The 2022 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports has come to an end and its champions are known.

In the men’s category Arash Daghli from Iran managed to keep his half-point lead over the other players, although he certainly had to fight for it. His fellow Iranian and opponent Mahdi Gholami Orimi could still win the title if he beat Arash, followed by an interesting and sharp game that saw Mahdi attacking from the beginning. However, after Dimitris Alexakis lost on board 2, Arash was certain that a draw would be sufficient to get the world title and he could play safely against his teammate. In the end Mahdi didn’t manage to force a win and Arash secured the world title with a draw against his opponent.

Where Arash was the clear favorite to win the men’s title, it was anyone’s guess who would grasp the women’s title. No less than eleven players still had a chance to end up with a (tied) first place. It is no wonder then that all of the top boards saw great attacking play from both sides. After a couple of hours, it seemed like Fiona Sieber and Katarzyna Dwilewicz had the best chances of ending up on top. When Fiona won her game, it was up to Katarzyna to tie for the first place with her. However, Katarzyna’s opponent Anastasia Avramidou proved her worth and managed to neutralize Katarzyna’s advantage. A draw was agreed, leaving one player ahead of the pack. As a result, Fiona Sieber goes home with the women’s World University Champion title.

The winners of classical chess and blitz chess competition were awarded at the Official Awarding Ceremony.

Women’s Classical Chess Champions:

1. Fiona Sieber – Germany – 6.5
2. Anastasia Avramidou – Greece – 6
3. Anna Kubicka – Poland – 6

Men’s Classical Chess Champions:

1. Arash Daghli – Islamic Republic of Iran – 7
2. Igor Janik – Poland – 6.5
3. Tin Jingyao – Singapore – 6.5

TEAM Classical Chess Podium:
(including 3 best players)

1. ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN – Arash Dashli – Mobina Alinasab – Mahdi Gholami Orimi –  19.0
   (Zhina Paktinat – Tannaz Azali )
2. POLAND – Igor Janik – Anna Kubicka – Katarzyna Dwilewicz – 18.5
   (Marcin Molenda, Patryk Chylewski, Alicia Sliwicka , Julia Antolak – Honorata Kucharska)
3. GERMANY – Tristan Niermann – Fiona Sieber – Steffi Arnold – 17
   (Simon Leeb, Olga Weis)

Women’s Blitz Chess Champions:

1. Alicja Sliwicka – Poland – 6.5
2. Honorata Kucharska – Poland – 6
3. Mobina Alinasab – Islamic Republic of Iran – 6

Men’s Blitz Chess Champions:

1. Tin Jingyao – Singapore – 7.5
2. Igor Janik – Poland – 7.5
3. Arash Daghli – Islamic Republic of Iran – 7

TEAM Blitz Chess Podium:

(including 3 best players)

1. POLAND – Igor Janik – Alicia Sliwicka – Honorata Kucharska – 20.0
   (Marcin Molenda, Patryk Chylewski, Anna Kubicka, Katarzyna Dwilewicz, Julia Antolak)
2. ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN – Arash Dashli – Mobina Alinasab – Mahdi Gholami Orimi –  18.5
   (Zhina Paktinat – Tannaz Azali )
3. FRANCE – Yovann Gatineau – Elise Tomasi – Floryan Eugene – 15.0
   (Sarah Djidjeli)

During this tournament, no less than 5 players have achieved a norm needed to obtain a higher FIDE title.

The following two men achieved a norm to obtain the title of FIDE International Master:

• Arash Daghli – Islamic Republic of Iran
• Marcin Molenda – Poland

The following three women achieved a norm to obtain the title of FIDE Women International Master

• Anastasia Avramidou – Greece
• Honorata Kucharska – Poland
• Katarzyna Dwilewicz – Poland 

Congratulations to all winners!