The 15th Women's Grandmaster Chess Festival – Krystyna Hołuj-Radzikowska Memorial – once again brought together leading female players for a nine-day celebration of competitive chess. Regarded as one of the most important events dedicated to women's chess in Poland and Europe, the festival combines elite competition with a broader programme aimed at promoting the game among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
From 13 to 21 February, players of all levels gather in Wrocław, celebrating the royal game by competing against strong opponents, gaining valuable experience and obtaining new skills.
The event commemorates Krystyna Hołuj-Radzikowska (1931–2006), one of the foremost figures in the history of Polish women's chess. A nine-time national champion, she represented Poland internationally for many years and played a central role in establishing the country's reputation in women's chess. Among her most notable achievements was winning the individual gold medal on first board at the 1957 Women's Chess Olympiad.
After concluding her playing career, she remained active as a coach and organiser, contributing to the development of future generations. The festival named in her honour reflects her legacy of sporting excellence and long-standing commitment to the chess community.
Krystyna Hołuj-Radzikowska | Photo: Official website
The principal event of the festival is the match between Poland and the Rest of the World, staged at the Hotel im. Jana Pawła II. The match runs from Monday to Friday, and games are played with a classical time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 15 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment per move throughout. Each team fields five players in each round.
After three rounds, Poland lead narrowly, having won the opening two matches by 3–2 and 3½–1½, respectively. The Rest of the World reduced the deficit with a 3–2 victory in Wednesday's round three. In each of the first three encounters, the losing side managed to collect one win.
Individually, Olga Badelka has been the standout performer so far. The Austrian representative has scored 2½/3, defeating Jolanta Zawadzka and Klaudia Kulon and drawing with Monika Soćko in the first round. For Poland, Klaudia Kulon leads the scoring with 2/3, having beaten Anna-Maja Kazarian and Dinara Wagner.
The remaining two rounds, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, will determine the final outcome of the match.
The start of the first round | Photo: Official website
Olga Badelka defeated Jolanta Zawadzka in round two | Photo: Official website
Jolanta Zawadzka during the first round - she beat Anna Zatonskih with the black pieces | Photo: Official website
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
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