Nino Khurtsidze (28 September 1975 – 22 April 2018) was a prominent Georgian chess player who achieved international recognition in the 1990s and continued to compete at a high level into the 2000s. Born in the Soviet Union, she rose through junior ranks to claim major youth titles and earned the FIDE distinctions of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM).

Career highlights

Khurtsidze's most notable early accomplishments were winning the World Junior Girls Chess Championship twice. These victories established her among the top young women players of her generation and helped launch a long international career. Beyond junior competition, she recorded strong performances in open and women's events and was a regular competitor in international tournaments.

Titles, style and strengths

She held the FIDE titles of Woman Grandmaster and International Master, reflecting both her strength in women's events and her ability to compete on equal terms in open tournaments. Analysts and opponents praised her positional understanding and practical play; she was known for steady technique, resourceful endgame handling and a fighting spirit in complex positions.

Notable results and team play

Among her notable results, Khurtsidze finished second in the 2004 Essen Open, behind Evgeny Shaposhnikov. She also represented her country in international team competitions, appearing for Georgia in major team events and contributing to the national chess scene both as a player and as an experienced figure fellow competitors respected.

Legacy and death

Throughout her career Khurtsidze served as an example for younger Georgian players and remained an admired presence in tournaments. Her sudden passing from cancer in Tbilisi in April 2018 at age 42 was mourned across the chess community. She is remembered for her competitive achievements, sportsmanship and the inspiration she provided to aspiring players.

Further reading

  • Major junior titles and lists of games are available through chess databases and federation records.
  • Contemporary tournament reports and remembrances document her contributions and notable games.