FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships - Doha

FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships - Doha

A general view shows chess players competing in the Blitz women's and men's first round at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 29, 2025. Photo by Nikku/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Grand Chess Tour Romania 2025 - Bucharest

Grand Chess Tour Romania 2025 - Bucharest

World Champion chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju of India makes a move during a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian children and teenager players at the official opening ceremony of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 tournament in Bucharest, Romania, May 6, 2025. Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Grand Chess Tour Romania 2025 - Bucharest

Grand Chess Tour Romania 2025 - Bucharest

Former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov of Russia makes a move during a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian children and teenager players at the official opening ceremony of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 tournament in Bucharest, Romania, May 6, 2025. Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Grand Chess Tour Romania 2025 - Bucharest

Grand Chess Tour Romania 2025 - Bucharest

Former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov of Russia makes a move during a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian children and teenager players at the official opening ceremony of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 tournament in Bucharest, Romania, May 6, 2025. Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Chess players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of Indian and Norway's Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, compete on the first day of the 6th Tata Steel Chess Tournament. on November 13, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Dipa Chakraborty/Eyepix Group)

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Chess players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of Indian and Norway's Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, compete on the first day of the 6th Tata Steel Chess Tournament. on November 13, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Dipa Chakraborty/Eyepix Group)

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Chess players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of Indian and Norway's Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, compete on the first day of the 6th Tata Steel Chess Tournament. on November 13, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Dipa Chakraborty/Eyepix Group)

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Chess players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of Indian and Norway's Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, compete on the first day of the 6th Tata Steel Chess Tournament. on November 13, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Dipa Chakraborty/Eyepix Group)

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Chess players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of Indian and Norway's Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, compete on the first day of the 6th Tata Steel Chess Tournament. on November 13, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Dipa Chakraborty/Eyepix Group)

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Annual Tata Steel Chess Tournament - India

Chess players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of Indian and Norway's Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, compete on the first day of the 6th Tata Steel Chess Tournament. on November 13, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Dipa Chakraborty/Eyepix Group)

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(240626) -- BUCHAREST, June 26, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Chess grandmaster Anish Giri of the Netherlands makes a move at a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian children and teenager players during the opening ceremony of Grand Chess Tour 2024 in Bucharest, Romania, June 25, 2024. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(240626) -- BUCHAREST, June 26, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Chess grandmaster Wesley So (L) of the United States makes a move at a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian teenager players during the opening ceremony of Grand Chess Tour 2024 in Bucharest, Romania, June 25, 2024. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(240626) -- BUCHAREST, June 26, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chess grandmaster Wesley So (L) of the United States makes a move at a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian teenager players during the opening ceremony of Grand Chess Tour 2024 in Bucharest, Romania, June 25, 2024. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2024

(240626) -- BUCHAREST, June 26, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chess grandmaster Anish Giri of the Netherlands makes a move at a demonstrative simultaneous chess game with Romanian children and teenager players during the opening ceremony of Grand Chess Tour 2024 in Bucharest, Romania, June 25, 2024. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(240429) -- VLADIVOSTOK, April 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Players compete during the 3rd Far East Cup Go Tournament at Vladivostok, Russia, on April 29, 2024. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(240429) -- VLADIVOSTOK, April 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Players compete during the 3rd Far East Cup Go Tournament at Vladivostok, Russia, on April 29, 2024. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(240429) -- VLADIVOSTOK, April 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Players compete during the 3rd Far East Cup Go Tournament at Vladivostok, Russia, on April 29, 2024. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(SP)RUSSIA-VLADIVOSTOK-GO CHESS

(240429) -- VLADIVOSTOK, April 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Players compete during the 3rd Far East Cup Go Tournament at Vladivostok, Russia, on April 29, 2024. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

Lebanon's first Xiangqi championship held in Beirut

STORY: Lebanon's first Xiangqi championship held in Beirut SHOOTING TIME: April 21, 2024 DATELINE: April 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:25 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of participants 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): HANI MIKATI, Participant 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ELIAS ABOU JAOUDE, Head of the Xiangqi Committee in Lebanon 4. various of participants STORYLINE: Lebanon's first annual tournament of Xiangqi, or Chinese chess, was held Sunday in the Jal El Dib area, north of the capital Beirut. Some 70 players of all ages participated in the game. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): HANI MIKATI, Participant "We are here with the Chinese players, learning from their years of experience in the Chinese chess. And we are learning about the Chinese culture through the Chinese chess game, which is a very old and traditional game in China, and the insightful player is the one who wins at the end." SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ELIAS ABOU JAOUDE, Head of the Xiangqi Committee in Lebanon "Xiangqi, which is the Chinese chess,

