It isn’t going to happen overnight but 2021 already looks like being a much better year than it’s immediate predecessor.
Vaccinations are giving everyone realistic hopes for some normality following the pandemic, although, of course, we must continue to keep staying safe.
The World seems to be coming together on important issues such as climate change
Chess has not only thrived during lockdown but has also found new devotees
Over the Board chess has made a comeback at the highest level: The Tata Steel Tournament is currently underway, with 5 players tied for the lead after 4 of the 11 rounds played. World Champion Magnus Carlsen and his last Challenger Fabiano Carauna are amongst the leaders.
Talking of the World Championship there should be a title match played towards the end of this year. Naturally this depends on the disrupted Candidates being concluded. This has been scheduled for Spring this year, currently two exciting players Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Ian Nepomniachtchi are a full point ahead of the field.
However the biggest chess event of 2021 will be the 51st Thanet Chess Congress which we sincerely hope will take place August 20th-22nd 2021 …..watch this space