FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026: A clash of generations
Experience meets ambition as eight elite players compete for the right to challenge the Women’s World Champion. In three weeks’ time, eight of the best female chess players in the world will compete in a double round-robin for the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Champion, China’s Ju Wenjun. The FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, located on the western side of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Over fourteen rounds of classical play, the tournament will determine who advances to contest the crown in the final stage of the World Championship cycle. In accordance with FIDE regulations, players from the same federation must meet in the early rounds of the tournament. The full pairings for each round have already been released – check here. The 2026 field artfully blends experienced Candidates veterans such as Anna Muzychuk, Tan Zhongyi, Kateryna Lagno, and Aleksandra Goryachkina with energetic next-generation contenders like Zhu Jiner, Divya Deshmukh, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Bibisara Assaubayeva, making for a dynamic tournament narrative. Given the double round-robin format, the matchups between seasoned players and rising stars will be critical, especially when psychological endurance and preparation depth become deciding factors heading into the final rounds. Expect a diverse range of styles – from Vaishali’s tactical dynamism to Tan Zhongyi’s refined strategic approach. Let’s take a closer look at the contenders, sorted by their current March 2026 FIDE ratings. Zhu Jiner (China, 2578) Photo: Mark Livshitz A world-class Chinese grandmaster, Zhu has rapidly climbed the elite ranks and enters Cyprus as the highest-rated participant. She qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024–25 series, consistently finishing in top places across the Grand Prix legs and showcasing her dynamic, aggressive style. Renowned for her sharp, top-notch opening preparation and excellent middlegame tactical skills, Zhu enters the competition as a serious contender for the top spot. Her only potential vulnerability is inexperience at the Candidates level – this will be her debut in the event. Tan Zhongyi (China, 2535) Photo: Michal Walusza A former Women’s World Champion (2017–2018) and proven classical player known for strategic depth, Tan Zhongyi qualified via her third-place finish in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. She has been part of multiple World Championship cycles as both champion and challenger; her experience boosts her psychological resilience. After finishing runner-up in the 2022–2023 cycle, she reaffirmed her strength in long classical events in 2024 by winning the Women’s Candidates Tournament in Toronto to earn another world title shot. Tan is widely regarded as a deeply strategic and resilient player, combining classical foundations with modern practical strength. Less dependent on tactical chaos, she thrives on accumulating advantages move by move and grinding down her opponents in slightly better endgames. In a Candidates-style double round-robin, her stability and experience make her particularly dangerous over 14 rounds, where consistency often outweighs short bursts of brilliance. Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE, 2534) Photo: Mark Livshitz Widely considered one of the most complete and technically refined players in women’s chess, Goryachkina combines deep preparation, positional mastery, and exceptional endgame precision. She announced her arrival at the very top in 2019 by winning the Women’s Candidates Tournament and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the world title, coming within touching distance of the crown in a tightly fought match. Peaking in 2021 at 2611 – one of the very few female players to have crossed that mark – she captured the 2023 Women’s World Cup and more recently added a major milestone by claiming her first World Championship title, winning the Women’s World Rapid Championship in Doha 2025. A perennial top-ranked player, Goryachkina brings depth of elite experience. She qualified as runner-up in the 2024–25 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series and will be a strong candidate to challenge for first place based on her performance in the cycle. Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine, 2522) Photo: Michal Walusza Anna Muzychuk enters the Women’s Candidates as one of the most accomplished players of her generation, with sustained success across formats and a career spanning more than two decades at the top level. A Grandmaster since 2012, she became only the fourth woman in history to break the 2600 rating barrier. Her achievements in faster time controls are particularly notable: she is a three-time world champion, winning the Women’s World Blitz title in 2014 and completing a rapid and blitz double in 2016.In classical chess, Muzychuk reached the final of the 2017 Women’s World Championship, where she lost to Tan Zhongyi in rapid tiebreaks. In recent years, she has remained a consistent presence among the world’s leading players, highlighted by two first-place finishes in the 2025 Women’s Grand Prix and a first-place finish at Norway Chess Women 2025. Muzychuk joins the Candidates as a late replacement for Humpy Koneru, entering the field less than a week before the start of the tournament. After coming close through several qualification paths in 2025, she now has another chance to fight for a place at the summit of the women’s world championship cycle. Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan, 2516) Photo: Michal Walusza Qualified for Cyprus as the highest-placed contender in the FIDE Women’s Events 2024–25 series, Assaubayeva is one of the most distinctive talents in women’s chess. Unlike purely positional grinders, she thrives in active positions where initiative and momentum matter. The winner of the Women’s World Blitz Championship in 2021, 2022, and again in 2025, she shows exceptional composure in knockout and fast-paced formats, while her classical results have progressed steadily, culminating in the grandmaster title. Her recent strong finishes in women’s circuit events showcase her resilience and adaptability. In January 2026, Assaubayeva delivered a strong performance in the Tata Steel Challengers, gaining 19 rating points and reaching a career-high rating of 2516. Making her Women’s Candidates debut, she will be willing to create fire on the board with her aggressive, unafraid style. Bibisara is especially effective when games become concrete and calculation-heavy. Kateryna Lagno (FIDE, 2508) Photo: Michal Walusza With
Second Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners: Registration now open
The FIDE Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners returns for its second edition, set to take place across four continents in May 2026. This event builds on the momentum of the inaugural continental championships in 2025 and is part of FIDE’s ongoing Chess for Freedom initiative – a programme designed to expand opportunities for intellectual engagement, personal development, and social reintegration through chess. The first Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners, held in May 2025, marked a major milestone in the Chess for Freedom programme, bringing together teams from correctional institutions around the world in structured online competition. That pioneering event demonstrated the power of chess to create connection and opportunity even in challenging circumstances, reinforcing the value of regular regional championships as a complement to FIDE’s established intercontinental events. The 2026 Continental Championships will again feature separate regional competitions for the following continents: Africa – May 12, 2026 Americas – May 14, 2026 Europe– May 19, 2026 Asia – May 21, 2026 Each continental championship will take place over a single day, with teams from correctional facilities within the region competing online on Chess.com. The format will vary based on the number of entries, using round robin or Swiss systems to ensure competitive balance and engagement. National federations and correctional institutions are invited to register teams representing: One men’s correctional facility team One women’s correctional facility team One juvenile team (players under 20) Countries that organise national prison chess championships may qualify additional teams, expanding access to regional competition. The championships feature rapid time control (10 minutes with a 5-second increment) and are structured to maintain fair play and security, with oversight and technical support coordinated by FIDE and its partners. As in the first edition, the focus remains on providing meaningful competitive opportunities while upholding the integrity of the event and the dignity of participants. Continental champions will be recognised with official titles and certificates, and all participants will receive acknowledgement for their achievements. FIDE encourages participating institutions to share reports and photos, where permitted by local regulations, to highlight the ongoing impact of chess behind bars. Registration is open until 1 May 2026, with no entry fee required. The 2nd Continental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners represent the continued evolution of the Chess for Freedom programme, reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to using chess as a constructive force for inclusion, empowerment, and personal growth around the globe. Registration & key dates Registration deadline: May 1, 2026 Registration: Click [HERE] to register Technical meeting: Week of May 5, 2026 (via Zoom) Correctional institutions must complete the online registration form and confirm their team’s participation via email to Mikhail Korenman at mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org.
