Today, the Umbrella Variation was invented at the US Championships. The cameras were pointed at Sam Sevian and suddenly his face was glared with a curious smile. What was happening? The sunshine had crawled on Wesley So’s face and a fast solution was employed by the US Chess Championships organizers. with the help of IA Chris Bird. The chief arbiter stood there next to the board with the umbrella open, trying to shield Wesley So. Replay the video here
Hans Niemann commented, “The sun was coming from above […] there was a skylight or something. And Chris Bird with valiance and in a very admirable fashion put an umbrella. Honestly, made me feel I was the president of the small country! Because usually you have your security team and they make sure everywhere you go, no drop of rain gets on you. I was very flattered by the hospitality of the Saint Louis Chess Club and especially Chris […] I had security for one tournament, but they did not go the extra mile, maybe Chris can have a secondary job as a security guard, he seems quite talented!”
Next: Hans Niemann at the World Chess Cup 2025
Hans Niemann enjoying the umbrella story
