Ilia Smirin Wins Israeli Blitz Chess Championship After Tiebreak in Afula

The Israeli Blitz Chess Championship concluded dramatically in Afula, with Grandmaster Ilia Smirin, 58, from Ashdod Chess Club, crowned champion after a tight contest decided by tiebreak. Smirin finished first with 10 points out of 12 rounds, edging out Grandmaster Avital Boruchovsky of Kfar Saba Chess Club and International Master Michael Klenburg from Beersheba, who also scored 10 points but ranked lower on tiebreak criteria. All three received trophies and cash prizes.

This marks Smirin's fourth Israeli championship title, having previously won in 1992, 2002, and 2023. He is also a member of the Israeli national team preparing to compete in the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in two weeks. The championship served as a final rehearsal for the team, who paused their training camp in Netanya to participate.

A notable surprise was 14-year-old Eliran Shilon Rahav from the Afula Chess Excellence Club, who placed fifth with 9.5 points, tying with Grandmaster Viktor Michalebsky from Beersheba. Rahav also earned the Israeli Under-18 champion title.

In the women's competition, Noga Orian from Haifa Chess Club won her first title with 8.5 points, surpassing Masha Kalinova of Beersheba and Viktoria Cherniak from Kiryat Yam.

Looking ahead, the Israeli Rapid Chess Championship is scheduled for September 3-4 in Holon, featuring top players and a public chess festival aimed at engaging families and new audiences. The event will be held at Ariel Sharon School in collaboration with the Israeli Chess Federation and Holon Municipality.

Dr. Tzvika Barkai, chairman of the Israeli Chess Federation, praised the championship for showcasing the growth of Israeli chess and the mix of top and promising young players. Afula Mayor Avi Elkabetz expressed pride in hosting the event for the second consecutive year, emphasizing the city's commitment to promoting chess among residents and making Afula a central hub for the sport in Israel.