After 11 thrilling rounds at the European Women’s Chess Championship 2023 two players emerged on the top tying for the first place with 8.5 points, each: IM Meri Arabidze (GEO, 2433) and IM Oliwia Kiolbasa (POL, 2406).
Thanks to her 8th round victory in direct encounter against the Polish representative, IM Meri Arabidze clinched the European Women’s Chess Champion title.
IM Oliwia Kiolbasa won silver medal.
Four players scored 8 points (each) to tie for the third place: IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya (POL, 2388), IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE, 2358), IM Salome Melia (GEO, 2366) and IM Klaudia Kulon (POL, 2290). Aleksandra Maltsevskaya had the best tiebreaks and claimed bronze.
The Closing ceremony of the event took place yesterday evening with attendance of ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili, ECU Vice President Mr. Alojzije Jankovic, ECU Chief Executive Officer Mr. Erald Dervishi, ECU Honorary Vice President and Vice President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Mr. Veselin Draskovic, and the President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Mr. Jovan Milovic.
The European Women’s Chess Championship 2023 took place from 17th-30th March in Petrovac, Montenegro, with participation of more than 130 players from 34 federations. The total prize fund of the event was 60.000 EUR and according to the ECU Board decision and FIDE regulations, 9 players will qualify for the next FIDE Women’s World Cup.