Nana Alexandria Georgian, formerly Soviet, chess player, grandmaster Date of Birth: 13.10.1949 Country: Georgia

Biography of Nana Alexandria

Nana Alexandria was a Georgian, formerly Soviet, chess player and grandmaster (1976). She was awarded the title of Honored Master of Sports of the USSR in 1971. Born in 1949 in Poti, Georgia, she initially pursued a career in journalism. Alexandria participated in two World Championship matches (1975 and 1981). She made her debut in the USSR Championship in 1963 and became a three-time champion of the USSR (1966, 1968, 1969). She was a multiple winner of the World Chess Olympiads (1969-1980) as a member of the Soviet national team. From 1967 to 1990, she competed in World Championship tournaments.

Alexandria reached the finals of the World Championship twice but was defeated. In 1975, she faced Nona Gaprindashvili (+3 =1 -8), and in 1981, she played against Maya Chiburdanidze (+4 =8 -4, with Chiburdanidze retaining the title of World Champion). Alexandria emerged victorious in over 20 international tournaments throughout her career. She was coached by Vakhtang Karseladze. In Georgia, chess tournaments are held in her honor, and the winners are awarded the Cup of Nana Alexandria.

Nana Alexandria's son, Giga Bokeria, is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.