Italian Championship 2025: Luca Moroni and Olga Zimina Crowned Champions
The Italian Individual Chess Championship 2025 concluded with new champions in both the Open and Women’s sections. GM Luca Moroni and IM Olga Zimina captured the national titles, each winning their fourth Italian crown.
The championship was held from November 27 to December 8 at the newly opened Italian Chess Federation Technical Center in Spilimbergo, located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The modern venue hosted Italy’s top chess players in a highly competitive atmosphere.
Open Championship Highlights
The Open event was an 11-player round-robin tournament. Veteran GM Michele Godena withdrew due to serious personal reasons, but the competition remained intense throughout.
At the halfway stage, Sabino Brunello, Luca Moroni, and Francesco Bettalli shared the lead with 4.5 points out of 6. Luca Moroni, the top seed and the only player rated above 2500, then took full control of the tournament.
Moroni won three consecutive games, including a key victory against Bettalli. He followed this with two solid draws in the final rounds to secure the title with 7.5 points out of 10.
Sabino Brunello finished just half a point behind, remaining the only unbeaten player in the Open section. Francesco Bettalli claimed third place with a final score of 6/10.
Women’s Championship Drama
The Women’s Championship featured a 10-player round-robin and delivered a thrilling finish. Olga Zimina and Marina Brunello dominated the event and entered the final round tied at the top with 7 points from 8 games.
In the decisive last round, Marina Brunello was held to a draw by WFM Enrica Zito in an opposite-colored bishop endgame. At the same time, Olga Zimina defeated WFM Elisa Cassi, securing a crucial win.
This victory earned Olga Zimina the Italian Women’s Championship title, marking her fourth national crown. Camelia-Adriana Ciobanu and Giulia Sala shared third place. Ciobanu took the bronze medal after winning their direct encounter.
Under-20 Champions
In the Under 20 Open section, FM Niccolò Casadio emerged as the champion. Giulia Sala was named the best Under-20 Woman, thanks to her strong fourth-place finish in the Women’s Championship.
The Italian Championship 2025 once again showcased the depth and strength of Italian chess, with experienced champions and rising young talents sharing the spotlight.
Photos: Denis Scarpante, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
