We can say that the 9th round of European Individual Chess Championship was the most unsuccessful for Georgian chess players. Most of Georgians lost their games in the city of Bulgaria, Plovdiv. None of Georgians have a chance to get in Top 3.
Baadur Jobava (2706), leader of Georgian team, had the best result from Georgian chess players before the 9th round. He was half point behind leaders. Though, after losting to Mikhail Kobalia of Russia (2666), Jobava moved to the 33rd place.
Baadur has 6.0 points and is one point behind the leaders – Laurent Fressinet (France, 2693), Ernesto Inarkiev (Russia, 2695), Vladimir Malakhov (Russia, 2705), Mikhail Kobalia (Russia, 2666), Dmitry Andreikin (Russia, 2689), Maxim Matlakov (Russia, 2632), Vladimir Akopian (Armenia, 2684).
Shota Azaladze (2419), Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2626) and Levan Pantsulaia (2595) also lost their games. They are in the 53rd, 65th and 104th places. Azaladze and Mchedlishvili have 5.5-5.5 points and Pantsulaia – 5.0. Here are the results of other Georgians: 151. Davit Lomsadze (2338) – 4.5; 170. Davit Benidze (2530) – 4.5; 179. Gaioz Nigalidze (2472) – 4.5; 199. Luka Paichadze (2491) – 4.0; 329. Giorgi Khelaia (2080) – 2.5;
The championship is based on Swiss system and it will end up on March 31. March 27 is a day off. Prize money of the tournament is 100 000 EUR. Champion will get 14 000 EUR. Top 25 chess players will be awarded. Best 23 chess players will win a right to participate in World Cup.
