Upsets Mark Opening Day of the 2026 European Women's Chess Championship in Batumi
European Women's Championship: A few upsets on opening day in Batumi
Image: Chessbase
The 2026 European Women's Chess Championship commenced in Batumi, Georgia, featuring 165 players from 32 federations. The first round saw several notable upsets, including Alena Skvortsova defeating a higher-rated opponent. The championship will also determine ten qualifiers for the upcoming FIDE Women’s World Cup.
- 01The championship features 165 players from 32 federations competing for the European title and ten spots in the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
- 02Alena Skvortsova of Montenegro, rated 2135, achieved an upset victory over Poland's Klaudia Kulon, rated 2377.
- 03Varvara Poliakova, rated 2108, defeated Romania's Irina Bulmaga, rated 2361, who was the runner-up in the previous championship.
- 04Four draws occurred on the top ten boards, including a match between Anna Ushenina and Kseniya Zeliantsova.
- 05The event began with an opening ceremony led by Akaki Iashvili, President of the Georgian Chess Federation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The 2026 European Women's Chess Championship kicked off on Monday at the Euphoria Convention & Casino Hotel in Batumi, Georgia, featuring 165 players from 32 federations. The opening ceremony was led by Akaki Iashvili, President of the Georgian Chess Federation, who emphasized the importance of the tournament in the European women's chess calendar. The first round of matches included several surprising results, notably Alena Skvortsova of Montenegro, rated 2135, defeating Poland's Klaudia Kulon, rated 2377. Another upset saw Varvara Poliakova, rated 2108, triumph over Romania's Irina Bulmaga, rated 2361, who had previously been the runner-up in the 2025 championship. Additionally, Armenia’s Nvard Hayrapetyan and Polina Kobak secured wins against higher-rated opponents. The top ten boards featured four draws, including a match where Anna Ushenina, rated 2420, drew against Kseniya Zeliantsova, rated 2176. This championship not only seeks to crown a continental champion but also allocates ten spots for the next FIDE Women’s World Cup.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The tournament highlights Georgia's role in hosting significant international chess events, boosting local tourism and interest in chess.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Which upset in the opening round surprised you the most?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.