Alexandra Kosteniuk Wins Again

Alexandra Kosteniuk (pictured) has proved yet again what a remarkable competitor she is by winning the women's individual blitz title at the World Mind Sports Games in Beijing.  Alexandra beat Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria 2-1 in the final.

That means that Sasha is now the Women's World Champion, the World Chess960 Rapid champion and the World Mind Sports Games blitz champion!  No matter what the time control Kosteniuk is a tough cookie.

The surprise winner of the men's individual blitz title was Martyn Kravtsiv of the Ukraine.

Several of the sports at the games, including chess, aspire to be admitted into the actual Olympic Games, but this seems unlikely to happen any time soon.

The audience and press at the opening ceremony (picture from Chessdom)