Swiss chess star Lena Georgescu quits national team over federation disputes
Lena Georgescu, Switzerland's most accomplished female chess player, has retired from the national team after a decade. The Woman Grandmaster, who broke records and won multiple national championships, stepped down due to management issues within the Swiss Chess Federation.
Georgescu's decision to leave the team has led to a decrease in earnings but has positively impacted her chess performance and well-being. She achieved the title of Woman FIDE Master at 16, earlier than any other Swiss woman, and became Swiss champion for the first time in 2017. Despite her success, she faced issues with the federation's management and lack of transparency, leading to her resignation.
The Swiss national team includes players without Swiss citizenship, with residency determining eligibility. Georgescu, an advocate for fair play, has spoken out about cheating in chess. She believes rigorous controls are needed to prevent and catch cheaters, who often use phones or text messages during games.
Georgescu's retirement from the national team highlights issues within the Swiss Chess Federation. Her advocacy for stricter anti-cheating measures aims to improve the integrity of the game. Despite leaving the team, she remains Switzerland's most accomplished female chess player, with multiple records and national championships to her name.
