New Delhi to host Fide World Cup this yr

One among Fide’s flagship competitions, it’s a knockout event held as soon as each two years and can have 206 gamers. New Delhi, this paper understands, was picked as host because it affords journey accessibility to gamers from the world over. “Direct flights from most world places was one of many components why Delhi made for an ideal selection. Additionally, logistics may be simpler to handle, and because it’s the nationwide capital, it would assist with the thrill across the occasion,” a supply instructed HT.

It’s learnt that Bharat Mandapam or Yashobhoomi might be the venue. Unfold over 123 acres within the coronary heart of the capital, Bharat Mandapam is likely one of the nation’s largest conference centres. The venue performed host to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2023 and might be seen as the popular venue for the Chess World Cup. Beforehand, Delhi had hosted the primary six rounds of the Fide World Championship match in 2000. The ultimate rounds had been performed in Tehran, and Anand turned world champion for the primary time.

India hosted the World Championship match between Anand and Magnus Carlsen in Chennai in 2013. Final yr, India had despatched in two separate bids (New Delhi and Chennai) to host the World Championship match between Gukesh D and Ding Liren. Singapore ultimately gained the bid and the match noticed India’s Gukesh being topped world champion at 18.

With a prize fund of round $2 million, the World Cup that New Delhi is ready to host is especially vital for the World Championship cycle.

To date solely Fabiano Caruana of USA has booked a spot in subsequent yr’s eight-player, double spherical robin Candidates event that can resolve the challenger to reigning world champion Gukesh within the 2026 match. Of the seven remaining spots, three shall be determined on the World Cup and can go to gamers who end within the high three. In its earlier version held in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2023, R Praggnanandhaa had made a historic run to the ultimate – the primary Indian participant to take action after Anand. He misplaced to eventual champion, world No.1 Carlsen however had earned a spot within the Candidates for his efficiency. Whereas the Baku World Cup noticed the ladies’s competitors too held in tandem, this time across the Ladies’s World Cup shall be held in Batumi, Georgia from July 5-29.