Cyprus Closed Chess Championship names winners

Freedom24 was proud to support the Cyprus Closed Chess Championship, which ended in Limassol on April 14. The month-long event, held at the Elias Beach Hotel, was a milestone in the country’s fast developing chess landscape.

Olga Milko, Freedom24's Business Development Director, congratulated the participants and wished them further success in their chess endeavours. "I’m convinced that this tournament has opened a new chapter in the sports history of our country, as it resulted in forming the national chess team to represent Cyprus in the upcoming international events. We are glad to partner with the Cyprus Chess Federation, contributing to the development of this truly beautiful and demanding sport. Our business is known for rapid but steady growth, and we are happy to see the same dynamics in the chess community of our country."

In the men's category, Konstantinos Michaelides clinched his seventh championship title, after securing 10 points in 11 matches. Alexandros Isaakidis and Raphael Antoniou claimed 2nd and 3rd prizes, with 9 and 8 points, respectively. Panikos Savva and Lucas Kefalas secured 4th and 5th places, with 6.5 and 5.5 points, respectively.

In the women’s tournament, Christianna Markidou won the first prize with 7 points in 9 matches. Christina Buzana and Larisa Sokolova secured 2nd and 3rd places, both with 6.5 points. Aida Paunescu and Eleni Pika finished 4th and 5th, with 6 and 5.5 points, respectively.

The top five men and women earned spots in the national team, set to represent Cyprus in the World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, in September and in the European Small Nations Chess Championship in Andorra in June.

"We extend our best wishes to Cyprus’ chess players as they prepare for the upcoming world tournaments!" the company said.