2008 Turkey Chess Championship

Mikhail Gurevich new champion, Suat Atalik close second

Following the IsBank-Ataturk International Women Tournament, Turkish Chess Federation continued its ambitious program with the 14-men round robin national championship. The tournament took place on 23rd March - 4th April in capitol Ankara.

Both Turkish Grandmasters, Mikhail Gurevich and Suat Atalik, took participation, inspiring other players to give their best efforts. Already in the first round Gurevich lost with white pieces to 16-years old Mustafa Yilmaz. The shocking start quickly mobilized Gurevich who went on to win 11 out of 12 remaining games, including a swindle from weak position against Atalik, and claim the championship title. Suat Atalik finished second only half point behind, while IM Mert Erdogdu was distant third.

GM Mikhail Gurevich

Final standings:

1. GM Mikhail Gurevich 2607 - 11.5
2. GM Suat Atalik 2597 - 11.0
3. IM Mert Erdogdu 2434 - 8.5
4-5. Mustafa Yilmaz 2288 and FM Ata Secer 2308 - 7.5
6-7. IM Kivanc Haznedaroglu 2459 and FM Selim Citak 2319 - 7.0
8-9. Burak Firat 2182 and IM Hasan Kilicaslan 2264 - 6.5
10. FM Hakan Erdogan 2282 - 6.0
11. Aydin Duman 2231 - 4.0
12. FM Alper Ataman 2209 - 3.5
13. Muhittin Buker 2166 - 3.0
14. Ali Ekber Dogan 1978 - 1.5

GM Suat Atalik

IM Mert Erdogdu

Future star - Mustafa Yilmaz

Meanwhile, Kübra Öztürk, two-time European Under 16 Chess Champion, had the honor to carry Olympic Torch through the streets of Istanbul

Photos courtesy of Turkish Chess Federation