GM Kirill Shevchenko and WIM Miruna-Daria Lehaci are the new champions of Romania. Both won their maiden national titles.

The Romanian Championship took place from February 19–26, 2023, in Sebes and saw the triumph of young players. The open, women’s and amateur sections were 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control.

The third-rated Romanian player Kirill Shevchenko (pictured below), who completed his transfer from the Ukrainian to the Romanian federation last month, sure-footedly confirmed his status as the tournament favourite in the open event. The native of Kyiv scored an impressive 8/9, conceding his opponents just two draws.

Two other zoomers, IM David Gavrilescu and FM Samuel-Timotei Ghimpu, tied for second place, netting 6.5/9, with the former claiming silver thanks to a superior Buchholz.

The only female player in the open section IM Irina Bulmaga (pictured below) turned in a solid performance and shared fourth place with a large group of players. 

Final standings Open:

The women’s championship was a much closer competition as Miruna-Daria Lehaci and WGM Michaela Sandu (both pictured above) took turns leading the field and came to the final round sharing the top position. Lehaci pulled off a crucial victory with the black pieces in a complicated battle with WGM Elena-Luminita Cosma, whereas Sandu suffered a defeat at the hands of the top-rated participant, 12-time national champion IM Corina-Isabela Peptan.

With these results, Miruna-Daria Lehaci finished clear first, a full point ahead of four players tied for second place. The second tiebreak variable (Buchholz) favoured Mihaela Sandu, who took silver and WIM Angela Dragomirescu (bronze).

Final standings Women:

NM Ion-Cristian Veneteanu emerged as the winner of the amateur section.  

Photo: Romanian Chess Federation Facebook page