Bulgarian teams shine at European Chess Championship

The national chess teams of Bulgaria achieved victories in the third round of the European Team Chess Championship in Batumi, CE Report quotes BTA.

The women's team, who are the reigning European champions, defeated Switzerland with a score of 2.5–1.5 and currently lead the standings with a perfect 6 match points. The decisive victory in the match against the Swiss team was delivered by Nadya Toncheva. Playing with the white pieces on board three, the player from Levski Chess Club defeated Ghazal Hakimifard, securing the win for the Bulgarian team.

The other three boards ended in draws. Antoaneta Stefanova drew with the white pieces against Alexandra Kosteniuk in a clash between two former world champions. Nurgyul Salimova also drew, playing black against Sophie Milliet, and Viktoria Radeva finished with a draw as well, playing black against Or Shatil.

In the men's section, the Bulgarian team now has 4 match points after a 3–1 victory over Belgium. Veteran and team head coach Kiril Georgiev gave the team the lead with a win on board four, playing black against Lennert Lenaerts. Radislav Dimitrov sealed the match with a victory on board three against Igor Glek.

On boards one and two, the young players Martin Petrov and Momchil Petkov drew their games against Daniel Dardha and Siem Meersseman, respectively—results that were enough to secure the team’s second consecutive victory.

The leaders in the men's standings are the teams of Greece and Serbia, each with 6 match points. The fourth round of the European Team Championship is scheduled for Wednesday.

Photo: BTA