Bulgaria’s women’s national chess team delivered a stunning performance in the seventh round of the European Team Chess Championship in Budva, securing a decisive victory over their formidable opponent, France.
The Bulgarian women emerged triumphant with a scoreline of 3:1 points, propelling them to the top of the standings with 12 match points, surpassing France by a single point.
Heading into the crucial round, Bulgaria and France were unbeaten, with the French team only having one draw in their record.
The anticipation for the clash between these two powerhouses added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Despite the strong start by the French team, the Bulgarians displayed remarkable composure and skill, delivering a masterclass in chess strategy.
One of the night’s standout performances came from Nurgyul Salimova, who secured a brilliant victory on the second board against Sophie Milliet.
Playing with the white pieces, Salimova orchestrated an impressive win in just 38 moves, marking her third consecutive victory and solidifying her status as the strongest-performing player on all second boards.
Beloslava Krasteva, a surprise inclusion in the Bulgarian lineup, proved to be a game-changing decision. The bronze medalist from the U20 World Girls Championship demonstrated her prowess with the white pieces on the fourth board, defeating Anastasia Savina in 45 moves.
Krasteva’s freshness and strategic brilliance were evident, contributing significantly to Bulgaria’s commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite the setback, France mounted a comeback as Polina Guichard secured a victory over Gergana Peycheva on the third board.
This win breathed new life into the French team, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale that the outcome of the first board encounter would decide.
The responsibility fell on the shoulders of Antoaneta Stefanova, Bulgaria’s first board player, facing a challenging position with the black pieces.
After the initial 30 moves, Stefanova found herself in a seemingly lost position. However, displaying remarkable resilience and strategic insight, she not only managed to extricate herself from the difficult situation but also turned the game’s tide.
In a display of skill and determination, Stefanova secured victory after 55 moves, culminating in a checkmate position.
The team effort showcased Bulgaria’s strength and depth, with each player contributing to the team’s success.
The victory propelled Bulgaria to the top of the standings and served as a testament to their skill, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
As the European Team Chess Championship unfolds, Bulgaria’s triumph over France in the seventh round stands out as a defining moment in their quest for glory.
The team’s stellar performance has undoubtedly heightened expectations and positioned them as strong contenders for the championship title.
Chess enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly follow Bulgaria’s journey in the remaining rounds, anticipating more thrilling encounters and strategic brilliance from this formidable women’s chess team.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members