The FIDE World Senior Chess Championship was concluded on November 14 in Vrnjačka Banja, the Serbian capital of tourism and chess.
The competition brought togeterh 385 players from 65 national competing across four categories: Open 50+, Open 65+, Women 50+ and Women 65+.
The closing ceremony began with a minute of silence in tribute to the late Israeli competitor, International Master Leon Lederman. Due to this tragic event, the organiser, the Chess Federation of Serbia, decided to scale back many of the activities originally planned for the ceremony.
The attendees were addressed by Saša Jevtić, the tournament director and Gunnar Bjornson, a representative of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
„Over the past two weeks, Vrnjačka Banja, the queen of chess and tourism, has welcomed chess players from all over the world, united by the same passion, the love of chess, regardless of age, language or culture.This championship has once again reminded us that chess is much more than just a game. It brings people together, creates friendships and connects generations. I would like to thank the Serbian Chess Federation for the trust placed in me, and the International Chess Federation – FIDE for its excellent cooperation and support throughout the preparation and organization of this championship. A big thank you to our partners, SPA Travel agency and the host hotels, for doing their best to make all our guests feel comfortable and welcome.My special thanks go to the team of arbiters, led by Chief Arbiter Ashot Vardapetyan, as well as to the entire organizing team, for their professionalism and dedication,“ Jevtić said.
„Over the past two weeks we have witnessed fine fighting chess, sportsmanship, and the special spirit that only senior players bring to the board. We also remember International Master Leon Lederman who has left us. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the Israeli chess community. I would like to express FIDE’s sincere gratitude to everyone who made this championship possible. To the Serbian Chess Federation under leadership of Andrija Jorgić, and to tournament director Saša Jevtić and their entire team.To the arbiters, fair-play officers and volunteers at Hotel Zepter and throughout the playing venue-you did a fabulos job. And most of all, to the players themselves-you travelled from 65 countries and reminded us all why senior chess is so special. Special congratulations to the four World Champions and the other prize winners,“ said Bjornsson.
Following the address, special awards were first presented to the competitors in the 75+ group, and the awardees were: Nona Gaprindashvili (gold medal), Dušan Rajković (bronze medal), Hermaan Van Riemsdijk (silver medal) and Nathan Birnboim (gold medal). Medals and gifts were presented by Bojana Bejatović, Secretary General of the Chess Federation of Serbia.
Then the chief arbiter of the competition, Ashot Vardapetyan, announced the final standings in each category. The trophies and medals were presented to the best competitors by Bojana Smiljković Đorđević, manager of the Zepter Hotel, Gunnar Bjornson, representative of the International Chess Federation, Bojana Radulović, on behalf of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, and Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia.
Winners in the Women 50+ category:
- Pia Cramling (SWE), 9/11
- Monica Calzetta Ruiz (ESP), 8.5/11
- Maritza Arribas Robaina (CUB), 7.5/11
Winners in the Open 50+ category:
- Murtas Kazhgaleyev (KAZ), 8.5/11
- Kiril Georgiev (BUL), 8/11
- Petr Kostenko (KAZ), 8/11
Winners in the Women 65+ category:
- Galina Strutinskaya (FID), 10/11
- Irina Chelushkina (SRB), 7.5/11
- Elena Krasenkova (POL), 7.5/11
Winners in the Open 65+ category:
- Zurab Sturua (GEO), 8.5/11
- Keith Arkell (ENG), 8.5/11
- Alexander Mikhalevski (ISR), 8.5/11
As part of the programme, a short film detailing the tournament was shown, highlighting the event through the perspective of Ioannis Makropoulos of Greece.
Five legends honoured with special award plaques
Earlier in the tournament, just before the start of Round 9, a short but highly special ceremony was held. The Chess Federation of Serbia awarded five exceptional chess personalities whose brilliant careers and achievements have earned them a special place in the history of the game.
The President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, Andrija Jorgić, presented special award plaques to the grandmasters as a sign of gratitude for their contribution to chess.
The first award was presented to a true living legend of world chess, Nona Gaprindashvili from Georgia.
A five-time World Champion who held the title for 16 years (1962–1978), she made history in 1978 by becoming the first woman ever to be awarded the prestigious title of Grandmaster. Her exceptional career has inspired generations of chess players around the world.
The second plaque went to one of the greatest chess players of all time, who reached world #1 among women in 1984 and remained among the chess elite for decades. Pia Cramling, a two-time European women’s chess champion and an outstanding ambassador of the game, continues to inspire new generations with her passion, achievements and dedication to chess.
The award was also presented to Irina Chelushkina, whose achievements span several countries and generations. She has won national women’s championships in five different countries: the Soviet Union, Ukraine, Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia.
She is one of the most respected figures in Serbian chess, a multiple national champion and a long-standing representative of the country, whose continuous competitive success makes her a wonderful example of dedication to chess.
Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant, a former world junior girls’ chess champion, multiple gold medal winner at the Chess Olympiads and one of the most distinguished players in the history of Georgian and British chess was also honoured for her contributions. Her international career spans several decades and is a testament to outstanding talent, determination and lasting excellence.
Finally, a plaque was presented to Branko Damljanović for his contributions to the development of chess. A member of the Yugoslav team that won silver at the World Team Championship in 1989 and an individual bronze medalist at the 1996 Chess Olympiad, he has also made an exceptional contribution to Serbian chess as the captain and coach of the national team.
Photos: Chess Federation of Serbia and Svetlana Paziljceva
Official website: https://wscc.beochess.rs/