Russian Chess Player Attempts Poisoning Rival with Mercury

Russia is infamous for its history of unique poisonings. State agents have employed various deadly substances, from polonium-laced tea to the deadly nerve agent “novichok” in assassination attempts. However, a new chapter was added to this narrative when Amina Abakarova, a chess player in the Russian republic of Dagestan, allegedly attempted to poison her rival with liquid mercury.

Unprecedented Tactics

Malcolm Pein, the English Chess Federation’s director of international chess, expressed his disbelief, stating to The Telegraph that this incident marked the first recorded case of toxic substance use in the history of chess. The usual psychological tactics used by chess players were overshadowed by this unprecedented maneuver.

Reacting humorously, Oliver Carroll, a correspondent for The Economist, quipped on social media: “I know that on the standards of Russian doping it’s perhaps only a 7 out of 10. But still …”

Mercury Near the Caspian Sea

The bizarre incident unfolded during a chess tournament in Makhachkala, Russia, on August 2. Emergency services were alerted after Umayganat Osmanova fell ill, attributing her sickness to tiny mercury beads discovered under her side of the chess board. The Telegram channel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Dagestan reported this unusual poisoning attempt.

Osmanova suffered symptoms consistent with elemental mercury exposure, such as breathing difficulties. Tournament officials reviewed security footage, revealing Abakarova depositing a mysterious substance on the chess pieces. The video footage can be viewed on YouTube.

Sazhid Sazhidov, the minister of sports of the Republic of Dagestan, condemned the incident, highlighting Abakarova’s actions as an attempt to poison her opponent with mercury during the game.