Russian Chess Coach, Amina Arrested for Mercury Attack on Rival, Caught on Camera
Amina Abakarova, a 40-year-old chess coach from Makhachkala, Russia, has been arrested following allegations that she attempted to poison a rival during the Dagestan Chess Championship. The incident has sent ripples through the chess community, raising concerns about the lengths some competitors may go to in pursuit of victory.
According to reports from Russian state media and Chess.com, Abakarova allegedly smeared mercury, a potent neurotoxin, on a chair intended for her opponent, 30-year-old Umayganat Osmanova.
The act was caught on a 34-second video, which shows Abakarova entering the room, approaching the chessboard, and then discreetly applying the substance. Despite her belief that the cameras were off, the entire incident was recorded and later reviewed by tournament officials.
Shortly after sitting down, Osmanova began to experience symptoms indicative of mercury poisoning. She reported feeling a metallic taste in her mouth and a sudden lack of air.
Medical professionals who were summoned to the scene concluded that she had been exposed to mercury vapors. Despite the severity of the situation, Osmanova remarkably recovered in time to complete the tournament, where she finished in second place.
The motive behind this unprecedented act of sabotage appears to be rooted in a longstanding rivalry between the two players.
Abakarova reportedly confessed to police that her actions were driven by “personal hostility” towards Osmanova. The rivalry between them had intensified following a recent tournament where Osmanova had triumphed over Abakarova in a tiebreaker, a victory that may have exacerbated the tensions.
While her initial intention may not have been to cause serious harm, her use of mercury-a substance known for its dangerous effects on the nervous system-could have had dire consequences.
Symptoms of mercury poisoning include tremors, dizziness, and a metallic taste, and in severe cases, inhalation of mercury vapors can be fatal.
Following the incident, she has been suspended indefinitely from participating in chess tournaments and is currently facing legal action. She could be sentenced to up to three years in prison and may receive a lifetime ban from the sport.
The chess community, both in Russia and internationally, has expressed outrage and disbelief at the incident, marking it as a dark chapter in the history of the game.
This incident has also drawn parallels to previous cases in Russia, where mercury and other toxins have been reportedly used by state agents to harm political opponents. While the connection to such high-profile cases remains speculative, the use of mercury in this context underscores the severity of Abakarova’s actions.