NEW YORK TIMES SOBRE MUNDIAL ABHAZIA

Though shunned by all but a handful of countries, Abkhazia is considered
a respected — nay, vaunted — global power among the spotted-tile
enthusiasts of world domino competition. Even before Russia became
the first country to recognize the territory as sovereign in August 2008,
the International Domino Federation, which organizes domino competitions
around the world, bucked Georgia’s protests and welcomed Abkhazia into
its ranks as a full-fledged member. And next month, Abkhazia will host
the World Domino Championships here in the capital, Sukhumi.
The honor, typically reserved for United Nations members, is a reflection
of this obscure region’s prowess in a game that itself remains largely
overshadowed by higher-profile tabletop pastimes like checkers and chess.
The federation’s 25 member countries chose Abkhazia in a unanimous vote
last year in Las Vegas.