A Russian chess player faces prison time and charges for allegedly using liquid mercury from a broken thermometer to poison an opposing player during a major tournament earlier this month.
As reported by Chess.comChess coach Amina Abakarova, 40, was accused of poisoning player Umayganat Osmanova, 30, during the Dagestan Chess Championship on August 2. About 30 minutes into the tournament, Osmanova reported to officials that she was feeling ill and complained of nausea and dizziness. Doctors were called and concluded that she had probably been poisoned. Officials reviewed surveillance footage and discovered that Abakarova had allegedly poisoned Osmanova’s chessboard.
In footage published onlineAbakarova is seen entering an area full of chess boards and empty chairs. Before the tournament began, the chess pro went to the spot where Osmanova was to play and then smeared liquid mercury – allegedly from a broken thermometer – on the table and board. Before the incident, she reportedly asked officials if there were any security cameras in the area and was told there weren’t.
After police were notified by tournament officials and reviewed the footage, they arrested Abakarova.
“I still feel bad. In the first few minutes I had a lack of air and an iron taste in my mouth. I had to spend about five hours on that board. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t seen it earlier,” said Osmanova Russia today.
Two other people reportedly suffered from similar symptoms due to the mercury.
Chess.com reported that Abakarova confessed that she wanted to “knock her opponent out of the tournament.” The week before the poisoning, Osmanova had won another chess tournament, beating Abakarova. Osmanova allegedly did not want to harm her rival, but only to scare her. according to a police report.
Abakarova is currently being held by police and faces a prison sentence of up to three years. The Russian Chess Federation has temporarily banned the professional player from future chess tournaments while it investigates the situation. Reports suggest she could face a lifetime ban.
“Like many others, I am baffled by what happened, and the motives of such an experienced competitor as Amina Abakarova are incomprehensible,” said the Dagestani sports minister.
Osmanova recovered from the poisoning and continued playing in the tournament, where she eventually finished in second place.
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