Ukrainian Grandmaster and former World Champion Anna Ushenina (2450) added another important title to her collection – the title of European Champion!
She triumphed at recently ended 17th European Individual Women’s Chess Championship, which took place in Mamaia, Romania from 26th May to 8th June.
Ushenina took the lead after 7 rounds and until the end maintained the advantage. In the final round she made a draw with Lilit Mkrtchian, and finished the tournament with 6 wins and 5 draws, including amazing series of 5 victories in a row.
Second place went to Sabrina Vega Gutierrez from Spain, who defeated Elisabeth Paehtz from Germany in the last round and actually tied for the first place with Ushenina with 8.5 points, but had a worse tie-break. The third place went to another ex World Champion Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) with 8 points.
The closing ceremony took place after the final round was over, in the Conference Hall of Hotel Comandor, the official venue of the Championship.
The ceremony was attanded by the ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, ECU Deputy President Ion-Serban Dobronauteanu, Tournament Director IO Elena Cristian, Chairman and member of the Appeals Committee of the Championship Johann Poecksteiner and Willy Iclicki, ECU Board Member Adrian Mikhalchishin, Chief Arbiter of the Championship IA Ashot Vardapetyan, many other distinguished guests, participants and media representatives.
The prizes to the winners were awarded by Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili.