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World Chess Chief Reelected To Post


Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the controversial president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), has won a new term after a challenge from former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov.

Ilyumzhinov was overwhelmingly reelected head of FIDE after a bitter power struggle with Karpov marked by allegations of election violations as well as personal accusations.

Ilyumzhinov's opponents say he has exposed the game to ridicule by claiming to have met space aliens and even to have been shown around in a UFO.

Earlier this month, Ilyumzhinov stepped down from his post as president of the Russian region of Kalmykia after 17 years at the helm.

compiled from agency reports

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