
The tournament
The ACP-ECU European Women's Rapid championship is currently underway in Kutaisi, Georgia, following directly after the end of the standard time control championship. It is an eleven-round competition held over three days from June 1 to June 3, 2015. Games are played at a rate of 15 minutes per game per player, with an increment of ten seconds per move). The base prize fund is 10 thousand Euros, with 2000 for 1st place, 1500 Euros for 2nd, and 1000 Euros for 3rd (subject to 20% Georgian Income Tax), however there is also an additional 8000 Euros added by the ACP. All games are broadcast at the official site and at Playchess as of 1 PM Paris time or 7AM New York.
Day two

The entrance to the Bagrati hotel where the event is held in a cozy atmosphere

Emil Sutovsky, together with Jeroen Van Den Berg, the Wijk-an-Zee director and ACP board
member, as well as Gia Giorgadze at the beautiful Martvili monastery, built in the 7th century.

Georgian player IM Maia Lomineishvili, rated 2399 (FIDE Rapid) has had a see-saw event,
with three wins on day one, and three losses on day two

Giorgi Khomeriki with his two daughters, Ketevan and Nino, both of whom are playing

Stefanova had a perfect start with 4.0/4 one day one, but then conceded three draws on
day two and is now sharing the lead with...

... Alexandra Kosteniuk who went 4.0/4 on day two and is now at 6.5/8.
Nino Khurtsidze vs Nino Melashvili

White has conducted an excellent game and now tops it off with a mating
shot. White to play and win.

IM Meri Arabidze, from the deep ocean of chess talent in Georgia

IM Salome Meridze from Georgia has 4.5/8

WIM Miranda Mikadze has had a rough event and is at 3.0/8

2015 European Champion in standard time controls: Natalia Zhukova

Jeroen Van Den berg observes the action

A young talent on the rise
Solution: White mates after 1.Rd7!
Photos by Picasso
Standings after eight rounds (ratings are FIDE rapid)
Click for complete standings