhibition match against 20 invited guests. Anand played 10 boards, and Oro played the other 10. Impressively, both players won all of their games, scoring a perfect 100% and leaving the audience highly impressed. Following the simul, another beautiful moment unfolded - each participant took autographs from Anand and Oro on their chess boards. Long queues formed at the venue, especially for Anand, with people eager to take photos and interact with him. Anand's calm, humble, and inspiring personality naturally draws admiration, and it was evident that fans of all ages were trying to experience a moment with the legend. This was not just a chess event, but a living example of the passion for the game and the respect held for its players.
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Giri, Indjic share lead at 8th edition of Sharjah Masters Chess Championship
The 8th Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship, organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has reached its critical final phase with only three rounds remaining to crown the new champion. Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri and Serbian Grandmaster Aleksandar Indjic currently share the lead with 5 points each. The highly anticipated seventh-round matchup between the two leaders is expected to be a decisive game for the top of the standings. Top-seeded Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov remains firmly in the hunt for the title with an impressive 4.5 points after six rounds, following a key victory that keeps him within striking distance of the leaders. The young star continues to demonstrate his consistency and competitive edge as the tournament intensifies. Trailing just half a point behind, a tightly packed group of fourteen players are tied at 4 points, creating a highly competitive leaderboard. Among them is Emirati Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman, who delivered a vital performance in round six by defeating Sava Vetokhin, a competitor playing under the flag of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The win positions Abdulrahman well for a strong finish as the event enters its crucial stages. Round six featured a series of significant results on the top boards that reshaped the standings. Serbian Grandmaster Indjic claimed a major victory over Chinese GM Dai Changren on board one, while Dutch superstar Giri prevailed against Iranian GM Parham Maghsoodloo in a tightly contested match on board two. On board three, Abdusattorov continued his push toward the top with a composed and strategic win over Indian International Master P. Iniyan. A standout performance at the tournament continues to come from 12-year-old Argentinian chess prodigy Faustino Oro, widely hailed as the 'Messi of Chess.' The young sensation has captured the attention of the global chess community with his remarkable composure, maturity, and tactical brilliance well beyond his years. Through six intense rounds of competition, Oro has remained unbeaten—an extraordinary feat for a player of his age competing against seasoned international masters and grandmasters. He has notched one victory and held his own in five hard-fought draws, bringing his total to 3.5 points. While his score may appear modest amid the crowded leaderboard, the implications are historic: Oro is now just half a point away from achieving his third and final Grandmaster norm. Should he succeed in earning that final norm over the next few rounds, Faustino Oro would become the youngest player in chess history to receive the coveted Grandmaster title, surpassing legends such as Sergey Karjakin and Magnus Carlsen. His calm presence at the board, sharp intuition, and relentless focus has made him one of the most talked-about figures in the tournament. The sixth round was ceremonially inaugurated at the top board by Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa'a, Chairman of Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled, along with Omran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, Tournament Director; and Faisal Al Hammadi, Head of the Technical and Arbitration Committee. Dr. Al Midfa'a expressed his pride in attending such a distinguished international event, stating, 'Sharjah has consistently demonstrated excellence in hosting world-class championships. The game of chess, the sport of intellect, enjoys exceptional support in the Emirate thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and the presence of the world's largest chess club.' He added, 'This championship plays a vital role in elevating the level of Emirati players, enhancing their international ratings, and contributing to the overall development of our national teams. I extend my best wishes to the Sharjah Chess Club, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi, for continued success in future editions.' As the tournament enters its final three rounds, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to what has become one of the most competitive and internationally respected events on the global chess calendar.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chess: national solving championship 2025 open to entries from Britain
This week's puzzle is a chance to enter an annual national contest in which Guardian readers traditionally perform strongly and in considerable numbers. White in the diagram, playing as usual up the board, is to play and checkmate in two moves, against any black defence. The puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society. This competition is open only to British residents, and entry is free. To take part, simply send White's first move to Nigel Dennis, Boundary House, 230 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1QY or by email to winton@ Advertisement All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2025, and provide the entrant's name and home address. Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2024 should give their date of birth. Please mark your entry 'Guardian'. Related: Magnus Carlsen v The World: chess champion's 46-day match ends in draw Receipt of the solution to the first stage problem will be acknowledged after the closing date, when all competitors will receive the answer. Those who get it right will also be sent the postal round of eight harder problems, with plenty of time for solving. The best 15-20 competitors from the postal round, plus the best juniors, will be invited to the final at Harrow School on Saturday 21 February 2026, where the prize money is expected to be £1,500. The winner of the final will also qualify for the Great Britain team in the 2025 world solving championship, an event where GB is often a medal contender. At Jurmala, Latvia, in July 2024, the Great Britain team of John Nunn (individual silver medallist), David Hodge (2024 British champion) and Jonathan Mestel won the team gold medals for the first time since 2007. Poland won the silver medals, and Israel the bronze. Advertisement The starter problem is tricky, with both white and black armies scattered apparently randomly round the board. There are some near-misses to avoid. Obvious first move choices rarely work. It is easy to make an error, so be sure to double- and treble-check your answer before sending it. Good luck to all Guardian entrants. There could be a double burst of chess history this weekend. At Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Argentina's 'Chess Messi', 11-year-old Faustino Oro, is closing in on Abhimanyu Mishra's age record for the youngest ever grandmaster title, which the American achieved at 12 years and four months. Oro, who already has two of his required three GM norms, can surpass Mishra's record if he totals 1.5/3 from his final three Sharjah games and then improves his rating from its current 2454 to the required 2500. Advertisement With three of the nine rounds at Sharjah remaining, Oro has scored an unbeaten 3.5/6 with a tournament performance rating of 2560. All his six opponents have been grandmasters rated above 2550. He probably needs just 1.5/3 for his historic third GM norm. Over to Belgrade, Serbia, where Russia's Roman Shogdzhiev, who has been beating GMs at blitz since he was seven, and is now just 10 years and two months old, is on the hunt for Oro's world records and seeking his third and final IM norm. Shogdziev is competing at Belgrade in a low-level event where the IM norm is a challenging 7.5/9, but the youngster was recently invited to a blitz tournament alongside Russia's GM elite and made an excellent score against the likes of Andrey Esipenko and Alexey Dreev, both of whom he beat. At Belgrade, Shogdzhiev has made light of his task, with 4.5/5 so far. He will still need some rating points, but Oro's IM world age record of 10 years and eight months is within his reach. All the signs are that this young boy is being groomed to restore the great days of Russian chess.
