Opened on February 9in Limassol, Open Chess Championship 2024 officially finished on Sunday, March 3, and served as a platform for chess enthusiasts to demonstrate their capabilities.
This year’s tournament, organised by the Cyprus Chess Federation and its general partner Freedom Finance Europe, drew 86 participants with diverse backgrounds, from high-ranked professionals to aspiring young chess players.
Evgeniy Tyapkin, Executive Director of Freedom Finance Europe, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting chess culture in Cyprus. “We are honoured to support and nurture this wonderful sport through our partnership with the Cyprus Chess Federation, based on our shared vision, where competition is celebrated, and victories are achieved with an open mind and strategic thinking. As part of our broader commitment to support sports, art and culture here in our home country of Cyprus, Freedom Finance Europe is proud to be part of this exciting tournament.”
“I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Freedom Finance Europe for supporting this and other tournaments and congratulate all winners, participants and chess lovers. From what I see here, and especially given the age distribution of the competitors, I am very optimistic about the future of chess in Cyprus”, said Nicos Nicolaides, Mayor of Limassol at the closing ceremony.
The Open Chess Championship, which welcomed hundreds of guests, honoured Stelios Abatzidis and Victoria Sokolova winning gold medals in men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Criton Tornaritis, President of the Cyprus Chess Federation, said: “The 2024 Cyprus Open Chess Championship has concluded with resounding success, and the Federation is glad to continue fostering intellectual competition and growth through advancing chess in Cyprus, together with our strategic partner, Freedom Finance Europe.”