Chinese players win at 18th World Xiangqi Championship

STORY: Chinese players win at 18th World Xiangqi Championship SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 24, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 26, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:25 LOCATION: HOUSTON, U.S. CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the competition STORYLINE: The 18th World Xiangqi Championship, hosted in Houston, is drawing to a close with an electrifying finale that crowned new champions -- Meng Chen and Tang Sinan of Team China. Demonstrating the global appeal of Xiangqi, which is often referred to as Chinese chess, the one-week prestigious event ended on Saturday night, marking the first time the tournament has been held on American soil. In the edge-of-the-seat men's final held on Friday, Vietnamese star Lai Ly Huynh clashed with Chinese grandmaster Meng in a game brimming with skillful plays and opportunities. Lai appeared poised to clinch his first world championship title, dominating the early stages of the match. However, a pivotal error in the endgame led to a draw, pushing the match into a high-stakes sudden-death t

Xiangqi grandly debuted with its 18th world championship kicking off in U.S. Space City

STORY: Xiangqi grandly debuted with its 18th world championship kicking off in U.S. Space City SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 20, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: HOUSTON, U.S. CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of players and competition STORYLINE: In a significant moment for Xiangqi, an ancient Chinese board game, world-class competitors and enthusiasts gathered in Houston, also known as the U.S. Space City, in Texas, for the commencement of the 18th World Xiangqi Championship on Sunday night. Demonstrating the global appeal of Xiangqi, which is often referred to as Chinese chess, the prestigious event also represents the first time the tournament has been held on American soil. The week-long competition, together with the 4th World Youth Xiangqi Championship being held concurrently, attracts a total of 84 participants from 13 countries and regions, according to the organizers. The World Xiangqi Federation (WXF), the American Xiangqi Association, the Houston Xiangqi Association, and the

Chinese chess competition held in Lebanon

STORY: Chinese chess competition held in Lebanon DATELINE: Oct. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:15 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the competition 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ELIAS ABOU JAWDE, Head of Lebanon's Chinese Chess Committee 3. various of the competition 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AMINE KORKOMAZ, Lebanese Chinese chess player 5. various of the awarding ceremony STORYLINE: A Xiangqi (Chinese chess) competition was held in Beirut on Saturday, attracting around 70 Lebanese and Chinese players to compete. The event was co-organized by the Confucius Institute at Saint Joseph University (USJ) and Lebanon's Chinese Chess Committee. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ELIAS ABOU JAWDE, Head of Lebanon's Chinese Chess Committee "This competition aims to promote the intellectual development of the youths and strengthen their self-confidence. Chinese chess can help strengthen self-confidence. Through this game, the youths will have a better understanding of the Chinese culture. We are the only committee of C

Olympic Esports Week concludes in Singapore

STORY: Olympic Esports Week concludes in Singapore DATELINE: June 26, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: Singapore CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Chinese taekwondo Olympic champion Wu Jingyu participating in the Olympic Esports competition 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WU JINGYU, Chinese taekwondo Olympic champion STORYLINE: The inaugural Olympic Esports Week (OEW) concluded in Singapore on Sunday, marking the end of the finals for the 2023 Olympic Esports Series. The finals saw over 110 players competing in 10 virtual sports, encompassing archery, baseball, chess, cycling, dance, motorsport, sailing, shooting, taekwondo, and tennis. Wu Jingyu, Chinese taekwondo Olympic champion, was a notable participant at the event and secured third place in the virtual competition. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WU JINGYU, Chinese taekwondo Olympic champion "I think it is a very good platform for taekwondo fans. It's a competition stage for all, regardless of age, techniques, gender and weight, which adds more fun (into the

Olympic Esports Week inaugurated in Singapore

STORY: Olympic Esports Week inaugurated in Singapore DATELINE: June 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Singapore CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Series 2023 2. various of visitors experiencing virtual sports and gaming within the free-to-play zone at the esports festival STORYLINE: The inaugural Olympic Esports Week (OEW) commenced in Singapore on Thursday, marking the beginning of a four-day event where players will compete in the finals of the Olympic Esports Series 2023. According to the organizers, the Olympic Esports Series 2023 will showcase games from 10 sports, including archery, baseball, chess, cycling, dance, motorsport, sailing, shooting, taekwondo, and tennis. Over 110 players from 64 countries and regions are expected to participate. In addition to the competitive matches, the audience will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in virtual sports and gaming within the free-to-play zone during the esports festival. Durin

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Guandan Competition In Huaian City

Players compete in the final of the Guandan (chess and card game) competition at the Xuyi County Stadium in Huaian City, East China's Jiangsu Province, June 18, 2023. Guandan is a poker game originated in Huai 'an, where the game is played by four people in pairs.

U.S. to host World Xiangqi Championship for first time

STORY: U.S. to host World Xiangqi Championship for first time DATELINE: Feb. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:45 LOCATION: HOUSTON, U.S. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Houston Xiangqi Association president Hu Yushan 2. various of Janis Burke, CEO of Houston Sports Authority STORYLINE: Chinese chess, known as Xiangqi, is set to break new ground with the 18th World Xiangqi Championships this November in Houston, the United States. More than 120 world-class players from some 30 countries and regions are expected to compete at the event in Texas' largest city, Houston Xiangqi Association president Hu Yushan told a press conference on Friday. The championships features men's, women's and junior categories, according to Hu. "I am looking forward to learning this new game. Thank you so much to the International Federation (referring to the World Xiangqi Federation) for having confidence in Houston. We are very grateful and honored," said Janis Burke, CEO of Houston Sports Authority, co-host of the event. "Our

