Jules Moussard and Deimanté Daulyte-Cornette are the new chess champions of France.

Just like a year ago, the French Chess Championship 2024, 16-player knockout tournaments held in open and women's sections, took place from August 16-25 in Alpe d'Huez, France. In case of a tie after two classical games, a 2-game Rapid (15+10) was played, followed by a 2-game Blitz (5+3) and an Armageddon (5 vs 4) if needed. The competition brought together the best French players except for Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachierv-Lagrave, battling in the 2024 Sinquefield Cup.

On his way to the final, Jules Moussard beat Marie Sebag (the only female player who played in the open section) in the round of 16, then prevailed over Sebastien Maze on the blitz tiebreaker in the quarterfinals and finally defeated Romain Edouard in the rapid games.

Laurent Fressinet's path to the final was even more challenging, as he had to play two Armageddon games in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals (battling past Matthieu Cornette and Peio Duboue) and defeating Pierre-Laurent Paoli in the semis.

As expected, the final was a very tightly contested match. The opponents traded victories in classical and rapid games, but Jules Moussard won both blitz games to clinch his second national title.

Romain Édouard defeated Pierre Laurent-Paoli in the small final and took bronze.

The women's final featuring Deimanté Daulyte-Cornette and Pauline Guichard was also a close affair that came down to blitz. After drawing the first game, Deimanté Daulyte-Cornette emerged victorious in the second one and secured her maiden national title.  

Sophie Milliet completed the podium after besting Mitra Hejazipour in the match for third place.

Photo: official website

Official website: alpedhuez2024.ffechecs.org/