The 2022 Estonian Championship, held in two sections (open and women) took place in the Paul Keres Chess House in Tallin from December 10-18. The competition marked the centenary of the Estonian Chess Championship. The first edition, won by Paul Rinne, was played almost one hundred years ago in Tallinn, from December 26, 1922, to January 6, 1923.

The open section, a 10-player round-robin with classical time control, saw a close race among the rating favourites GM Aleksandr Volodin, GM Kaido Kulaots and untitled Andrei Timoshin, who became the revelation of the tournament.  

Heading into the final round on 6.5/9, a half-point ahead of his main competitors, Volodin faced Timoshin with the black pieces, while Kulaots took on Nikita Rychagov with White. After Volodin drew with accurate defence, all eyes were on the game Kulaots – Rychagov. The tournament's highest-rated player did not overcome Black's resistance and had to settle for a draw.

As a result, Alexandr Volodin finished clear first on 7/9 and clinched his third national title. Timoshin and Kaido tied for second place, with the former claiming silver thanks to a better Sonneborn-Berger. Timoshin completed an IM norm and picked up 71 rating points.

Final standings:

The women's championship brought together just five players competing in a round-robin format. The rating-favourite Anastassia Sinitsina dominated the field and conceded her opponents just a half-point. Sofia Blokhin finished a full point behind and took silver; Marina Levchenko came third.

Final standings:

Photo: ERR

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