IM Leya Garifullina Clinches Her First Victory in the 28th Queens Wednesday Tournament
IM Leya Garifullina secured her first victory in the 28th Queens Wednesday Tournament, finishing with an 8.5/11 score and surpassing GM Valentina Gunina in tiebreaks. This is Leya’s second appearance in the top 5. Despite beating Leya, Valentina Gunina faced two losses, placing her second. IM Yuliia Osmak and WFM Hong Nhung Nguyen made their first top 5 appearances, securing 3rd and 4th place respectively, while WIM Anna Shukhman finished 5th.
IM Leya Garifullina emerged as the champion of the 28th Queens Wednesday Tournament, clinching her first victory with an impressive 8.5/11 score. This marks Leya’s second appearance in our top 5 and her first time at the top, where she surpassed GM Valentina Gunina in tiebreaks. Leya’s journey to victory saw her defeating formidable players such as IM Nurgyul Salimova, IM Gunay Mammadzada, and drawing against four-time Queens Champion IM Polina Shuvalova.
Despite defeating Leya, GM Valentina Gunina faced setbacks with two significant losses to Argentinian WGM Candela Belen Francisco Guecamburu and Azerbaijani WFM Malak Ismayil. These losses placed her second, highlighting her 15th appearance in our top 3 and her 19th in the top 5.
Third place was hotly contested, ending in a three-way tie with an 8/11 score. IM Yuliia Osmak and WFM Hong Nhung Nguyen made their first appearances in our top 5, securing 3rd and 4th place respectively, while WIM Anna Shukhman marked her second appearance, finishing 5th.
The tournament was a showcase of exceptional skill and dedication, with the top players sharing a prize fund of $1000.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for making this tournament exciting and competitive. As we continue to support and celebrate the global women’s chess community, we aim to inspire future generations to aspire to greatness.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, the 14th of August at 17:00 CEST, and join us for another thrilling Swiss Queens Wednesday Tournament!
