Roman Sjogdzjijev Approaches Grandmaster Record
Eleven-year-old Roman Sjogdzjijev is on the verge of becoming the youngest grandmaster in chess history, Sydsvenskan reported.
The Moscow resident needs one more successful tournament and the final norm to secure the title before turning 12 in February. Garry Kasparov reached the milestone at 17, Bobby Fischer at 15, and Magnus Carlsen at 13. Sjogdzjijev trains with a team of seven top Russian players rotating to coach him toward a world championship. His year included victories in Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Antalya, alongside league matches for Partizan Belgrad in Serbia.
Grandelius Assesses the Young Contender
Grandelius, 33, holds the grandmaster title and ranks around 50th globally. “It is an extremely big talent and there is no upper limit to how good he can be,” Grandelius said, according to Sydsvenskan. “Magnus Carlsen was talented at that age, but it was nothing special. He broke through a little later.”
Grandelius noted that constant online sparring allows young players to develop rapidly without physical proximity to elite partners. He added that he would not recommend such an intense schedule for his own children.
“I must probably meet him as soon as possible to have a chance. In a couple of years it will be very difficult,” Grandelius told Sydsvenskan.
Sjogdzjijev’s mother, Saglara, stated that her son studies school for only one or two hours daily, while the player himself mentioned feeling bored by activities outside of chess, as reported by chess.com and cited by Sydsvenskan. Sjogdzjijev also competes against 13-year-old Argentine player Faustino Oro.
Sanctions and Political Context in Chess
Young Russian players are rising as international sports restrictions continue because of the war in Ukraine.
Arkady Dvorkovich resigned as president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in the summer after appearing on an EU sanctions list, according to Sydsvenskan. Russian and Belarusian competitors have played under a neutral flag since the conflict began. Erik Malmstig, former vice chairman of the Swedish Chess Federation and publisher of Tidskrift för schack, addressed the national stance.
“The Swedish federation has 100 percent supported Ukraine in the war and the position is that no Russians over the age of 18 should be allowed to compete in Sweden, and that Swedes should not compete in Russia,” Malmstig told Sydsvenskan. He noted that the Russian training system remains influential worldwide.
“It is clear that it is no disadvantage for Putin to produce a top player in chess,” Malmstig said to Sydsvenskan, while highlighting burnout risks for children who dedicate all their time to the sport. Other figures, such as former world champion Aleksandra Kostenjuk, have criticized the invasion and left Russia to represent other European nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Roman Sjogdzjijev turn 12?
He celebrates his birthday in February, giving him a narrow window to break the age record for the grandmaster title.
Which club does Roman Sjogdzjijev represent in league play?
He has played league matches for Partizan Belgrad in Serbia during his international tournament schedule.