The 2022 European Rapid and Blitz Championship is in the books. The event was held in Katowice in the Spodek, one of the largest sport arenas in Poland, from December 16-18. 

Many guests and partners honoured us with their presence at the ceremonial opening of the tournament. ECU Vice-President Gunnar Bjornsson and ECU General Secretary Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou welcomed all players on behalf of the European Chess Union.

Maciej Stachura, secretary of the city of Katowice, was also present at the opening. The tournament would not have been held at such a level without the support of the city of Katowice.

Łukasz Turlej, the Secretary General of FIDE, also addressed a few words to the participants, who welcomed everyone to one of the largest chess events in the world, once again in Katowice.

As many as 830 players from 38 countries participated in the blitz competition, an 11 double rounds Swiss tournament. After several hours of fierce fighting, three contestants, namely David Navara, Maciej Klekowski, and Shant Sargsyan scored 17½/22 and tied for first place.

David Navarra took the title thanks to better Buchholz; Maciej Klekowski is the European blitz vice-champion for the second time in a row; the bronze medal goes to Shant Sargsyan.

GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE) netted 15½/22 and became the best female player. IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya (POL) scored 15/22 and earned silver; GM Antoaneta Stefanova (BUL) took bronze with 14/22.

Final standings:

You can find the complete results on the official website.

GM Jaime Santos Latasa from Spain became the European champion in rapid chess. As many as seven participants came into the final 11th round sharing the first place on 8½/10, but the Spaniard was the only one to notch up a win and grab the title.

A huge group of eleven players tied for the second place with David Navara and Daniel Fridman taking silver and bronze respectively by dint of superior Buchholz.

Aleksandra Malcewskaya (POL) became the best female player after scoring 2½ points in the last three rounds (8½/11). Alexandra Kosteniuk added the silver medal to her rapid chess title. Another home player WGM Jolanta Zawadzka (POL), earned bronze.

Final standings:

You can find the complete results on the official website

Three players managed to do something very impressive winning medals of the European Championships in both blitz and rapid: Aleksandra Kosteniuk, Aleksandra Malcewska and David Navara.

Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz and Michal Walusza

Official website: katowice2022.eu/