Round 4 of the Candidates Tournaments for both Open and Women’s divisions marks a significant stage in the FIDE World Championship cycle. In these tournaments, top players compete in a double round-robin format, featuring fourteen rounds of classical chess. The ultimate goal is to earn the opportunity to challenge for the prestigious World Chess Championship titles.
Key Tournament Details
The events this year are particularly competitive, with reigning champions Gukesh Dommaraju and Ju Wenjun defending their titles. The tournament format ensures that only the strongest players advance to the final stages, heightening the anticipation among fans.
Time Controls
- Open Division: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder of the game. An increment of 30 seconds per move applies starting from move 41.
- Women’s Division: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves; subsequent moves receive 30 minutes, with a 30-second increment starting from move 1.
If participants finish with equal scores, tiebreaker playoffs will determine the tournament’s winner.
Live Coverage and Commentary
El-Balad provides extensive live coverage of the Candidates Tournaments. Fans can follow the games with commentary by experts such as Peter Svidler and Jan Gustafsson. An official webcast is available, enhancing the viewing experience for chess enthusiasts worldwide.
Event Schedule
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 29 March | Sunday | Round 1 |
| 30 March | Monday | Round 2 |
| 31 March | Tuesday | Round 3 |
| 1 April | Wednesday | Round 4 |
| 2 April | Thursday | Rest day |
| 3 April | Friday | Round 5 |
| 4 April | Saturday | Round 6 |
| 5 April | Sunday | Round 7 |
| 6 April | Monday | Rest day |
| 7 April | Tuesday | Round 8 |
| 8 April | Wednesday | Round 9 |
| 9 April | Thursday | Round 10 |
| 10 April | Friday | Rest day |
| 11 April | Saturday | Round 11 |
| 12 April | Sunday | Round 12 |
| 13 April | Monday | Rest day |
| 14 April | Tuesday | Round 13 |
| 15 April | Wednesday | Round 14 |
| 16 April | Thursday | Tiebreakers (if required) |
As the tournament unfolds, players will showcase their skills, strategies, and determination, captivating audiences around the globe. Follow the latest developments and insights exclusively on El-Balad.