FIDE Infinite Chess Project finds a kindred spirit in Los Angeles
On a recent weekend in the Greater Los Angeles area, the air in the tournament hall wasn’t just filled with the quiet clicks of chess clocks and the scratch of pencils on score sheets. It was filled with a powerful sense of purpose. The occasion was the 2026 Greater LA School Chess League, a tournament that, in its second year, has more than just grown in size – it has blossomed into a profound partnership between a local non-profit and a global movement for social good. Organized by the Kindness On Board Foundation (KOBF) and co-hosted by the Diamond Bar High School Chess Club, this year’s event was a resounding success. Participation surged from 26 teams in 2025 to an impressive 46 teams, representing 32 schools from across the sprawling metropolis. But what truly set this tournament apart was its heart. This year, the Kindness On Board Foundation proudly hosted the event as a fundraiser for FIDE’s Infinite Chess Project, a global initiative dedicated to teaching chess to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The Los Angeles chess community responded with characteristic generosity. Thanks to the contributions of participating families, the event raised nearly $7,000 to support the Infinite Chess Project’s mission. For Jonathan Chen, founder and director of the Kindness On Board Foundation, the event was a perfect reflection of his organization’s name. “This tournament is more than a competition – it is a celebration of kindness, teamwork, and commitment,” said Jonathan Chen. “We are proud of what we are building together and look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.” The connection with the Infinite Chess Project was made tangible by the presence of two of its key figures. Traveling from Canada was Ala Mishchanka, a FIDE Infinite Chess Project ambassador and co-author of the project’s handbook. With over 21 years of experience as a Special Needs Educational Assistant in Toronto, Mishchanka brought not only her official role but also a lifetime of on-the-ground expertise. She delivered an inspiring and informative lecture to the KOBF’s volunteers on supporting children with autism, a session that was deeply appreciated by the local team. In her opening speech Ala Mishchanka shared the heartfelt origin of the story of the Infinite chess project, which began in 2019 at private chess school in Belarus. Inspired and started by remarkable chess professionals Anastasia Sorokina and Natalia Popova the project started with the simple question from a parent: could his son with ASD also join the chess lessons? In 2021 Anastasia Sorokina expanded the project and became the leader of the International Infinite Chess movement. From that moment, a global family was born. “Today, 28 countries have joined the Infinite Chess family,” Ala Mishchanka told the assembled players and families. She highlighted the project’s comprehensive achievements, including a unique methodological guide for teachers and parents, which she co-authored and which has now been translated into seven languages. “Our mission,” she explained, “is to unlock the unique potential of these extraordinary children, using the infinite, predictable logic of chess to build foundational skills for life.” The virtual presence of Maria Tamkovich, Secretary of the FIDE Social Commission and coordinator of FIDE Infinite Chess, further underscored the international collaboration. Maria’s words of encouragement resonated with the volunteers, young players, and their families, reinforcing that they were part of something much larger than a single local tournament. The event was a testament to grassroots organisation and community spirit. Jonathan Chen extended sincere thanks to Diamond Bar High School and Chess Club advisor Eric Sorensen, whose unwavering support over three months of preparation was instrumental. As the tournament drew to a close, the focus shifted from the scores on the board to the impact off it. In a moving ceremony, Ala Mishchanka took the stage to present one of FIDE’s highest social recognitions. She explained that the FIDE Social Chess Award was established during the FIDE Year of Social Chess to recognize individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to the social impact of chess. Its primary aim is to highlight efforts that go beyond competitive play, demonstrating how chess can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion, education, empowerment, and community building. “By recognizing exemplary contributions, the award encourages national federations to support social chess initiatives, celebrate local heroes, and share inspiring stories that demonstrate chess’s broader societal value,” Ala Mishchanka announced. “And now, I have the great honour to present one of FIDE’s highest recognitions for such a hero – the Kindness On Board Foundation.” She highlighted the global impact of the foundation’s support: “Thanks to your support, Infinite Chess students in South Africa, Gambia, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka have received not only additional groups and chess lessons but also new equipment and supportive materials. Thank you very much on behalf of FIDE and all Infinite Chess partners.” The award was a powerful culmination of the day’s events, cementing the partnership between the local foundation and the global initiative. The 2026 Greater LA School Chess League proved that a chess tournament can be a powerful platform for change. By weaving together competition, fundraising, and education, the Kindness On Board Foundation and the Infinite Chess Project have built a lasting bond, demonstrating that the most meaningful victories are the ones we achieve together.
