Georgian
Women Championship 2012
For the second time this event is being staged in Anaklia, Georgia,
with the following twelve players are taking part:
Anaklia is located in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, at the place where
the Enguri River (Inguri) flows into the Black Sea, near the administrative
border with Abkhazia.
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The earliest settlement on Anaklia's territory dates back to the mid-Bronze
Age and is typical to the Colchian culture. According to the folklore tradition
its name took the origin from a woman named Anna, whose baby was kidnapped and
taken away by the ship. The poor woman followed the ship along the shore, weeping.
Afterwards the place was called “Ana rkians” or “Anakria”
(“Ana is weeping”).

The Black Sea coastal town and and seaside resort of Anaklia

The hotel, where the championship participants stay, has become popular...

... amongst newly married couples, who walk down the long alley in front
of the hotel

A view from the tournament hall to the Black Sear

The beautiful sunset to which you are treated every evening
The Open Championship is held in a festive atmosphere. During the opening ceremony
each participant could choose a beautiful bouquet of flowers, with a card bearing
the starting number.
Top seed Bela Khotenashvili, who drew the nine. Bela is an IM and WGM rated
2490, 23 years old, a philologist specialising in the English language. She
is married and has a little daughter named Marya.
WIM Meri Arabidze drew the number one. Meri, who still goes to school, is
18 years old and rated 2337. At tournaments that are held near a sea shore she
always collect shells.
Chess Olympiad Champions Maia Lomineishvili and Sopiko Khukhashvili. Maia is
and IM rated 2366, 34 years old, a journalist by profession, married with a
son named George. She is a fan of Latin American dance. Sopiko is and expert
on international relationship and diplomacy. She loves poetry and billiards.

IM Sofio Gvetadze, 28, rated 2334, is an expert on international
relationship and diplomacy. Her hobbies are photograph and reading.

WGM Sopiko Guramishvili, rated 2395, 21 years old, student,
likes photography, musical instruments, singing and dancing.

The President of the Georgian Chess Federation, GM Giorgi Giorgadze, with
Sopiko Guramishvili

A round under way
Standings after six rounds of play

In the lead after six rounds: WIM Meri Arabidze, 18, rated 2337, with 4.5/6
points

Press officer of the Georgian Chess Federation Sopho Nikoladze, from whom we
received the above pictures and exemplary information on the players. Sopho
is a journalist and economist who loves to travel and make new acquaintances.
Oh, yes, she is also a Women's International Master rated 2203.
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