Abuja Thrills as World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship Enters Decisive Phase

Posted : 06 August 2026

The 2026 FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship has entered a crucial stage in Abuja, with the race for the Rapid titles becoming increasingly competitive after six of the scheduled 11 rounds.

As the tournament reached its halfway mark on Wednesday, several players began to distinguish themselves from the pack following a series of intense contests at the Bolton White Event Hall, the venue for the global championship.

The championship has brought together amateur chess players from across the world, all competing for the prestigious FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz crowns in a five-day competition.

Before the games commenced, participants and tournament officials agreed during the Technical Meeting to retain the full 11-round format for both the Rapid and Blitz events, despite the relatively small number of entrants.

Officials also confirmed that female competitors remain eligible to claim prizes in two categories, adding further motivation for the women participating in the championship.

The event was officially declared open by the President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who made the ceremonial first move in the presence of FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Vice President and Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi, and the federation's Vice President, Adewole Adeyinka.

On the boards, FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha continued his impressive run with a victory over Lanre Seye Oluwalasinu to remain among the leading contenders.

Other notable winners included Odey Goodness Ekunke, CM Toluwanimi Okemakinde, AFM Aryan Raj, Augustine Imohede Apemiye and Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi, while Tersoo Moses Adekpe and Kumar Saket shared the points in a hard-fought draw.

Former Nigerian national champion, Architect Theophilus Caiafas, also settled for a draw against AIM Ambesh in another closely contested encounter.

With five rounds remaining in the Rapid competition, the battle for the championship is expected to intensify as players seek to maintain consistency in pursuit of the world titles.

The focus will then shift to the Blitz segment of the championship, where competitors will face another 11 rounds in a fast-paced contest that will test their speed, accuracy and tactical awareness.

Hosting the championship has further underlined Nigeria's growing profile on the international chess scene, with Abuja providing a fitting stage for one of the world's leading amateur chess competitions.

With the competition entering its decisive phase, every remaining round will be crucial in determining the eventual champions. Players will be aiming to finish strongly as the race for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid titles reaches its climax before attention turns to the Blitz competition.

Abuja Thrills as World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship Enters Decisive Phase

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