David R. Sands

Raised in Northern Virginia, David R. Sands received an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He worked as a reporter for several Washington-area business publications before joining The Washington Times.

At The Times, Mr. Sands has covered numerous beats, including international trade, banking, politics and Capitol Hill, and spent eight years on the foreign desk as senior diplomatic correspondent. He is currently the deputy editor for politics. In addition, he has reviewed books and written feature stories for the newspaper and authored The Times' weekly chess column since 1993. He is also senior writer for Washington GolfStyles, a monthly publication covering the Mid-Atlantic golf scene.

Articles by David R. Sands

Kremlin says ‘contacts’ have been made over jailed U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich

The Kremlin acknowledged for the first time Tuesday that "contacts" with U.S. officials have begun over jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, imprisoned since March on what the Biden administration says are bogus charges of espionage. Published July 4, 2023

Confusion, infighting plague Russian military in mutiny’s wake

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have survived -- for now -- the mutiny launched by onetime ally Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group mercenaries. Published June 29, 2023

An unsettled Russia as Prigozhin finds refuge in Belarus

Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin surfaced in Belarus Tuesday, days after leading the disruptive but aborted armed uprising that rocked the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Published June 27, 2023

Lukashenko confirms Wagner chief is in Belarus, denies building new camp for mercenaries

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday verified that Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin had fled to his country, days after his mercenary force staged an abortive revolt in neighboring Russia. Published June 27, 2023

Go team! Global Sports League kicks off inaugural season in Dubai

Having covered multiple Olympiads, college chess Final Fours and U.S. Amateur Team East blowouts over the years, I can personally attest that chess as a team sport is hardly a novel concept. Published June 27, 2023

Uneasy calm, uncertain future as rattled Putin denounces ‘treacherous’ uprising

The only thing that seemed clear is that the fallout from the aborted, semi-coup staged by Wagner Group mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's forces is certain to be felt for months to come. Published June 26, 2023

The last shall be first: Zatonskih scores surprise win in women’s chess tilt

There's still half a year to go, but IM Anna Zatonskih's victory in the 3rd annual Cairns Cup earlier this month looks certain to rank among the most unexpected results of 2023. Published June 20, 2023

There from the start: Fathers, children and chess

They may not have been very strong players themselves, but many can claim credit for teaching the game's greatest stars how to set up the board and the difference between a pin and a fork. Published June 13, 2023

Both sides seek high ground in PR wars as Ukraine offensive kicks off

It didn't take long for the fog of war to settle over Ukraine's long-awaited spring counteroffensive, with both sides claiming to see bright spots in the fighting Sunday. The clash could determine the fate of Russia's 16-month invasion. Published June 11, 2023

Big guns in chess bring the firepower at strong Cherry Blossom Classic

Some of the game's big guns descended on Northern Virginia as a score of grandmasters and titled players battled it out at the 10th Cherry Blossom Classic at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott. Published May 30, 2023

Caruana turns back time — literally — in Superbet chess win

Time can pass awfully slowly when you're watching a chess game at classical time controls, but can it actually move in reverse? Published May 23, 2023

Ding, Nepomniachtchi struggle in first outing after grueling chess title bout

New world champion GM Ding Liren of China and challenger GM Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia were back in action barely more than a week after their grueling, four-week match last month -- and it showed. Published May 16, 2023

Niemann back at the chessboard as FIDE delays cheating analysis

His $100 million defamation lawsuit is in limbo, but young American GM Hans Moke Niemann is back to battling at the chessboard. Published May 9, 2023

Arab League ministers move to end Syria’s isolation despite U.S. concerns

Syria took another major step toward ending a decade of isolation as Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Egypt on Sunday voted to allow the regime of President Bashar Assad back into the fold. Published May 7, 2023

Comeback kid Ding Liren is China’s first world chess champ

It was a fitting finale for the unlikely coronation of the 17th world chess champion: The only time Chinese GM Ding Liren led in his epic monthlong title match with Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi was when the clocks were stopped on the fourth and final game of the rapid playoff that decided the contest. Published May 2, 2023

Ding Liren becomes first Chinese world chess champion

China has its first official world chess champion, as Grandmaster Ding Liren defeated Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi in a playoff Sunday after their 14-game title match in Astana, Kazakhstan ended in a 7-7 tie. Published April 30, 2023

Chess title fight may be decided by a freeze and a bluff

The world chess championship may be decided by a freeze and a fake-out. The unexpectedly compelling 14-game title match in Astana, Kazakhstan, between Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi and Chinese GM Ding Liren is entering the home stretch. Published April 25, 2023