Greek FM Anastasia Avramidou commented on reaching the semifinals of the Women’s Speed Championship 2026. Avramidou says she works as a doctor, and notes that she plays chess for fun.

Anastasia Avramidou

Anastasia Avramidou

Greece’s No. 2 female player

“I work as a doctor. I had the day off when I played Polina, so it was easier. And for the game against Lagno I had no time… I just slept and prepared a line for 10-15 minutes.

I don’t take so many days off for vacation. My vacation is playing chess. I even play on call.

I didn’t expect to even be here. So going so far, it’s just fun for me from now on.”

Anastasia Avramidou is Greece’s No. 2 female player. She won the European Youth Chess Championship 2012 in the Girls Under 12 category. Avramidou will play in the semifinals of the Women’s Speed Championship 2026 at the end of July.

Credit: Anna Shtourman / FIDE