GM Viktor Gažík and IM Zuzana Hagarová achieved remarkable success at the Slovak national chess championships held in Bratislava from June 13 to 21, 2026. The tournament showcased both the Open and Women’s events, featuring 10-player round-robins with classical time controls, allowing for intense and strategic gameplay.
Highlights of the Slovak National Chess Championships
The Open section of the tournament was particularly thrilling, characterized by a fierce battle between defending champion Gažík and challenger GM Peter Michalík. The two players were neck and neck through the first six rounds, exhibiting exceptional skill and determination. However, the tide turned as Gažík secured back-to-back victories while Michalík faced two draws. In a dramatic penultimate round, Gažík encountered a setback against IM Vladimír Bochnička but made a strong comeback in the final round by defeating GM Filip Haring. This victory allowed Gažík to finish with an impressive score of 7 points from 9 games, successfully defending his title.
Michalík finished in second place, trailing by a full point, while GM Juraj Druska rounded out the podium in third place with a score of 5.5/9. This competitive landscape not only highlighted the skill of the players but also the growing prominence of chess in Slovakia.
In the Women’s championship, the competition was just as fierce. On the final day, both Zuzana Hagarová and WIM Svetlana Sučikova found themselves tied at 6.5 points out of 8. Their direct encounter would ultimately determine the champion. In a nail-biting match, Hagarová emerged victorious, claiming the title and solidifying her status as one of Slovakia’s top female players. Sučikova’s commendable performance earned her the silver medal, while WFM Monika Rojíčková secured a strong bronze with a score of 5.5/9.
The 2026 Slovak national chess championships not only crowned new national champions but also provided a platform for showcasing the depth of talent in Slovak chess. Both Gažík and Hagarová’s victories represent significant milestones in their careers and contribute to the rich history of chess in Slovakia.