The medalists. From left to right: WFM Regina Narva, WIM Monika Tsõganova, WCM Mai Narva, GM Kaido Külaots, FM Ottomar Ladva, IM Tarvo Seeman

By Tarmo Tuul

The 2014 Estonian Chess Championships took place from April 28 to May 4, in Tallinn. This year's event was also important in determining the Olympic team composition, additionally, the results of the Men's tournament will also determine who will have the right to play in the revived Baltic Zonal Tournaments. Spectators could hope for a week of uncompromising and fighting chess which the chess players did not fail to deliver as there were few quick draws. Men's tournament gathered 10 participants. The main favorites were GM Kaido Külaots and last year's winner FM Ottomar Ladva. The drawing of lots ensured an intriguing finish – Külaots and Ladva were to play in the last round. By that time both were beyond the reach of other players, with Külaots half a point ahead. Ladva had the Black pieces and chose risky continuations which gave Külaots a large advantage. The GM, however, forced a draw which was sufficient for win him his eigth national title. The silver medal went to Ladva and bronze to IM Tarvo Seeman. 

Final Standings:

The Women's tournament had 7 players. The winner, 14-year-old WCM Mai Narva, became the youngest player to win the Women's title. Her mother, WFM Regina Narva, won the bronze medal, and sister, WCM Triin Narva, was fourth. The Narva chess family might have gathered all three medals were it not for WIM Monika Tsõganova who won the silver medal.

Final Standings:

Additional information about the tournaments:

Men's Tournament

Women's Tournament

Games

Photo Gallery