cyprus open — The Cyprus Open Chess Championship concluded on February 8 at Elias Beach Hotel in Limassol, witnessing a record participation and a remarkable performance by International Master Artem Sadovsky, who claimed the championship title.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Sadovsky, finishing with an impressive score of 8 points out of 9, triumphed over 101 participants, making this year’s tournament the most competitive in its history. The prize fund of €5,000 attracted top talent, including 17-year-old Candidate Master Rafail Antoniou, who secured second place, and Panikos Savva, a veteran participant in multiple Chess Olympiads, who took third.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
In the women’s tournament, FIDE Master Marina Cherkasova emerged victorious, solidifying her position as the top female player in Cyprus for the second consecutive year. The competition featured a strong field, with all national team members and several talented juniors participating, showcasing the growing strength of Cypriot chess.
A key moment unfolded in round five, where Sadovsky faced Antoniou. Both players battled through illness, but the match was notable for its high quality. Sadovsky stated, “I played very quickly in this tournament, surprising my opponents with various openings – nine rounds, nine openings.” He highlighted his pivotal victory against the 2025 Cypriot Champion, Alexandros Isaakidis, as a turning point that led him to realise the title was within reach.
Antoniou, who finished with the same score, expressed confidence after his victory over seasoned opponent Konstantinos Michaelides and acknowledged that losing to Sadovsky motivated him to perform better in the subsequent rounds. He remarked, “It’s nice that I won this immediately after losing to Artem.”
Cherkasova’s performance was equally impressive, particularly in round six when she executed a series of sacrifices against Samuel Johannes Constantinou, a member of the Cypriot national team. She reflected on her success, saying, “For the second consecutive year I am the best female player in Cyprus. Another beautiful trophy for my collection.” Cherkasova praised the tournament’s organisation and increased prize fund, which contributed to a vibrant atmosphere.
Notably, the tournament saw a surge in female participation, a trend that Rafail Antoniou attributed to the growing ambitions and talents of the younger generation. He remarked on the promising future for Cypriot chess, stating, “The young generation is ambitious, talented, and eager to prove itself.”
In addition to the main tournament, awards were presented in several categories. The best junior players included Olga Mikhailina, Victoria Sokolova, and Christina Bouzana for girls, while Rafail Antoniou, Savvas Konstantinides, and Daniil Daniil topped the boys’ category. Panikos Savva, Michalis Florentiades, and Vassilis Aristotelous were recognised as the best veterans.
Another exciting development for Cypriot chess is the return of Andreas Kelires, the first and only Cypriot Grandmaster, who is set to share his insights with young players at the Arion Chess Club in Nicosia on February 21.
With the upcoming Closed Cyprus Championships for men and women, the competition will be crucial for determining the national teams that will compete in the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand this September. Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis articulated the broader benefits of chess, emphasising its role in developing intellectual abilities and strategic thinking among young people.
