Cristina Adela Foișor (born Cristina Adela Bădulescu, 7 June 1967 in Petroșani — 22 January 2017 in Timișoara) was a prominent Romanian chess player who earned the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) during a career that spanned several decades. She won the Romanian Women's Chess Championship five times and became a familiar figure both in national events and in international competitions. Her life and career are often recalled as an example of sustained achievement in women's chess in Romania.

Career highlights and competitions

Foișor competed repeatedly in world championship cycles and other top-level events for female players. She took part in knockout World Championship tournaments and in a number of international opens and team competitions. At the Women's World Chess Championship 2012 she was eliminated in a closely fought tie-break that was decided by an Armageddon game, a sudden-death decider used when matches remain level after standard and rapid tie-breaks.

  • Titles: Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and International Master (IM), reflecting success at both the women’s and open levels.
  • National success: five-time winner of the Romanian Women's Chess Championship.
  • Club play: active in European club leagues; in the 2016/17 season she played for Schachfreunde Deizisau in the German 2. Bundesliga Süd.

Style, role and recognition

Known for a fighting spirit and deep opening knowledge, Foișor combined experience from decades of tournament play with a steady practical approach at the board. As an IM and WGM she demonstrated strength beyond national level and served as a respected member of Romania's chess community. Her achievements helped sustain the visibility of Romanian women's chess and gave a model of professional longevity for younger players.

Personal life and connections

Born in Petroșani, she used her maiden name Bădulescu early in her career before adopting the surname Foișor. Chess was a family pursuit: her daughter, Sabina-Francesca Foișor, followed her into competitive chess and later established a career of her own. Cristina represented Romania frequently and was seen as part of a generation that kept her country competitive on the international women's circuit. For details about her background and records see biographical sources and profiles maintained by chess organizations such as national federations.

Death and legacy

Foișor died on 22 January 2017 in Timișoara after suffering complications from pneumonia; reports indicate she was in a coma for several days before passing away at age 49. Her death was widely mourned within the chess community, and tributes recalled both her competitive successes and her role in promoting the game. Further information and contemporary accounts of her final illness and commemoration appear in news coverage and chess press releases from the time.