David R. Sands

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

An unassuming winner sparks an unlikely sports dynasty

President Biden's plan to host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a three-day state visit this month comes just before a milestone anniversary for the history of South Korean sports. Published April 24, 2023

In a break with tradition, chess title fight turns into slugfest

Given the stakes and the quality of the opposition, world chess championship matches -- especially in the early rounds -- tend to be cautious, risk-averse affairs. Published April 18, 2023

Putin made stealth visit to occupied Ukraine for briefing, Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a stealth visit to parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russian forces, the closest the Russian leader has come to the front lines since ordering the invasion more than 14 months ago. Published April 18, 2023

Nuclear confusion: Finland powers up as Germany shuts down

It was a banner day -- both good and bad -- for nuclear power in Europe. Published April 16, 2023

Russian mercenary chief: Declare victory in Ukraine and get out

The head of Russia's shadowy mercenary force The Wagner Group is recommending a strategy in Ukraine once proposed by U.S. officials for the bogged-down war in Vietnam: Just declare victory and call it quits. Published April 16, 2023

Steady Nepomniachtchi, shaky Ding as world chess title match kicks off

It's been a dream start for Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi in his scheduled 14-game FIDE world championship match against China's Ding Liren. The two began play Sunday in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the vacated world chess title long held by Norwegian world No. 1 GM Magnus Carlsen. Published April 11, 2023

Crowns at stake as chess title matches get underway

April will be a clarifying month for the chess world, as we learn who will succeed Norway's Magnus Carlsen after a 10-year reign as world champion and a challenger emerges to take on women's world champion GM Ju Wenjun of China in a title match in July. Published April 4, 2023

Worthy winners: Nakamura, Krush take home American Cup titles

It got a little messy at the end, but the players playing the best chess took home the American Cup and the American Women's Cup at the all-star U.S. knockout event last week at the Saint Louis Chess Club. Published March 28, 2023