Killer Competition in Russian Chess

Attempted killer, anyway. Chess Player Suspended After Allegedly Poisoning Her Rival

Amina Abakarova, a 40-year-old chess coach from Makhachkala in the Russian Republic of Dagestan, is accused of trying to poison her rival, 30-year-old Umayganat Osmanova.

For the geographically challenged, the Republic of Dagestan is on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, bordered by Russia to the north, Russia and Georgia to the west, and Azerbaijan to the south. It is part of The North Caucasian Federal District (one of eight federal districts) of Russia.

Ms. Osmanova was poisoned with mercury. Security cameras showed Abakorova smearing something 20 minutes prior to the match. It was determined to be mercury.

Osmanova said she began feeling unwell 30 minutes later, complaining of nausea and dizziness, prompting an immediate call for medical assistance. Doctors eventually concluded that poisoning was a likely cause. After reviewing the footage from security cameras, the arbiter reported it to the police and Abakarova was detained.

Abakarova was hostile because Osmanova had beaten Abakarova the week before in the Dagestan Rapid Championship. Abakarova claims she didn't mean to kill Osmanova, but she has been suspended from Russian Chess, has been arrested, and faces up to three years in prison.

And people still insist that chess is "only a game." It is a blood sport, though it doesn't usually sink this low.