Chess Base

• World Cup: Lodici knocks out Niemann, Svane and Adams win longest matches

  Tension ran high in Goa on Thursday as the second round of the 2025 FIDE World Cup came to an end with a marathon day of tiebreaks. While several favourites advanced smoothly - including Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Vidit Gujrathi - a string of surprises kept spectators on edge. Lorenzo Lodici's victory over Hans Niemann stood out, as lengthy matches and near upsets marked an eventful close to round two. | Photo: Michal Walusza

• In memory of Daniel Naroditsky

  Naroditsky's tragic passing, details still unclear, though with serious allegations levelled at a now-named former top player, invites us to look beyond the parish pump of chess. FIDE itself states in connection with the case: ‘Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us. While we hold deep respect and love for the game of chess that unites our community, these values must always come first." A philosopher comments.

• Chess Endgame Challenge

  Did you solve the endgame puzzles we gave you last week? In the position shown, White had to move his rook to one of nine squares. But only moving it to e6 retained the win. How come? Today we give you the full solutions of all the four problems, in video explanations and on a replay board with engine assistance. It's a good way to master such tricky endgame situations.