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FIDE Scraps Rating-Based Spots, Launches New Path to 2028 Chess Candidates
Times of India Sports·Thursday, 16 July 2026
Chess governing body FIDE has approved a revamped qualification system for the 2028 Candidates Tournaments, removing rating-based qualification entirely. A new pathway called the Total Chess World Championship Tour has been introduced, and World Cup spots have been reduced to just two finalists. FIDE Circuit places will now be decided over a two-year cycle, rewarding consistent performance.
Why It Matters
With India producing world-class chess talent, any change to how players qualify for the Candidates — the gateway to the World Championship — directly affects Indian players' ambitions.
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