The French Chess Championships concluded in Vichy on 24 August, with Marc'Andria Maurizzi and Yosha Iglesias emerging as the new national champions. Both finals were closely contested, reflecting the competitive depth of French chess at present.
Alongside the winners, places on the podium were secured by established players, ensuring that the blend of youth and experience was once again evident in the closing stages of the national tournament.
The finals taking place on the main stage | Photo: Nathalie Daubry
Marc'Andria Maurizzi claimed the national title after defeating Laurent Fressinet in the final. The match was tightly fought, with the two classical games ending in draws on Friday and Saturday. A further draw followed in the first rapid tiebreak game on Sunday, before Maurizzi prevailed in the second rapid encounter to secure victory. At 18 years old, he confirmed his status as the brightest young talent in French chess.
Fressinet took the runner-up spot, while Étienne Bacrot secured third place. Bacrot defeated Sebastien Maze in the rapid playoff for the bronze medal, after drawing the first game and winning the second.
The podium | Photo: Nathalie Daubry
Rapid game #2
Marc'Andria Maurizzi | Photo: Nathalie Daubry
In the women's final, Yosha Iglesias became French champion for the first time. She drew the opening classical game against Mitra Hejazipour before clinching the decisive win in the second, thus taking the title without the need for tiebreaks. Hejazipour, the 2023 champion, finished in second place.
The match for third place between Deimante Daulyte-Cornette and Anastasia Savina went the full distance. After two draws in the classical games, the first rapid playoff ended in another draw before Savina prevailed in the second tiebreak, ensuring her place on the podium.
The podium | Photo: Nathalie Daubry
Classical game #2
Yosha Iglesias | Photo: Nathalie Daubry
