Russian Chess Player Poisons Opponent with Mercury

A 40-year-old chess player Amina Abakarova allegedly poisoned her opponent by pouring mercury on the game board in Makhachkala, Russia. Abakarova’s opponent, Umayganat Osmanova, fell ill with severe dizziness and nausea 30 minutes into the match. After reviewing security footage, authorities discovered that Abakarova had deliberately contaminated the board to harm Osmanova, motivated by personal hostility. Abakarova was detained and could face up to three years in prison. The Russian Chess Federation has temporarily banned her from all competitions, with the possibility of a lifetime ban pending the investigation’s outcome.