The 77th Belarusian Chess Championship was held in Minsk from 11th until 24th January. Thirteen players competed in an all-play-all tournament, and among them were seven Grandmasters. GM Evgeny Podolchenko defended the title, which he won last year as then untitled player.

GM Andrei Zhigalko was in convincing lead through the middle of the tournament, but his brother GM Sergei Zhigalko then caught up and the two eventually shared the first place with 9.5 points each. However, Andrei Zhigalko was declared the champion on better additional criteria. GM Alexei Fedorov finished third with 8.5 points.

Full standings on the official website