The Russian Chess Federation has taken action to suspend 40-year-old Amina Abakarova following allegations that she tampered with her rival’s pieces in a match.
A new scandal is causing a stir in the world of chess, and it’s so outrageous that it could easily be mistaken for a plotline from Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit.
During the Dagestan Chess Championship on August 2nd, Abakarova was captured on security camera footage allegedly pouring a substance on the board twenty minutes before her opponent, Umayganat Osmanova, was set to play.
According to reports, Abakarova inquired about the functioning of the cameras and, upon being informed that they were not operational, she purportedly sprinkled a gray substance on the board – which prosecutors allege was mercury from a thermometer. She is accused of spreading the poison using a chess piece before quietly departing from the location.
After eventually playing later that day, Osmanova started to experience symptoms of “severe dizziness and nausea,” prompting her to seek medical assistance. Upon examination, health professionals concluded that she had been poisoned, leading to the review of CCTV footage.
Chess isn’t the Hunger Games. Chess champion Amina Abakarova was caught on video smearing mercury on rival Umayganat Osmanova’s chess pieces, causing her to be hospitalized. She has been stripped of her title. pic.twitter.com/IqojTbEHMN
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 8, 2024
The authorities apprehended Abakarova after she allegedly admitted to the poisoning and revealed her motive of wanting to eliminate her opponent from the tournament. Just a week prior, Osmanova had narrowly secured a victory over Abakarova in the Rapid Chess Championship, winning via tie-breaks.
Abakarova is being accused of committing “intentional infliction of bodily harm” and potentially faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison if found guilty.
Dagestan’s Minister of Sport Sazhida Sazhidova expressed her confusion and disbelief at the actions of Amina Abakarova, an experienced competitor, stating that she, like many others, is unable to understand the motives behind her actions.
“Her actions posed a significant danger and could have resulted in a tragic outcome, jeopardizing the lives of all those present, including her own. As a consequence, she is now accountable to the law for her actions.”
Despite feeling unwell, Osmanova persevered and managed to secure second place in the tournament, which was truly amazing.
Despite the recent alleged assassination plot, the world of chess has been full of dramatic events. The chess world is especially anticipating the highly anticipated grudge match between Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen, following accusations from the Norwegian of cheating during the 2022 Sinquefield Cup.
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