Klaudia Kulon Wins 11th Menchik Memorial in London

Klaudia Kulon achieved victory at the 11th Menchik Memorial held in London, finishing the tournament with 7½ points from nine rounds. She won six matches and drew three, ensuring her win before the final round.

After the eighth round, Kulon had a clear lead with 7 points, while her nearest competitors, Cecile Haussernot and Andreea-Marioara Cosman, were at 5½ and 5 points, respectively. In the final round, Cosman defeated Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant, securing her second place in the standings.

Among the ten players was German national team member Lara Schulze, who struggled throughout the tournament, finishing with only 3½ points. Schulze had hoped to earn a WGM norm but fell short, recording a performance rating of 2161 and expected to lose Elo points. Despite her performance, she aims to use the experience as preparation for the upcoming Chess Olympiad.