Monaco Championship 2026: Levacic and Dornbusch claim titles
IM Damir Levacic and WGM Tatiana Dornbusch are newly crowned chess champions of еру Principality. The Monaco Chess Championship 2026, a 7-round Swiss tournament held from February 23 to March 1, brought together the country’s leading players with man and women competing in the same pool. The event not only determined the national titleholders but also finalized the selection of the teams representing Monaco at the upcoming Chess Olympiad. Open and women’s titles IM Damir Levacic emerged as the clear winner of the tournament, scoring 5.5/7 to secure the title of Monaco Champion 2026. Despite suffering a third-round defeat at the hands of top seed GM Amir Bagheri, Levacic finished strongly with three straight victories to clinch the title. Five players shared second place on 5 points, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the championship: GM Amir Bagheri Riccardo Costalonga GM Igor Efimov FM Alexis Cahen FM Patrice Verdier Tie-break criteria determined the final ranking among the players on equal points. WGM Tatiana Dornbusch secured the title of Women’s Champion of Monaco 2026, finishing as the highest-ranked female player with a score of 4.5/7. She edged out WIM Marija Zvereva who achieved the same score but had an inferior Buchholz-tiebreak. WCM Svetlana Berezovska and WCM Fiorina Berezovsky also completed solid tournaments. Complete final standings Monaco teams for the Chess Olympiad Based on the results of the national championship and selection criteria, the Monaco Chess Federation confirmed the following line-ups for the forthcoming Chess Olympiad: Open team IM Damir Levacic GM Amir Bagheri Riccardo Costalonga GM Igor Efimov FM Alexis Cahen Women’s team WGM Tatiana Dornbusch WIM Marija Zvereva WCM Svetlana Berezovska WCM Fiorina Berezovsky WIM Julia Lebel (82) The composition of both teams combines experienced titled players with motivated competitors, aiming to represent Monaco with strength and stability on the international stage.
FIDE March 2026 Rating List – Correction
According to Article 0.2.1 of the FIDE Rating Regulations, a tournament and its playing schedule must be registered: 0.2.1 Not later than 30 days before the tournament starts, if one of the players in the tournament is rated in excess of 2700, or a female player rated in excess of 2500. Due to an oversight in the approval process, the Russian Chess Crown match was included in the March 2026 FIDE Rating List in breach of these regulations. Once the error was identified, the Qualification Commission (QC) removed the event from the FIDE Rating System in accordance with the applicable rules. As a result, Sergey Karjakin’s status has been changed to inactive, and he has been removed from the list of active players in the FIDE rating list. The FIDE Qualification apologises for any issues this may have caused with the release of the new rating list, and will work at improving the approval process in the future. The current standard rating list is available here: https://ratings.fide.com/top_lists.phtml?list=open
Chess and Education Summit to take place in San José, Costa Rica
As part of the Year of Chess in Education 2026, the Chess in Education Summit will be held on March 20-21 in San José, Costa Rica, bringing together educators, policymakers, and chess development leaders from across the Americas and beyond. Organised in cooperation with FIDE, the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA), the Costa Rican Chess Federation (FCA), and the Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica, the summit will focus on practical models for integrating chess into school systems, with an emphasis on inclusion, student well-being, and ease of implementation for teachers. The event will also serve as a platform for regional cooperation. Ministerial delegations from several Latin American countries, including Guatemala, Venezuela, and El Salvador, have been invited to participate, alongside national authorities from Costa Rica such as Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Public Education, and Donald Rojas, Director of the National Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER). A key outcome of the summit will be the launch of a national pilot programme introducing classroom-based chess education in ten Costa Rican schools, developed jointly by FIDE, CCA, FCA, and the Ministry of Public Education. As part of the public programme, a Women’s Chess Tournament coordinated by Carolina Muñoz will take place on March 20, highlighting the role of chess in empowering girls and women through education and sport. “During the Year of Chess in Education, our priority is to support countries in implementing chess in classrooms in a meaningful and accessible way. The initiative launched in Costa Rica shows how national authorities and the chess community can work together to place chess at the service of education and student well-being,” said Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board. Registration