The ECU Senior Chess Championship 2023 is in the books. The event took place in Acqui Terme, Italy, from May 25 to June 4, 2023, and was held in two age categories, 65+ and 50+. Women 65+ competed in the Open 65+ Swiss tournament (with separate ranking and prizes), while ladies 50+ had their own competition, a 9-player round-robin.

As many as five players scored 7/9 in the 65+ tournament after the leaders, GM Lubomir Ftacnik and FM Terry Chapman drew their final-round game and allowed Jose Fernandez Garcia, John Nunn and Wolfgang Polster, who scored victories, to catch up with them. The Buchholz (second variable) favoured the reigning Word Senior Champion John Nunn, who added another title to his collection. Jose Fernandez Garcia and Lubomir Fracnik won silver and bronze, respectively.

Final standings Open 65+:

WGM Gisela Fischdick pulled off a crucial last-round victory over Wim Kortis and leapfrogged legendary GM Nona Gaprindashvili, who had to settle for silver. WFM Mira Kierzek took bronze.

Final standings Women 65+:

1.  WGM Gisela Fischdick (Germany) European champion – 6

2.  GM Nona Gaprindashvili (Georgia) – 5½

3.  WFM Mira Kierzek (Germany) – 4½

The Open 50+ was an even closer race with seven players, including the defending European Senior Champion GM Martin Mrva and the reigning World Senior Champion GM Zurab Sturua, scoring 6.5/9 and tying for the top position.

Ironically, just like in the Open 65+, the reigning World Senior Champion Zurab Sturua had the best Buchholz and claimed the title. Fabrizio Bellia and Jose Lacasa Diaz earned silver and bronze, respectively.

Final standings Open 50+:

The 50+ Women round-robin saw the triumph of the rating-favourite WGM Marina Makropoulou of Greece who finished 1.5 ahead of Olga Birhkolz (Germany) and Polina Ni (Latvia). The champion became the only unbeaten player in the tournament.

Final standings Women 50+:

Photos: ECU Senior chess 2023 

Official website: scaccomattissimo.com/ecu-senior-2023/