7/6/2018 – An impeccable start and a cruise-control finish was enough for young Alexey Sarana to win the Russian Higher League. Grigoriy Oparin obtained back-to-back wins in rounds six and seven to tie in points with Sarana, but had to settle for second on tiebreaks. The women's section did have a clear winner in Oksana Gritsayeva, who finished on 7/9. The real bounty, however, was a spot in the Russian Superfinals, a reward received by five players in each section. | Photo: Dmitry Kryakvin / Russian Chess Federation

7/3/2018 – Live games from the 2018 Russian Higher League, where top Russian grandmasters battle for one of five qualification spots to the 2018 Russian Championship Superfinal. The overall prize fund is 5 million rubles, or around 68,000 euros. | Pictured: Alexey Sarana | Photo: Dmitry Kryakvin / Russian Chess Federation

7/1/2018 – It is hard to name favourites in such a competitive tournament, but having the 31st seed as sole leader after five rounds can be considered, even in this case, a surprise. The young Muscovite Alexey Sarana is heading the field on 4½/5 at the half-time of the Russian Higher League. The women's section has a clear leader as well — Elena Tomilova also won four and drew one to top the standings. | Photo: Dmitry Kryavkin / Russian Chess Federation

7/24/2017 – The Russian Higher League concluded in a celebration of youth, with as much drama and excitement for the five qualifiers in each event as for the ones who failed to make the cut. The open section was won by Daniil Dubov and Sanan Sjugirov, with classy performances, and the women’s section was won by Marina Nechaeva, while 13-year-old Bibisara Assaubayeva just barely missed out after a fantastic tournament. Report and analysis by GM Elshan Moradiabadi.

7/7/2017 – It should come as no surprise that the mere qualification process to the world's strongest national championship is one that would fit well as the 11th of Hercules' trials. The Russian Higher League is that qualifying tournament, and brings in players rated 2700, and names such as Maxim Matlakov, the reigning European Champion, and Alexander Morozevich. The Women's section sees junior WIM Polina Shulova leading. Report and analysis by GM Elshan Moradiabadi.

7/4/2016 – The Russian "Higher League", which finished 1st July and was played in Kolomna, is a strong tournament and a qualifier for the "Superfinal", the Russian Championship. Grandmaster Grigoriy Oparin, who turned 19 during the tournament, won with 6.5/9, half-a-point ahead of the field. He and four more players qualified for the "Superfinal".

7/1/2015 – A Children's Day is traditionally held during major chess events under the Chess in Museum program. Thanks to these master classes and simuls, young chess lovers can network with their idols in an informal setting, measure themselves up against renowned grandmasters and perhaps even beat one of them. This year the children were shown great exhibits, tours, and enjoyed lots of goodies.

6/30/2015 – The Russian Higher League is underway, bringing many of the strongest players in Russia to not only fight for a part of the five million Ruble prizefund (USD 90 thousand), but also one of the five coveted spots in the Russian Superfinal. The tournament is being held in Kaliningrad, home to Immanuel Kant, where Eteri Kublashvii has been providing lovely pictures and impressions.

6/14/2014 – The Russian Higher League finished with a flurry as many of the strongest Russian players fought for both a spot on the podium, and more importantly a seat in the Super Final later this year. For many this was both one and the same, since five players would pass the test of fire, but not all, since even a fourth or fifth place would be good for the coveted prize. Illustrated report.

6/11/2014 – Being favorite is a double-edged sword as anyone can attest to. After six rounds, the Russian Higher League, qualifying to the Russian Super Final later this year, is finally taking shape and the leaders are also clear. In the men's section, 19-year-old Vladimir Fedoseev started like a rocket with 5.0/6 and a 2835 performance, while Olga Girya dominates the Women's. Illustrated report.

6/7/2014 – With a lineup of dozens of grandmasters, at least one rated 2700, and many rated in the very high 2600s, it would sound like a national championship at least, but not so. This prodigious platoon actually comprises the field for the Russian Higher League, held in Vladivostok, Russia, at the eastern-most border of Russia, and is the qualifier for the Russian Super Final. Report and pictures.