Tris Ann Richards appointed Chair of FIDE Commission for Women's Chess

by Press release
7/5/2026 – Tris Ann Richards has been appointed Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess, succeeding Anastasia Sorokina after several years in the role. Richards, President of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation, previously served as a Commission Councillor and has been involved in several FIDE projects. A Woman Candidate Master, FIDE Arbiter and certified chess instructor, she received the 2022 FIDE Women's Award in the Game Changer category for the Americas. | Photo: FIDE
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Press release by FIDE

FIDE is pleased to announce the appointment of Tris Ann Richards as the new Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess. She succeeds Anastasia Sorokina, who has stepped down from the position after several years of dedicated service.

Tris Ann Richards is well known within the international chess community and brings extensive experience to her new role. Having previously served as a Councillor of the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess, she has played an active part in shaping the Commission's work and leading some of the major projects.

Beyond her contributions to FIDE, Richards serves as President of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation, making her one of the few women currently leading a national chess federation. She is also a Woman Candidate Master (WCM), a FIDE Arbiter and a certified chess instructor, reflecting her broad involvement in the game as both a player and an official.

In 2022, Richards received the FIDE Women's Award in the Game Changer category for the Americas, recognizing her outstanding efforts in promoting and developing chess in the region.

Richards appreciates her appointment:

I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. This appointment is a testament to the outstanding leadership and mentorship of Dana Reizniece and Anastasia Sorokina, whose guidance has prepared me to continue the important work we have begun together. I am sincerely grateful for trust and support, and I look forward to working to achieve our shared goals and vision for women in chess across the world.

Commenting on the appointment, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said:

I would like to thank Anastasia Sorokina for her dedication and the valuable work she has done for women's chess over the years. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Tris Ann Richards as the new Chair of the Commission. Her experience, passion and long-standing commitment to chess development make her an excellent choice to lead this important area of FIDE's work. I wish her every success in her new role.

FIDE congratulates Tris Ann Richards on her appointment and looks forward to working with her to further strengthen and promote women's chess around the world.

FIDE extends its sincere gratitude to Anastasia Sorokina for her hard work, commitment, and leadership of the Commission. During her tenure, she made a significant contribution to the development of women's chess, increasing opportunities for girls and women across the global chess community.

The Leningrad Dutch Defence is a dynamic and aggressive opening choice for Black, perfect for players who want to add some adventure and spice to their repertoire.

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