Lautier and Skripchenko French Champions

French Championships in Chartres

It could have been a memorable husband-and-wife victory, except they are no longer married. Joel Lautier, one of France's two top GMs, and Almira Skripchenko, former Moldova and now French player, won the men's and women's section of the French Championships, which were held from August 15–26 in Chartres, France.

Joel and Almira were married but separated amicably a few years ago. Both won their sections alone, half a point ahead of the field. Joel Lautier scored 7.5/11 with a 2682 performance, Almira Skripchenko had 9/11 and a 2487 performance on the final table. Joel had five wins and a loss, Almira seven wins and no losses.

France's youngest star, 14-year-old Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, tied for second (with Andrei Sokolov) with 7.0/9 and a single loss in this tournament. His performance was 2660, which was 133 points above his nominal rating. Former French women's champion Sophie Milliet, WGM and 21 years old, came second to Almira Skripchenko with 8.5/11 and a 2449 performance.

Final standing Men

Final standing Women

• All games from the men's section in PGN
• All games from the women's section in PGN
• All games from both sections in zipped PGN
• Official web site
• Running information from the French Chess Federation

A key game between Joel Lautier and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (it was a draw)

Sabine Fruteau and Almira Skripchenko studying bulletins before their game

The tournament nears its end, the last games will soon be over

French women's champion Almira Skripchenko in her Paris apartment