Putin congratulates chess player Goryachkina on her victory at the Rapid World Cup in Doha

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated chess player Alexandra Goryachkina on her victory at the World Rapid Championship in Doha. This was announced on December 29 by the Kremlin's press service.

"Dear Alexandra Yurievna! Congratulations on your triumphant performance at the World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha," Putin is quoted as saying on the Kremlin's website.

In his congratulation, the head of state noted that the chess player vividly and confidently beat her strong rivals, demonstrating a victorious spirit and the highest class of skill.

He called her victory a wonderful New Year's gift for mentors, relatives and all fans of chess in Russia. Putin also wished Goryachkina further sporting success and congratulated her on the upcoming holidays.

Alexandra the First: Goryachkina became the rapid world champion

Vladislav Artemyev became the second in the open tournament, passing only Magnus Carlsen ahead.

Earlier that day, it was reported that Goryachkina became the world champion in rapid chess at the Doha tournament. In the tiebreak, the Russian beat the Chinese Zhu Jin'er with a score of 1.5:0.5 after both athletes scored 8.5 points at the end of the main stage. The winner was determined in games with a shortened time control — three minutes with the addition of two seconds per turn.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.