A Russian chess player is facing prison time and criminal charges for allegedly using liquid mercury from a broken thermometer to poison an opposing player during a major tournament earlier this month.
As reported Chess.comChess coach Amina Abakarova, 40, was accused of poisoning 30-year-old player Umayganat Osmanova during the Dagestan Chess Championship on August 2. About 30 minutes after starting to play in the tournament, Osmanova reported to authorities that she was feeling ill, complaining of nausea and dizziness. Doctors were called and concluded that she had probably been poisoned. Authorities checked security footage and discovered Abakarova's claim that she had poisoned Osmanova's chessboard.
In images posted onlineYou can see Abakarova enter an area filled with chessboards and empty chairs. Before the tournament began, the chess pro walked to where Osmanova was scheduled to play and then smeared liquid mercury — allegedly from a broken thermometer — on the table and board. Before the incident, she allegedly asked officials if there were any security cameras in the area and was told no.
Abakarova was taken into custody after tournament officials notified the police and reviewed the footage.
“I still feel bad. In the first minutes I felt a lack of air and an iron taste in my mouth. I had to spend about five hours on this board. I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't seen it before,” said Osmanova Russia Today.
Two other people reportedly experienced similar symptoms from mercury.
Chess.com Abakarova reportedly admitted that she “wanted to eliminate her opponent from the tournament.” The week before the poisoning, Osmanova had won a different chess event by beating Abakarova. It is alleged that Osmanova did not want to harm her opponent, only to scare her. according to a police report.
Abakarova is currently being held by police and faces up to three years in prison. The Russian Chess Federation has temporarily banned the professional from future chess events while it investigates the situation. It has been reported that she could face a lifetime ban.
“Like many people, I am shocked by what happened and have difficulty understanding the motives of an experienced competitor like Amina Abakarova,” said the Dagestan Sports Minister.
Osmanova recovered from the poisoning and continued in the tournament, finishing in second place.
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