Iraqi chess center helps amateur players reach int'l tournaments

STORY: Iraqi chess center helps amateur players reach int'l tournaments DATELINE: Jan. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:15 LOCATION: ERBIL, Iraq CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of a teacher teaching at the center 2. SOUNDBITE (Kurdish): DANA JAMAL QADIR, Founder of the King's Center for Chess Education and Development 3. various of students playing chess STORYLINE: A chess center in Iraq provides opportunities for amateur players to participate in local and international chess tournaments. Many chess enthusiasts of different age groups spend several hours a week at the King's Center for Chess Education and Development in the city of Erbil. Since its establishment in 2018, the center has been able to teach more than 400 trainees the game of chess in its detail and develop their abilities, and then help them to compete in local and international tournaments. SOUNDBITE (Kurdish): DANA JAMAL QADIR, Founder of the King's Center for Chess Education and Development "We were able to achieve the goals that we

1st round of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 held in Netherlands

STORY: 1st round of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 held in Netherlands DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:52 LOCATION: WIJK AAN ZEE, the Netherlands CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the venue of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 STORYLINE: The first round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 kicked off in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, on Saturday. The "Wimbledon of Chess" attracts the best chess grandmasters in the world, along with thousands of amateur players. During this year's tournament, there are both onsite audience and online visitors from around the world. This year marks the 85th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, which will be lasted until Jan. 29. Chinese chess player Ding Liren is competing in the current tournament. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. (XHTV)

(SP)NETHERLANDS-WIJK AAN ZEE-CHESS TOURNAMENT

(SP)NETHERLANDS-WIJK AAN ZEE-CHESS TOURNAMENT

(230115) -- WIJK AAN ZEE, Jan. 15, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Amateur players compete during the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, Jan. 14, 2023. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua)

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

YAMAGATA, Japan - A shogi, or Japanese chess, game with "human pieces" is played on April 26, 2014, in the Japanese northeastern city of Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, known for Japan's largest production of Shogi pieces. People in armor or kimono moved on a 15-meter square shogi board under instructions from two professional shogi players. Some 90,000 people are expected to see the two-day event.

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

YAMAGATA, Japan - A shogi, or Japanese chess, game with "human pieces" is played on April 26, 2014, in the Japanese northeastern city of Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, known for Japan's largest production of Shogi pieces. People in armor or kimono moved on a 15-meter square shogi board under instructions from two professional shogi players. Some 90,000 people are expected to see the two-day event.

Computer program beats professional shogi player

Computer program beats professional shogi player

TOKYO, Japan - Tatsuya Sugai, a professional shogi or Japanese chess player who holds the 5 "dan" ranking, plays a game against a computer program dubbed "Shuso" at the 3rd Denno shogi championship at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo on March 15, 2014. Shuso won the first round of five planned matches between the program and professional players.

Polish woman to join professional shogi training program

Polish woman to join professional shogi training program

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows Karolina Styczynska, a 22-year-old Polish college student. The Japan Shogi Association said June 23, 2013, that Styczynska has passed an examination to join a program to train professional female players of the game, known as Japanese chess. She is the first foreign woman to join the Kenshukai training program. So far, no foreign woman has become a professional shogi player.

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

TENDO, Japan - A shogi (Japanese chess) game with ''human pieces'' is played on April 17, 2010, at a hall in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, a place known for its production of Shogi pieces. High school students in armor or kimono moved on a 15-meter square shogi board under instruction from two professional shogi players.

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

Shogi game played with 'human pieces' in Tendo

TENDO, Japan - A shogi (Japanese chess) game with ''human pieces'' is played on April 17, 2010, at a hall in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, a place known for its production of Shogi pieces. High school students in armor or kimono moved on a 15-meter square shogi board under instruction from two professional shogi players.

Ryuo title holder beats shogi software in historic showdown

Ryuo title holder beats shogi software in historic showdown

TOKYO, Japan - Akira Watanabe, holder of the prestigious Ryuo title, prevails over Bonanza, the world's most powerful computer shogi program, in a historic clash in Tokyo on March 21. Bonanza, which won the world computer shogi (Japanese chess) championship last May, made the first move in the showdown at a Tokyo hotel but Watanabe, 22, beat it as many shogi players had predicted.

''Human chess'' played under cherry blossoms

''Human chess'' played under cherry blossoms

TENDO, Japan - People enjoy watching a ''ningen shogi (human chess)'' played under cherry blossoms in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, on April 19. The city, known for producing quality shogi pieces, annually hosts the event, in which men wearing medieval samurai attire move as instructed by two players.

English names put on 'shogi' pieces

English names put on 'shogi' pieces

A greater number of people are likely to enjoy ''shogi'' (Japanese chess) games abroad. A maker in the town of Tazuru, Yamagata Prefecture, northeastern Japan, of shogi boards and pieces puts English names on the pieces. The shogi board game, widely referred to in the West as Japanese chess, involves two players and 40 pieces. The objective is to checkmate the opponent's king.