and participation The Chess in Education Summit will take place at the Costa Rica Tennis Club in San José and is open to education authorities, teachers, academics, chess federations, and organisations working in educational and social development. The summit sessions will run over two days, with keynotes on day one (Friday, March 20), and workshops on day two (Saturday, March 21). Participants may attend either in person or online. In-person registration provides full access to conference sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and event materials. Participation is limited due to venue capacity. The international in-person participation package is USD 150 and includes access to the full conference programme and all meals on March 20-21. Virtual participation is available worldwide via live streaming of keynote sessions. Register here: National participants (Costa Rica): https://forms.gle/9XUSYJtutKodWDp2A(This form also includes links to the new international registration forms.) International participants (English): https://forms.gle/NGkka3Fw6QR6UgAB8 International participants (Spanish): https://forms.gle/UxLdm5wiv1WYXLRBA Official website: https://chessedusummit.com Contact: cumbre@chessedusummit.com
FIDE March 2026 rating list published
The FIDE March 2026 rating list was primarily shaped by the Tata Steel Masters and Challengers tournaments that concluded on February 1 alongside several Swiss events in across the globe. Both the Open and Women’s top 10 saw significant changes. Nodirbek Abdusattorov returned to the Open top 5 after a 19-month absence, thanks to his victory in the Tata Steel Masters. Bibisara Assaubayeva re-entered the Women’s top 10 following her strong performance in the Tata Steel Challengers. Photo: Michal Walusza Biggest rating gains in top 100 (Open and Women) Gunawardhana, Devindya Oshini WIM SRI 2347 (+87) Suleymanli, Aydin GM AZE 2653 (+25) Van Foreest, Jorden GM NED 2729 (+24) Woodward, Andy GM USA 2631 (+23) Abdusattorov, Nodirbek GM UZB 2771 (+20) Yip, Carissa IM USA 2486 (+20) Sindarov, Javokhir GM UZB 2745 (+19) Assaubayeva, Bibisara GM KAZ 2516 (+19) Erdogmus, Yagiz Kaan GM TUR 2687 (+18) Li, Rachael WIM USA 2375 (+17) Atwell, Rose FM USA 2354 (17) Photo: Anna Shtourman Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana (pictured above) tops the list of biggest rating gainers in February, following her highly successful European tour. The teenager from Sri Lanka earned impressive 87 points across two SixDays Budapest tournaments and the 24th Rochefort Chess Festival – Masters. Aydin Suleymanli delivered a strong performance in the 2026 Azerbaijani Championship winning bronze and netting 15 points which he added to ten points gained from the Tata Steel Challengers. Photo: Michal Walusza Jorden Van Foreest (pictred above), Javokhir Sindarov and Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus shone in the Tata Steel Masters posting substantial rating increments. Notably, all three reached their career-high positions in the top 100 Open. Andy Woodward (pictured below) and Carissa Yip delivered in the Tata Steel Challengers. The event’s winner, Woodward, collected 23 rating points to debut in the top 100 Open, while Yip made her first appearance in the Women’s top 15. Photo: Michal Walusza Finally, Rachael Li and Rose Atwell overperformed in the 17th Annual Southwest Class Championship with Atwell debuting in the top 100 Women.
Ghana Chess Association successfully elects new executive council members
Accra, Ghana – February 22, 2026 – On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Ghana Chess Association held a congress to elect a new executive council, as mandated by the association’s constitution. The elections were organised and supervised by a three-person electoral committee chaired by Mr. Ambrose Amexo. Voting took place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, after which the results were declared and the new executives were sworn in by a senior member of the Ghana Olympic Committee. The results were as follows: PRESIDENT Acheampong David: 14 (17.07%) Ashley Christiana Naa Merley: 68 (82.93%) VICE PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION) Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley (Yes): 77 (93.9%) Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley (No): 2 (2.44%) VICE PRESIDENT (TECHNICAL) Fomevor Clinton Cephas: 65 (79.27%) Tandoh Charles Raymond Appiah: 16 (19.51%) GENERAL SECRETARY Kporxah Maxwell Kwasi (Yes): 77 (93.9%) Kporxah Maxwell Kwasi (No): 3 (3.66%) FINANCIAL SECRETARY Mills-Pappoe Benjamin Adoayi (Yes): 73 (80.02%) Mills-Pappoe Benjamin Adoayi (No): 5 (6.1%) TREASURER Dzima Betty (Yes): 76 (92.68%) Dzima Betty (No): 3 (3.66%) ORGANISING SECRETARY Acheampong George Koomson: 62 (75.61%) Senyegah Paul: 18 (21.95%) PLAYERS’ REPRESENTATIVE Anhwere Bernard (Yes): 78 (95.12%) Anhwere Bernard (No): 1 (1.22%) YOUTH COORDINATOR Benson Maud (Yes): 76 (92.68%) Benson Maud (No): 2 (2.44%)
