Chess ban is an open wound for Russia

Imposing sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine has been a cat-and-mouse game. Yet, few matter like this one.

Chess is serious business in Russia, the writer says. More than a national pastime, it is the sport the country truly excels in.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Lin Suling

SINGAPORE – A geopolitical game unfolded on Sept 22 as Russia and Ukraine jostled over a proposal to lift sanctions on Russian participation –

The winner? Kyiv, which successfully

on Russian chess by the International Chess Federation (Fide), in place since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.