Russian Chess Player Suspended After Allegedly Poisoning Opponent (image-X/PicturesFoIder)

After a CCTV video of a Russian player spilling mercury on the chessboard during a tournament, the Russian Chess Federation (RCF) has temporarily suspended Amina Abakarova, who is reportedly facing jail time for the same.

The 40-year-old chess coach hailing from Makhachkala in the Russian Republic of Dagestan has been accused of trying to poison opponent Umayganat Osmanova. If found guilty, Abakarova is likely to face a minimum jail time of three years. She is also facing a potential lifetime ban from Russian chess events.

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In the viral security footage, Abakarova can be seen scanning the room and then approaching the chessboard where Osmanova was scheduled to arrive 20 minutes later. She then reportedly pulled out a thermometer from her bag and poured lethal mercury over the chess pieces on her opponent’s side.

Russian chess champion Amina Abakarova was caught on CCTV trying to poison her rival pic.twitter.com/I23Wpar0nb

— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) August 8, 2024

The incident reportedly occurred during the Dagestan Chess Championship on August 2. A Telegram channel first reported the story, which has now grabbed headlines worldwide.

As per Chess.com, Abakarova had previously asked if cameras were operating and had been told that they weren’t before she approached the table.

Roughly 30 minutes later, Osmanova experienced nausea and dizziness. Following an immediate medical aid, the doctors reportedly suspected a case of poisoning. Abakarova was detained by the police after the security footage was reviewed.

“I still feel bad. In the first minutes, I felt a lack of air and a taste of iron in my mouth. I had to spend about five hours on this board. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t seen it earlier,” said Osmanova, as quoted by Russia Today.

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She also claimed that another player and a member of the organisation had also fallen ill. After recovering completely, Osmanova continued the tournament and came in second.

Abakarova has reportedly confessed that she wanted to scare and not hurt Osmanova, admitting “personal hostility” towards her after she won the Dagestan Rapid Championship above her on tiebreaks a week ago, as per a police report cited by Russian media.