Ulviyya Fataliyeva Dominates European Women’s Championship, Nataliya Buksa Takes Second
Ulviyya Fataliyeva emerged as the clear winner at the European Women’s Championship, showcasing her dominance throughout the event. With an undefeated performance, Fataliyeva finished a full point ahead of the competition, solidifying her position as the champion.
Nataliya Buksa secured the second spot with impressive tiebreaks among the players with 7.5 points, while Lela Javakhishvili claimed third place with a crucial victory in the final round. Notably, nine-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan achieved her first WIM norm, displaying exceptional talent at a young age.
The tournament, which featured top women players from across Europe, offered a prize fund of 60,000 Euros and served as a qualification event for the Women’s World Cup, granting spots to the top 10 finishers. The competition kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony, highlighted by a traditional Greek dance performance.
Fataliyeva’s stellar performance was marked by strategic wins and a focused mindset. She shared her approach of letting go of ambition and focusing on the process, which ultimately led to her success on the chessboard.
Buksa’s comeback after an early setback, Javakhishvili’s decisive victory in the final round, and Sivanandan’s remarkable performance were among the highlights of the championship. Additionally, FM Nadya Toncheva’s impressive finish earned her the WGM title and qualification for the next Women’s World Cup.
Beyond the intense battles on the chessboard, the tournament also saw heartwarming moments, such as Monika Stojkovska getting engaged on the rest day. The event was a true celebration of women’s chess, showcasing talent, determination, and camaraderie among the participants.
Fans can relive the excitement of the European Women’s Championship through streams on the European Chess Union’s YouTube channel and by checking out the games on the Events Page. With commentary from Dragana Nikolovska and GM Alojzije Jankovic, the championship was a display of skill and sportsmanship at its finest.