A Russian chess player is facing possible prison time and criminal charges after she allegedly used liquid mercury from a broken thermometer to poison an opponent during a major tournament earlier this month.
As reported ChessChess coach Amina Abakarova, 40, has been charged with poisoning 30-year-old player Umayganat Osmanova during the Dagestan Chess Championship on Aug. 2. About 30 minutes into the tournament, Osmanova notified officials that she was feeling unwell, complaining of nausea and dizziness. Doctors were called in, who concluded that she had probably been poisoned. Officials reviewed surveillance footage and discovered that Abakarova had allegedly poisoned Osmanova’s board.
In the video material published on the InternetAbakarova is seen entering an area filled with chessboards and empty chairs. Before the tournament began, the chess pro approached the spot where Osmanova was supposed to be playing 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 were none.
After tournament organizers notified police and reviewed the footage, Abakarova was arrested.
“I still feel bad. In the first minutes I felt a lack of air and the taste of iron in my mouth. I must have spent about five hours on that board. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t seen it earlier,” Osmanova said. Russia today.
Two other people reportedly experienced similar symptoms after taking mercury.
Chess reports that Abakarova admitted that she wanted to “throw her opponent out of the tournament.” A week before the poisoning, Osmanova won another chess event, defeating Abakarova. Osmanova allegedly did not want to hurt her rival, but only wanted to scare her, according to the police report.
Abakarova is currently being held by police and faces up to three years in prison. The Russian Chess Federation has temporarily banned professionals from future chess events as it investigates the situation. She could reportedly face a lifetime ban.
“Like many others, I am astonished by what happened, and the motives of such an experienced athlete as Amina Abakarova are incomprehensible,” said the Dagestan Sports Minister.
Osmanova recovered from the poisoning and continued to play in the tournament, eventually taking second place.
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