On the event’s second rest day, organizers staged a padel tournament that drew a broad mix of participants, including players, their seconds, commentators, media staff, and family members. The session offered a relaxed way to stay active between rounds while balancing the mental load of top-level chess.
The Rise of Padel: A Perfect Break for Chess Enthusiasts
Padel, a rapidly growing racket sport especially popular in Spain, is played in doubles on an enclosed court where the walls are in play. Blending elements of tennis and squash, it emphasizes quick reactions, movement, positioning, and teamwork. Its social nature and relatively gentle learning curve made it an appealing choice for many first-time participants.
Sixteen teams, totaling 32 players, took part. The lineup featured Candidates Fabiano Caruana and Andrey Esipenko alongside their seconds Cristian Chirila and David Paravyan, as well as Anna Muzychuk with Ivan Cheparinov. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich made a brief appearance in the opening round before returning to official duties.
Teams were split into two groups for the opening phase, with the top pairs advancing to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. After more than two hours of play, Pavel Tregubov and Konstantin Kiselev claimed the title, defeating Peter Svidler and Michael Rahal in the deciding match.
This padel tournament not only provided a fun and competitive break from the intense chess matches but also showcased the camaraderie and spirit within the chess community. As padel continues to gain traction globally, it may well become a staple in future chess events, promoting physical fitness and social interaction among players and their supporters alike.