In Kiev ended The city's championship in classical chess among veterans. The tournament, held in the intimate atmosphere of the Brigantina club, became a historic event: it not only identified the strongest, but also marked the "reboot" of the veteran chess movement in the capital.
For several weeks, a fierce battle raged behind the boards, where experience and wisdom clashed with intense time constraints.
Championship winners
The fight for leadership lasted until the last round, and the winner was determined only by additional indicators:
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1st place: Vladimir Romanov (6 points)
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2nd place: Gennady Shikida (6 points)
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3rd place: Yuriy Koshmak (5,5 points)
Best in age categories:
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50+: Oleksandr Rybchenko (5 points)
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65+: Ihor Shkuta (5 points)
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75+: Volodymyr Chubar (4 points)
The symbolic event was the awarding of the best game of the tournament. It was awarded to the match between Yuriy Koshmak and Gennady Shikida. Despite the fact that the game ended in a draw, its depth and skill impressed the judges so much that both opponents received awards.
Direct speech: "This is the first news"
Oleksiy Maly, President of the Kyiv Chess Federation:
"We are starting to fill the gaps in veteran chess. This tournament is the first news, and without the initiative of Oleksandr Rybchenko it would not have taken place. This year we will pay maximum attention to veterans and support them financially as much as possible. In the future, I think everything will be at an even higher level."
Oleksandr Rybchenko, head of the Brigantina HQ and chairman of the veterans' commission:
"I've been dreaming of playing the veteran classic in Kyiv for 10 years. If you want something, organize it yourself. The tournament turned out to be very competitive, half of the games ended in time constraints. Unexpectedly for me, we received serious support from the renewed Federation of the city. It was a real fierce struggle, which I appreciate above all."
Author's view: a return after 40 years
Herman Bogapov, tournament participant, CEO Kyiv1:
"This tournament has become special for me. I returned to face-to-face competitions only a year ago after a 40-year break. Playing against international masters and KMS was not easy, especially when the game lasts more than three hours and requires maximum concentration. But the atmosphere in the club on Sirozhupannyky was so friendly, and the fight was so sincere that this experience is invaluable. My great wish for the future is to hold such an event within the walls of the Kyiv City State Administration. Chess in Ukraine must develop!"
New horizons for chess Kyiv
The Federation and activists plan to expand the base for tournaments. As Ivan Zakharchuk (FSU) noted, work is currently underway to create new chess spaces in the capital, in particular on the basis of the Tavria National University. This will allow attracting even more participants — from students to veterans "65+".
The organizers thank all participants for their indomitable chess spirit and respect for each other. Chess in Kyiv live, and this championship has become the best proof of that.