Uganda finalises Olympiad line-up at 2026 National Championship
The 2026 Uganda National Chess Championship (Super 12) has concluded after three consecutive weekends of high-level competition and 11 demanding rounds of classical chess, officially determining Uganda’s representatives for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The championship, organised by the Uganda Chess Federation (UCF), brought together the country’s strongest twelve players in each section under the round-robin format. With Olympiad qualification at stake, every round carried significant weight, producing tense encounters, decisive moments and dramatic shifts in the standings. Open section: A battle to the final round The Open section lived up to expectations, with qualification places remaining uncertain until the very end. Nyola Wasswa Mark emerged as the clear winner after delivering a consistent performance across all 11 rounds, scoring 8.5/11 and finishing a full point ahead of the chasing pack to secure the national title. Among the tournament’s defining games was the encounter between current national coach Ssonko Mathias Allan and former national coach FM Harold Wanyama. In a result that reshaped the leaderboard, Ssonko prevailed in a fiercely contested battle. Despite the significance of that victory, final tie-break calculations placed both players narrowly outside the top five qualification spots, highlighting the extraordinary competitiveness and depth of the field. Final standings – Open Women’s Section: A Generational Shift The Women’s section marked a historic turning point, producing what is now the youngest Olympiad team in Uganda’s history. Four of the five qualifiers are under 20, reflecting the growing strength of youth development structures and the emergence of a confident new generation. Players affiliated with KTLCA Chess Club featured prominently among the leaders, underlining the impact of sustained grassroots programmes. One of the most symbolic moments of the championship came when the youngest participant, Suhana Yadav, defeated the experienced WCM Asaba Juliet in a dynamic and hard-fought game. The result captured the spirit of transition that characterised the event a blend of experience meeting rising ambition. Final standings – Women The championship concluded with a dignified closing ceremony attended by members of the UCF Executive Committee and led by the UCF President. In his address, he commended the players for their resilience and fighting spirit throughout the demanding schedule, noting that the championship demonstrated both the depth of talent and the evolving competitive standards of Ugandan chess. With the national team now confirmed, attention shifts to preparations for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, where Uganda will join federations from across the globe in the most prestigious team event on the international chess calendar. Photos: Ivan Mukuye, Bani Chess – Arthur Mukunya
Romanian Championship 2026: Bogdan-Daniel Deac and Corina-Isabela Peptan claim titles
GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac and IM Corina-Isabela Peptan triumphed at the 2026 edition of the Romanian Championship. Deac won his second national title (his first came back in 2021), while Peptan claimed her 13th (!) women’s crown. The event took place in Timișoara from February 14–22 across three sections – Open, Women, and Amateurs – all 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control. Top seed Deac lived up to expectations and emerged as champion, but it was no walk in the park for him. Deac got off to an excellent start, winning four straight games and taking the lead, but GM David Gavrilescu caught up with him in the very next round. Deac surged ahead again, only to share the top spot after Round 7 – this time with another strong competitor IM Filip Magold. In the penultimate round, Deac scored a crucial victory over FM Artiom Vedmediuc and pulled away again, as Magold drew with Constantin Lupulescu. Heading into the final round a half point ahead of Magold, Deac drew with IM Henry Edward Tudor and secured the title with an impressive score of 7.5/9, as his main rival also split the point with Gavrilescu. Magold and Lupulescu (who pulled off a final-round victory) tied for second place on 7/9, with the former claiming silver due to superior tiebreaks. Final standings – Open Top seed in the women’s event, Corina-Isabela Peptan, also rose to the occasion, claiming her record-breaking thirteenth national title. Peptan reeled off four consecutive victories in Rounds 3–6 and seized the lead, which she never relinquished. Drawing three final games proved sufficient to claim the crown. IM Andreea-Marioara Cosman finished a half point behind the champion for silver, while WGM Elena-Luminita Cosma edged out four competitors on superior Buchholz score to complete the podium. Final standings – Women Răzvan-Cătălin Tudoroiu emerged as the winner in the Amateur section. Final standings – Amateurs Photos: Federația Română de Șah