The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess was pleased to support the 5th edition of the Caïssa Trophy, France’s national women’s chess tournament, by enabling a special appearance from the 14th Women’s World Chess Champion, Anna Ushenina, in Lyon.
Beyond supporting women’s tournaments, one of the Commission’s key objectives is to create opportunities for players of all ages to meet and learn from inspiring female role models. Encounters with leading women players help make chess more visible, encourage girls and women to remain active in the game, and demonstrate the many pathways available within the chess community.
As part of the event, Anna Ushenina gave a simultaneous exhibition on Sunday, 14 June, at the Lyon Olympique Chess Club. Participants included children, school students, and adult players, several of whom were experienced competitors rated around 1800–1950. Demonstrating the skill and fighting spirit that made her World Champion, Ushenina scored a clean sweep, winning all of her games.
The simultaneous exhibition was held with the support of FIDE and the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, and in cooperation with the Barreau de Paris Échecs club. Before the exhibition, Anna was warmly welcomed by participants and guests and introduced during the Caïssa Trophy tournament. She also had the opportunity to visit the Lyon Olympique Chess Club’s remarkable chess museum, including the historic board on which Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov played during their World Championship match in Lyon.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, many participants took the opportunity to meet the former Women’s World Champion and take photographs with her. During the closing ceremony, Anna also presented the first-place trophy to tournament winner Silvia Alexieva. We thank the organizers, who acknowledged the support of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess both before the simultaneous exhibition and during the awards ceremony.
The 5th Caïssa Trophy attracted 50 amateur women players from across France, who competed in a nine-round rapid tournament (15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment). International Master Silvia Alexieva claimed first place, ahead of Elise Tomasi, Sarah Didjelli and Grandmaster Nino Maisuradze. An accompanying tournament for accompanying players was also held alongside the main competition.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess extends its sincere thanks to Anna Ushenina for generously sharing her time, experience and enthusiasm with the chess community in Lyon. Through initiatives such as this, the Commission continues to support local organizers, increase the visibility of women in chess, and create meaningful opportunities for players to meet and be inspired by some of the game’s most accomplished women.
We thank the organisers and all the partners, and participants for making this event such a memorable experience!
