Ekaterina Lagno Ukrainian chess player, grandmaster Date of Birth: 27.12.1989 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Chess Prodigy
2. Ukrainian Chess Champion and International Success
3. Success with Russia and Record-Breaking Achievements
4. Continued Success and Recognition
5. Personal Life

Early Life and Chess Prodigy

Ekaterina Lagno, born in Lviv, Ukraine, is a renowned chess grandmaster. Her journey into the world of chess began at the tender age of two. Remarkably, at just 12 years and 4 months, she achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster, setting the record for the youngest female grandmaster in chess history, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Ukrainian Chess Champion and International Success

During her time representing Ukraine, Lagno left an indelible mark on the chess world. She claimed three consecutive titles as Ukrainian Girls' Under-10 Champion (1997-1999) and three more as Ukrainian Girls' Under-12 Champion (1999-2001). Her international breakthrough came in 2005 when she became the European Women's Chess Champion at the age of 15. In 2006, she earned a full Grandmaster title by triumphing at the sixth North Ural Cup in Krasnoturyinsk. That same year, she helped the Ukrainian team win the Chess Olympiad in Turin.

Success with Russia and Record-Breaking Achievements

After relocating to France and returning to Ukraine, Lagno made history by capturing the Women's World Blitz Championship title in 2010. In 2012, she secured a bronze medal at the 40th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul for her performance on the first board. In 2014, she became the Women's World Rapid Chess Champion after defeating Alexandra Kosteniuk in a tiebreaker.

In 2014, Lagno received permission from the International Chess Federation President's Council to represent Russia. She justified her transition by emphasizing her strong ties to both Ukraine and Russia. Later that year, she joined the Russian team at the 41st Chess Olympiad in Tromso, where they emerged victorious in the women's team tournament.

Continued Success and Recognition

Lagno's remarkable achievements continued to pile up. In 2018, she won the Women's World Blitz Championship for the second time. The following year, she was honored with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 1st Class, by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Personal Life

Aside from her illustrious chess career, Lagno's personal life has also been a testament to her resilience and determination. She was married to French chess player and television journalist Robert Fontaine from 2009 to 2012. She is now married to Russian grandmaster Alexander Grischuk, with whom she has four children.