Leon Watson

Sissoko was an example of this.

He came to the club and was rubbish, at first. It was universally noted.

But when he started putting in good performances, it took fans at least 6 months to start giving him any credit for it. Even then, some refused to believe their eyes.

Poor guy.

Yeah, no-one is saying chess is like real-life or if you're good at chess you're good at other things.

As a journalist first and chess player second, I just hate bad journalism.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves accused of overstating chess championship win Ms Reeves has used her love of the board game to promote herself as a strategic and competitive Chancellor

This story about UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves allegedly lying or overstating her achievement as a national girls chess champion is complete b******s.

www.standard.co.uk/news/politic...

What about your beard? Donate your face for the cause.

All true, but in that scenario we'd probably still end up with Frank.

Yep. What was your argument even about? And can the kid go to uni now?

You'd swerve a university and potentially alter the course of your child's life based on an interaction with a guy who may or may not work there on Bluesky?

Your reasoning may be a little off here. Perhaps the rest of it is too?

They don't make 'em like that anymore.

I'm such an old bastard.

Tennis legend Andy Murray Serves Up Ace At London Chess Classic / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform Apparently the Brit enjoyed BBC2 series Chess Masters and got in touch with its host GM David Howell.

When you're doing the PR for a chess event, and ANDY MURRAY turns up unannounced.

worldchess.com/news/andy-mu...

World Chess Weekly: World Cup Sorted, Candidates Sorted, Now for the London Chess Classic / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform It's been a momentous and important week in chess as a 19-year-old outsider won the World Cup and all the spots for the 2026 Candidates tournament have been filled. At last.

World Chess Weekly: World Cup Sorted, Candidates Sorted, Now for the London Chess Classic

worldchess.com/news/world-c...

Quite-literally bumped into this guy, GM Alireza Firouzja, yesterday at the London Chess Classic. It was in the toilets. I think he was a bit annoyed. The bang didn't put him off his game, though.

Photos: John Saunders.

Sindarov Will Go To The Ball! World Cup Ends In Fairytale For Uzbek Teenager / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform GM Javokhir Sindarov earns a place in the history books and an all-important ticket to the Candidates at the FIDE World Cup in Goa.

Sindarov Will Go To The Ball! World Cup Ends In Fairytale For Uzbek Teenager

worldchess.com/news/sindaro...

Russia Seeks Redemption Over The Board: Esipenko On The Brink And 'Team FIDE' Win World Title / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform The chess powerhouse has seen contrasting fortunes—pain at the World Cup, but still the chance of a Candidates place. Meanwhile, a team made up entirely of Russians has won a world title. As usual, it...

Reports of the death of Russian chess have been exaggerated:

worldchess.com/news/joy-and...

Where's that, Tooting? Around Rosehill/Sutton way?

World Chess Weekly: World Cup Rages In Goa, Russian Controversy, And A Lot More / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform A bonfire of big names, Ukraine angry and Praggnanandhaa makes a dash for the Candidates by making a return to the London Chess Classic. And the World Rapid and Blitz.

World Chess Weekly: World Cup Rages In Goa, Russian Controversy, Pragg At The London Chess Classic And A Lot More

worldchess.com/news/world-c...

'Fast Classical' Makes Debut Amid Controversy Over Russian Involvement / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform The Women's World Team Chess Champs have started in Linares, but there's more at stake than just chess.

'Fast Classical' Makes Debut Amid Controversy Over Russian Involvement

worldchess.com/news/fide-wo...

Could have two GMs in the Candidates, neither of whom are Abdusattorov...

Isn't It Weird How The Big Chess Nations Aren't Doing Well At The World Cup

worldchess.com/news/big-che...

I don't see anyone in jail.

How is Aronian only world number 23?

World Chess Weekly: It's ALL About The World Cup, And We're On Tenterhooks
worldchess.com/news/world-c...

An admiration and respect for Arsenal.

Peter Leko's Chess World Cup Fairytale Ends: Goodbye To One Of The Game's Great Ambassadors

worldchess.com/news/peter-l...

ECB publishes State of Equity in Cricket Report 2025 The report provides an update on progress happening across cricket to make it more accessible and inclusive.

It costs £450 + £100 for kit if your child is accepted onto a County pathway.

But according to the ECB, the "State of Equity in Cricket" is improving.
www.ecb.co.uk/news/4400947

ECB publishes State of Equity in Cricket Report 2025 The report provides an update on progress happening across cricket to make it more accessible and inclusive.

2025 report out: www.ecb.co.uk/news/4400947

Don't be contrary...

Have You SEEN How Well Jospem Is Doing At The World Cup? Jose Martinez, We Salute You!

worldchess.com/news/jospem-...

English chess fans delight: GM Shreyas Royal is being anything but peaceful at the Tournament of Peace 2025 in Zagreb.

He is leading the field on 5.5/7 so far with a performance rating of 2752.

Go on Shrez!

Absolutely. Nice guy, rooting for him.

We'll see what happens to Mr Kramnik then.