Grischuk and Galliamova crowned as Russian champions

Image via Wikipedia

Grischuk and Galliamova crowned as Russian champions Wednesday, 30 December 2009 07:41 The Superfinals of the men and women Russian Championship were held on 19-29th December at the Big Hall of the Central Chess Club in Moscow. Both events were 10-player round robin tournaments, with players qualified from the Higher League and last year championships. Alexander Grischuk preserved the lead gained after the 5th round and claimed the Championship with 6.5 points from 9 rounds. Five-time champion Peter Svidler finished second half a point behind, while Nikita Vitiugov took bronze medal. The women championship was marked with incredible comeback by Alisa Galliamova, who was almost forgotten after her long break from tournament practice. Following a powerful start with five wins from five rounds, Galliamova had a full point advantage ahead of Nadezhda Kosintseva, practically her only opposition for the title. She skillfully maintained the margin and won the Championship by collecting a fantastic 7.5 points from nine games. Nadezhda Kosintseva was second and Valentina Gunina is third. Alexander Grischuk Peter Svidler Nadezhda and Tatiana Kosintseva Final standings (men): 1. Alexander Grischuk - 6.5 2. Peter Svidler - 6.0 3. Nikita Vitiugov - 5.0 4-5. Dmitry Jakovenko and Evgeny Alekseev - 4.5 6-8. Denis Khismatullin, Alexander Riazantsev and Evgeny Tomashevsky - 4.0 9. Artyom Timofeev - 3.5 10. Sanan Sjugirov - 3.0 Final standings (women): 1. Alisa Galliamova - 7.5 2. Nadezhda Kosintseva - 7.0 3. Valentina Gunina - 6.0 4. Tatiana Kosintseva - 5.5 5-6. Anastasia Bodnarukand Elena Zaiatz - 4.5 7. Natalia Pogonina - 3.5 (-2) 8. Tatiana Stepovaia - 3.0 9. Maria Manakova - 2.0 10. Marina Romanko - 1.5  (source: fide.com)