Igor Kovalenko, 36, the world No 48 with a Fide rating of 2669, has been a frontline soldier for three years and only began playing again a month agoUkraine was the most successful nation at this week’s European team championships, winning gold in the open event and silver in the women’s. It also sparked one of the most memorable results of recent years, as Igor Kovalenko, a serving army soldier who played no chess for three years, won the individual gold on fourth board with 6.5/8, the best percentage of the entire tournament.Kovalenko’s games included a key win against Serbia’s 2024 European individual champion, Aleksander Indjic, and a draw with Gawain Maroroa Jones in the final round when the Englishman was in pole position for third board gold. Continue reading...
Saturday 18 October 2025
theguardian - 1 days ago
Chess: Ukraine soldier grandmaster wins gold medal at European team championships
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