The Belarusian Chess Championships took place in the Republican Center for Olympic Training in Chess and Checkers in Minsk from January 9-19, 2022.

The open event, a 12-player round-robin, saw a major sensation as 7th rated 16-year old FM Maxim Tsaruk (below on the left) from Minsk wrestled his maiden title in a tough competition with much more experienced GMs and IMs. Maxim came into the final round a half-point ahead of four contenders, including the highest-rated GM Alexei Fedorov, whom he faced with black pieces.

The youngster demonstrated patience and resilience in an inferior position (although at some point it was quite alarming) and reached so much needed draw. This result secured him the title as all his main competitors also split points. The champion scored 8/11 and picked up 61 rating points.

Four players netted 7½/11 and tied for second place. The tiebreaks favoured IM Denis Lazavik, who took silver and Alexei Fedorov (bronze). None of the participants (including the champion) completed the tournament undefeated.

Final standings:

The women's tournament brought together 10 participants competing in a round-robin format and turned into a close race between the only titled players WFMs Kseniya Zeliantsova (pictured below) and Varvara Polyakova. Both netted 7½ and finished two points ahead of bronze-winner Kseniya Norman. The Koya-tiebreak tipped the balance in Kseniya's favour as she became the champion; Varvara had to settle for silver.

Final standings:

Photos, detailed information about all participants are available on the official website of the Belarus Chess Federation: https://openchess.by/news/2718.html.