This result is a major blow for the All India Chess Federation as DV Sundar was on Makro’s panel for General Secretary’s post. The FIDE presidential election this time was slightly different as the delegates were to vote for one panel (ticket) as against individual votes for positions. In all, 160 delegates had gathered for FIDE’s General Assembly. First, all three candidates were given the opportunity to present their tickets and their plans to the assembly.

A drawing of lots had given Dvorkovich the starting number. International arbiter Carol Jarecki, who had been appointed as the chairperson of the scrutiny committee, accidentally introduced him as ‘grandmaster’ Dvorkovich. His team does include three GMs. Reading from an iPad, Dvorkovich started by saying he wants to eliminate proxy voting, and plans to build “a professional, efficient and transparent institution.”

His message included a strive for strong management, long-term funding via corporate sponsors, cutting fees to FIDE, review expenses, support commissions, and fixing imbalances with a team of experienced professionals.