Chess Base

• Casto Abundo (1950-2025)

  FIDE has announced the passing of Casto Abundo, Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation, whose five decades of service left a lasting mark on the global chess community. A respected arbiter and organiser, he played key roles in major international events and helped strengthen the institutional framework for chess across Asia. His leadership, dedication and ability to unite federations are widely recognised, and his legacy will continue to guide future generations.

• Bundesliga: Baden-Baden win despite leaving top board vacant

  Fabiano Caruana is unavailable to play for Baden-Baden due to his commitment at the Freestyle Chess Finals in South Africa, and the same applies to Germany's number one, Vincent Keymer. Baden-Baden thus left Caruana's board vacant and still managed to beat Deggendorf – even though Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Baden-Baden) also lost his game. The former serial champions are now only 2½ board points behind the victorious Viernheim. After three rounds, they are the only two teams in the league not to have lost any match points. | Pictured: Matthias Bluebaum (Schachfreunde Deizisau) commentating his...

• London Chess Classic: Five draws in round nine, Firouzja grabs second place

  All five games in the final round of the London Chess Classic ended drawn, leaving the standings unchanged following Nodirbek Abdusattorov's clear tournament victory with a round to spare. The Uzbek grandmaster finished with an outstanding 7½/9 and a 2932 performance rating, while Alireza Firouzja (pictured) secured second place despite missing a late winning chance against Nikolas Theodorou. Nikita Vitiugov completed the podium after a steady event that included two wins following an early setback. | Photo: John Saunders