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| The new European Champion: Alexandra Kosteniuk dominated the Tiebreak |
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Pragmatism and Elegance – European Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk
Marco Held (K. J.)
Even earlier than during the last 12 days began the work for the team of arbiters in the Treff-Hotel to prepare for the tie-breaking matches. Also, it was not only to determine the winner but also to determine the third place winner. Finally, to decide two of the qualification places for the World Championship, in which four players had to compete.
In the center of attention stood on the front line the final match for the title as well as the trophy cup from Dresden porcelain. As well, the 19 year-old Russian, Alexandra Kosteniuk convinced from the first move: not only the shoes with exactally the same patter as the pants, but also, the backless top knew how to tie up the chess audience. Nevertheless, everyone concentrated their attention at one time or another on the events on the chess board where Kosteniuk presented a crucial attack on the king with the black pieces in the first match. This made the match with the white pieces a comfortable situation in which she was able to be content with herself with a draw. However, this match certainly dominated the FIDE-“chess-star” and she could afford to unwind with a clearly won position so that her Dutch opponent had no more chances to win. After 39 moves Peng had to content herself with the tie and the title stood certain for Alexandra Kosteniuk. After the Vize World Championship, the first new success in the women’s category was for the young woman from Perm.
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| Antoaneta Stefanova won the bronze medal |
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Enchanting performance for place 3 and the qualification for the World Championship
In the fight for the bronze medal Antoaneta Stefanova only gave some tension in the match against Nana Dzagnidze after she had won the first game. The second game went on and on nearly endlessly because the Georgian opponent fought for victory until the 50-moves-rule made them share the point. The duel for place three was a safe thing for Bulgarian winner of 2002, who won with 2:0 points against Natalia Zhukova. Irina Slavina could not follow her good results during the last 12 rounds of the tournament and had to back down against Dzagnidze with 0:2 and got place six in the end.
After all there were two qualifications for the World Championship to be given out. One of these got Tatiana Kosintseva, who unfortunatelly had to back dowh against the new European Champion yesterday. The 18-year-old defeated Nino Khurtsidze with 1,5:0,5 and played a safe and successful game. The last remaining place for the World Championship was somewhat surprisingly given to Jovanka Houska, who could defeat Russian Olga Zimina.
With a last view on the tournament hall with interested audience and players we can only hope to meet again in four years time at the Chess Olympics in Dresden!
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04.04.2004 |
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| Glamorous Alexandra Kosteniuk finishes tournament |
Opportunity to give honour to the successful, the best and the organizers was at the closing ceremony of the European Womens Championship. more |
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02.04.2004 |
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| Hot fights lead to Tiebreak |
| Exciting games dominated on stage at today's last round and two "winners" remained. more |
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01.04.2004 |
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| Futile attempts at the top |
| Zhaoqin Peng and Alexandra Kosteniuk didn't use 79 moves for the decision, the champion in the top duel will be known on Saturday. more |
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31.03.2004 |
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| Peng and Kosteniuk form Double-Peak |
| Dauerschach am Spitzenbrett! Das hieß Auftakt zum Kampf auf Biegen und Brechen für Alexandra Kosteniuk... more |
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30.03.2004 |
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| Dissatisfied Peng remains on top |
| Despite a draw against Irina Slavina Zhaoqin Peng remained at the top, just infront of two former European Champions more |
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