Noritsyn and Li Yunshan are 2025 Canadian Chess Champions

Ninety players from nine provinces participated

The 2025 Canadian Chess Championships recently concluded in Toronto on April 22. International Master Nikolay Noritsyn claimed his third national title in the Open section, while Woman International Master Li Yunshan secured her first Canadian Women`s Championship title.

Both the 89th Canadian Championship (Open) and the 22nd Canadian Women`s Championship were held simultaneously from April 17 to 22 at a single location in Toronto. The events followed a 9-round Swiss format with classical time controls. The combined competition drew 90 of Canada`s leading chess players from nine different provinces, including 3 Grandmasters, 13 International Masters, and 3 Woman International Masters.

In the Open section, FIDE Master Tymur Keleberda had a strong start, winning his first four games. A draw in round 5 against GM Bator Sambuev set the stage for a critical round 6 game against IM Nikolay Noritsyn. Noritsyn won this encounter to take the sole lead, which he successfully defended until the end of the tournament. He finished undefeated with a score of 7.5 points out of 9, achieved through six wins and three draws.

GM Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux was the only other participant to remain undefeated, finishing in clear second place with 7 points. A tie for third place occurred between GM Razvan Preotu and IM Raymond Kaufman, both scoring 6.5/9. Preotu was awarded the bronze medal based on tiebreaks.

The final round in progress (Photo: John Upper)

The winners` podiums: (Women`s) 3rd WFM Morgen Mills, 2nd WIM Svitlana Demchenko, 1st WIM Li Yunshan; (Open) 1st IM Nikolay Noritsyn, 2nd GM Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux, 3rd GM Razvan Preotu (Photo: John Upper)

Final Standings – Open Section

…full standings for 55 players available.