Obituary for ΙΑ Sveinsson, Rikhardur (1966-2023)

Ríkharður or Richard as he liked to introduce himself to foreign chess players, started playing chess in the 70s. He has been a member, in the board of directors and chairman of the Oldest and most active chess club in Iceland, Reykjavik Chess Club. He has been awarded the title of International Arbiter since January 1988. He has been active as an arbiter in almost every International Chess tournament in Iceland since that time achieved at the Bled Chess Olympiad.

He was the arbiter of the famous encounter between Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov in Reykjavik 2004. He participated in two chess Olympiads as an arbiter,
Tromsø 2014 and Baku 2016. And at least two European events. He was known to be very fair and just in all his decisions. It has been always a pleasure to work with him. He died on the 20th of December at the age of 56, 35 years of them as an active International Arbiter. The Icelandic Chess society is feeling sad for the big shocking loss.

May his soul rest in peace.