Published online December 17, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
Mélissa Gélinas
GATINEAU – A 13-year-old girl from Quyon, Denise Tsanov, stood out at the Gatineau Women’s Chess Festival after winning the round-robin category for top-ranked players, a format in which each competitor faces every other player, with the winner determined by the highest point total.
The event marked a regional first, inspired by the Toronto Women and Girls Chess Festival, and was organized by Échecs Outaouais. It took place November 16 at the Fontaine Community Centre, located in the Hull sector.
International Womens Master Svitlana Demchenko was on hand to deliver a presentation offering practical advice to participants. Hull MNA Suzanne Tremblay and Chapleau MNA Mathieu Lévesque were also present to meet with the players.
The goal of the festival was to provide a fully female competition in a field still largely dominated by men. Échecs Outaouais said it was proud to have exceeded its target, welcoming 30 participants of all ages from across the Outaouais and Ottawa regions. The day was divided into five semi-rapid rounds sanctioned by the Quebec Chess Federation. A free pizza meal followed, offering participants an opportunity to connect and exchange within the women’s chess community.
Tsanov said she began playing chess at the age of eight after being introduced to the game by her father and entered her first tournament a year later. She particularly enjoys the game’s logical aspect. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue playing chess, while ensuring it remains a hobby that does not interfere with her studies.
“I’m very happy to have won this prize, which also allowed me to increase my rating,” she said.
Photo – Teenage chess whiz Denise Tsanov (left) faces opponent Ruby Teehan at the Gatineau Women’s Chess Festival November 16 as Hull MNA Suzanne Tremblay (centre) looks on. (Josée Guénette)
