Chess - a waste of time

Chess both encourages gambling and is a waste of time, at least according to Sheik Abdullah al-Sheik, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti. It also causes hatred and enmity between players, said the Sheik Abdullah, in response to a question on a television show.

Not being an expert in Islamic law, I have no idea how this holds up, but I suspect like most religious laws, it is probably (a) contradicted somewhere else and (b) ignored by those most expected to follow it. Its most immediate effect is probably on the Saudi Arabian Chess Federation who may have problems organising their next event.

Valuing Bishop's above all else

Chessdom is reporting the results of the Clericus International Chess Championship, held in Rome over the last weekend. This was an event open to members of the various religious orders recognised by the Holy See (Catholic Priests, Brothers, Nuns or Seminarians).
The tournament was won by Brother Marcello Bonforte (Italy) ahead of Father Drazek (Poland). The event organisers are also looking into the feasibility of setting up a Vatican chess federation, which may end up with a reasonably strong membership, if they can extend membership to all those around the world who have taken holy vows.