Valentina Gunina (2530) became champion of World Blitz Championship, who showed the best result at the tournament which was held in Batumi. Russian chess plaueer won 11 matches, played 4 draws and in 15 matches gained 13 points. As a result, Gunina overtook with 2.5-2.5 points Ukrainian Natalya Zhokuva (2442) and Slovenian Anna Muzichuk (2598).
As far as you know sponsor of the tournament was “SOCAR”. Prize money was 41 000 USD. Gunina, who is world champion in classical chess also awarded with 10 000 USD, Zhukova 7 000 USD and Muzichuk – 5 000 USD.
There were 17 Georgian participants in this tournament, Nana Dzagnidze (2547) showed the best results among them. Leader of Georgian national chess team earned 9.5 points and according to the additional points, she took the 6th place and as a result was awarded with 2 000 USD.
Many times world champion Maia Chiburdanidze (2500), Maia Lomineishvili (2366) and Salome Melia (2410) took the 9th, 11st and 12nd places with 9-9 points. Besides them Nino Batsiashvili (2436, 6.5 points, 14th position) and Bela Khotenashvili (2500, 8.5 points and the 16the place) also are in top 20.
