Francesco Sonis and Marina Brunello have emerged as the new Italian chess champions. Francesco claimed his maiden title, while Marina secured her third championship victory, adding to her wins in 2008 and 2018.
The Italian Championship was held at the State Archives of Turin, a historic site dating back to the 18h century, from November 26 to December 7. The event featured Italy's 28 best players, competing across three categories: Absolute, Female, and Under 20.
The Absolute Championship, a 12-player round-robin, was a fiercely competitive tournament. Heading into the final round, four players—Francesco Sonis, Sabino Brunello, Gabriele Lumachi, and defending champion Luka Moroni—were tied for first place with 6.5/10.
In the decisive 11th round, Sonis faced Claudio Paduano, one of the lower-rated participants, and scored a crucial victory to secure the title with 7.5/11. Meanwhile, all other games ended in draws. Three players tied for second place with 7/11, but Sabino Brunello and Gabriele Lumachi claimed silver and bronze, respectively, edging out Luka Moroni on Sonneborn-Berger tiebreaks.
The Women’s Championship, an 8-player round-robin, turned into a thrilling duel between top seed Marina Brunello and defending champion Olga Zimina. Both players remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, with Marina finishing a half-point ahead, winning the title. Silvia Bordin scored 4.5/7 and secured bronze. She also won U20 Women category.
Vittorio Cina triumphed in the U20 category, scoring 5.5/7, and becoming the only undefeated player in the tournament. Neven Hercegovac and Gabriel Urbani took silver and bronze, respectively.
Official website: https://www.ciascacchi2024.it/
Photos: Mattia Dodaro
