The Swiss Queens Wednesday Series, launched in partnership with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is an initiative aimed at boosting women’s participation in chess. With tournaments every Wednesday, the series has attracted some of the strongest players from around the world. Five editions were played in February, with Martha Fierro, Valentina Gunina, Anastasia Bodnaruk, Gunay Mammadzada and Polina Shuvalova emerging victorious in each of them.
Lela Javakhishvili emerged as the winner of the Georgian Women’s Championship 2024. One of the most successful Georgian chess players, Lela clinched her fifth national title. As is often the case in Georgian Women’s championships, it was a very close race among the top-rated players and the members of the very strong national team. Nino Batsiashvili and Meri Arabidze finished in second and third place, respectively.
The Honour Division of the Spanish League is taking place on September 16-22 in Linares, Jaén. Eight teams take part in the single round-robin competition. Each match is played over six boards, with the obligatory inclusion of a female representative on each team’s roster. After three rounds, rating favourites DuoBeniaján Costa Cálida lead the standings with 6/6 match points. Magic Extremadura and defending champions C.A. Solvay stand a match point behind. | Pictured: Pia Cramling (C.A. Silla) facing Alberto Quintín (MyInvestor Casablanca) | Photo: FEDA
The final of the World Women’s Team Championship saw Georgia beating the young Kazakhstani squad by two sets to zero, with Lela Javakhishvili scoring back-to-back wins for the eventual champions. In the match for third place, France got the better of the United States. | Photo: Michal Walusza
Both semifinals at the World Women’s Team Championship in Bydgoszcz were decided in blitz tiebreakers. After trading wins in the two rapid sets, Kazakhstan and Georgia obtained clear wins in the 3-minute games that decided the matches. France and the United States will fight for bronze on Monday, starting one hour earlier than usual, at 14.00 CEST (8.00 ET, 17.30 IST). | Photo: Michal Walusza