The Hungarian Chess Federation is about to lose one of its greatest chess geniuses, as Richard Rapport received an irresistible offer from Superbet.
A Romanian company led by a billionaire owner of Serbian origin placed a sponsorship offer with Rapport that would help him to get a real chance of winning the world champion title in the coming years. Rapport has lived in Serbia since the age of 18, where his wife Jovana Rapport is from, and they both decided to change federations now.
Rapport’s father, Tamas Rapport, often emphasized that Richard has much less support than other sportsmen in Hungary, as well as that he had difficulties finding finances. He confirmed that Rapport will accept the Superbet Romania offer, and will sign the agreement to play under the Romanian flag.
The Romanian Chess Federation today confirmed that they started the transfer procedure with Richard Rapport and his wife WGM Jovana Rapport.
Just a day before confirmation that Rapport changes federation to Romania, he decided to withdraw from Norway Chess 2022, possibly looking for calmer preparation for the Candidates Chess Tournament 2022.
Richar Rapport recently won the FIDE Grand Chess Prix event in Belgrade, and as the second ranked player of the FIDE Grand Chess Prix qualified for the Candidates Chess Tournament 2022 which will be played in Madrid from June 16 – July 7.
Replay the latest games of Richard Rapport from Grand Chess Tour Romania 2022, sponsored by Superbet: Fabiano Caruana – Richard Rapport 1/2-1/2 / Wesley So – Richard Rapport 1/2-1/2 / Alireza Firouzja – Richard Rapport 1/2-1/2
