Ernesto Inarkiev (RUS 2686) won the European Individual Chess Championship which concluded yesterday in Gjakova/Kosovo*.
Inarkiev draw his game against Polish GM Kacper Piorun (2681) and triumphed with 9/11. The Russian had a great tournament, leading from the second half, not loosing a single game and playing with the performance of 2882!
Silver medal went to Latvian GM Igor Kovalenko (2644) who consolidated after the loss against Inarkiev in the 9th round and made 2/2 in the final rounds, which was enough for a medal. Bronze went to GM Baadur Jobava (Geo 2661) who beat GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek (POL 2722) and emerged as third with best tie-break.
The first 23 players booked their place the 2017 World Cup, which will be held in Tbilisi/Georgia. The list is below.
The closing ceremony was held last night in the Hotel Pashtriku in Gjakova, with the presence of players and many distinguished guests.
The present were addressed by the ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, Tournament Director Nysret Avdiu, President of the Organising Committee and Gjakova Mayor Mimoza Kusari – Lila, and eventually the new European Champion Ernesto Inarkiev.
*According to the ECU Statues any mention of Kosovo followed with an asterisk with reference to UN Resolution 1244, without prejudice of status
