New York — The chess world has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of prominent U.S. grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky aged 29.

The governing body, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), remembered Naroditsky, who was also a chess commentator and streamer, as someone “whose influence extended far beyond the chessboard.”

Fellow grandmaster and world number two Hikaru Nakamura wrote on social media: “I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess.”

Charlotte Chess Center announced the death of California-born Naroditsky on Monday, saying: “Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community.”

It said he was “admired and respected by fans and players around the world.”

It did not say how he died.

FI

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