The final of the Russian Women's Chess Cup held in Khanty-Mansiysk ended with the victory of Grandmaster Baira Kovanova on 2nd of December. Baira Kovanova is a Russian Cup finalist, Euro cup medallist and winner of many competitions. In the final, Baira Kovanova defeated Ekaterina Goltseva 2.5: 1.5 and won the Russian Cup.
The first President of Kalmykia, sixth President of FIDE Kirsan Ilyumzhinov congratulated the compatriot on the great victory and wished her further success, health and bright triumphs in chess.
Editor’s note: Baira Kovanova was born in Elista on May 12, 1987. When the republic was headed by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a real chess boom began in Kalmykia. Chess City was built and general chess education came to schools. Baira learned to play quite late, at the age of ten, but quickly showed her chess abilities.
At this time, the famous trainer, international master Pavel Lobach often came to Elista. Noticing a capable girl, Lobach began individual coaching of Baira, which soon led to Kovanova winning the Russian U18 Championship (2005).
Inspired by her success, the native of Elista decided to link her fate with chess and entered the Saratov State Law Academy. Two years later (2007) Baira Kovanova got the title of the International Grandmaster. As part of the Saratov’s ‘Economist’, the chess player has repeatedly become a prize-winner of the country's championships.
