European Women's Rapid and Blitz Championships

Just after the regular tournament, won by Valentina Gunina of Russia, the European Women's Rapid and Blitz Championships were held in Gaziantep, Turkey. Gunina also took the blitz title, while Tatiana Kosintseva was the strongest in the rapid section.

By Anastasia Karlovich

The European Individual Women Rapid Chess Championship was held from 15 till16 of March 2012 in Gazientep, Turkey. Tatiana Kosintseva became the winner, while Alexandra Kosteniuk got silver medal. The German player Elisabeth Paehtz, who defeated Antoaneta Stefanova in the last round, was placed third. Nana Dzagnidze lost against Tatiana Kosintseva in the last round and shared the fourth place together with Katerina Lahno, Anna Muzychuk, Nino Batsiashvili, Antoaneta Stefanova and Valentina Gunina.

Valentina Gunina became the winner of the European Individual Women Blitz Chess Championship (March 17th-18th) and thus got her second gold medal in Gazientep. In the last round she managed to win against Antoaneta Stefanova 2-0 and this victory placed her on the first rank. Elisabeth Paehtz, who was leading before the last round, lost to Nadezda Kosintseva 1.5-0.5 and got the silver medal. Nana Dzagnidze was placed third.